Cyle Larin
Cyle Larin is a Canadian professional footballer who plays as a striker or left winger for Eredivisie club Feyenoord on loan from La Liga's RCD Mallorca, and captains the Canada national team.[1][2] Born on April 17, 1995, in Brampton, Ontario, Larin grew up in the same city and began his youth career with local clubs before attending the University of Connecticut, where he played college soccer for the Huskies from 2013 to 2014, scoring 11 goals in his sophomore year.[3][4] Selected first overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City SC, Larin had a breakout rookie season, setting the league record for most goals by a first-year player with 17 in 27 matches, earning the MLS Rookie of the Year award and helping establish the expansion franchise.[5] He spent three seasons with Orlando, scoring 44 goals in 89 appearances, before transferring to Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş in January 2018 for a reported €3 million fee, where he played until 2022, winning the Turkish Cup in 2021 and scoring 58 goals in 155 league appearances.[6][7][8] Larin then moved to Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge in July 2022, making 18 appearances and scoring four goals during his half-season stint there, before joining Real Valladolid in Spain's La Liga on loan in January 2023, which became permanent later that year.[9] In August 2023, he transferred to RCD Mallorca for €7.5 million, scoring 10 goals in 70 La Liga matches over two seasons, and in September 2025, he joined Feyenoord on a season-long loan to bolster their attacking options.[9][10][11] Internationally, Larin debuted for Canada at age 18 in January 2014 and has earned 87 caps, scoring 30 goals as of October 2025—a national record until surpassed by Jonathan David in October 2024.[3][12] He played a pivotal role in Canada's qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup—their first since 1986—by scoring a record 13 goals in CONCACAF qualifying, including a hat-trick against Bermuda, and featured in all three group stage matches at the tournament in Qatar.[13][14] Larin has also represented Canada at four CONCACAF Gold Cups (2015, 2019, 2021, 2023), scoring six goals across the tournaments, and continues to be a key figure in their ongoing efforts in World Cup qualifiers and Nations League competitions.[3]Early years
Early life
Cyle Larin was born on April 17, 1995, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. His mother, Patricia Larin, was born in Montreal, Quebec, and is of Jamaican descent, while his father hails from Clarendon, Jamaica. He grew up in a soccer-oriented family with a brother, Elijah, and a sister, Casandra, raised primarily by his single mother in Brampton. Larin attended St. Edmund Campion Secondary School in Brampton, where he distinguished himself as the school's standout soccer athlete. As team captain and leading goal scorer over his final three seasons, he helped guide the squad to three Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships. Larin's introduction to organized soccer came at age seven, when he joined the Brampton Youth Soccer Club, quickly emerging as a promising talent. By age 11, in 2007, he transitioned to the elite Sigma FC youth academy in the Ontario Soccer League, where he honed his skills in a competitive environment that emphasized professional development. Balancing a demanding training regimen with academics proved challenging in his youth, but Larin credits his mother for providing essential support to manage his schedule amid family responsibilities. Seeking advanced opportunities, he relocated to the United States at age 18 to pursue college soccer at the University of Connecticut.College career
Larin enrolled at the University of Connecticut in 2013, joining the UConn Huskies men's soccer team as a freshman forward after developing his skills in Canadian youth academies.[4] In his freshman season of 2013, Larin made an immediate impact, starting 22 of 23 games and recording 14 goals and 3 assists for a team-high 31 points. His goal total ranked sixth nationally in NCAA Division I men's soccer, earning him American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rookie of the Year honors, a spot on the Soccer America All-Freshman First Team, and NSCAA All-Northeast Region Second Team recognition.[4][15][16] During his sophomore year in 2014, Larin started 15 of 16 appearances, leading the Huskies with 9 goals and 3 assists for 21 points while maintaining a strong presence as the team's primary offensive threat. He was named AAC Offensive Player of the Year after topping the conference in game-winning goals (3) and goals per game (0.56), and he was selected as a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, the top individual award in college soccer.[4][17][18] Over two seasons at UConn, Larin tallied 23 goals and 6 assists in 39 appearances, establishing himself as one of the nation's elite young forwards. In December 2014, he signed a Generation adidas contract with Major League Soccer, forgoing his junior year to declare for the 2015 MLS SuperDraft, where his performances made him the consensus top prospect.[19][20][5]Club career
Orlando City
Cyle Larin was selected first overall by Orlando City SC in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft after a standout college career at the University of Connecticut.[21][22] In his rookie season of 2015, Larin exploded onto the scene for the expansion franchise, scoring a league-record 17 goals in 27 regular-season appearances, surpassing the previous mark for an MLS newcomer and establishing a benchmark for expansion teams.[22][5] His prolific output earned him the AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year award, recognizing his immediate impact as Orlando's leading scorer during their inaugural MLS campaign.[23][24] The 2016 season saw Larin maintain his scoring form with 14 goals and 3 assists in 32 matches, despite Orlando City's overall struggles that saw them miss the MLS Cup Playoffs by a single point in the Eastern Conference.[25][26] His contributions remained vital, accounting for a significant portion of the team's attack amid defensive inconsistencies and injuries to key players.[27] In 2017, Larin recorded 12 goals and 3 assists across 28 appearances, once again leading Orlando in scoring as the team navigated a challenging year marked by off-field issues and coaching changes, ultimately finishing 10th in the East and out of playoff contention.[25][28] Over his three MLS seasons with Orlando, Larin tallied 43 goals and 7 assists in 87 regular-season outings, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's premier young forwards.[25][29] As Larin's performances drew interest from European clubs throughout 2017, transfer rumors intensified, culminating in his January 2018 move to Beşiktaş JK for an undisclosed fee reported as approximately €1.85 million, widely regarded as the highest ever for a Canadian player at the time.[30][31] Larin's emergence as a consistent goal threat played a pivotal role in positioning Orlando City as a competitive force in Major League Soccer, helping the expansion side attract attention and build a foundation for future success in the league.[5][32]Beşiktaş
Larin joined Beşiktaş JK in January 2018 on a permanent transfer from Orlando City SC for a fee of €1.85 million, marking his entry into European football with the Istanbul-based club.[33] The move represented a significant step up in competition, as he adapted to the physical demands and tactical style of the Turkish Süper Lig. Despite initial challenges in adjusting to the new environment, Larin quickly made an impact in his debut half-season. In the 2017–18 season, Larin appeared in 12 matches across all competitions, scoring 5 goals and providing no assists, with his contributions helping Beşiktaş secure the Turkish Cup title after defeating Gençlerbirliği 1–0 in the final. The following 2018–19 season saw him feature in 22 appearances across all competitions, netting 4 goals and recording 2 assists, as he played a key role in Beşiktaş's Süper Lig title challenge, where the team finished third, six points behind champions Galatasaray. Larin also participated in the UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds, scoring twice in six matches to help the club advance. In July 2019, Larin was loaned to Belgian club Zulte Waregem for the 2019–20 season, where he made 33 appearances across all competitions, scoring 9 goals and providing 10 assists, helping the team avoid relegation in the Belgian First Division A. Upon returning to Beşiktaş in summer 2020, he enjoyed his most productive spell, making 45 appearances and scoring 23 goals with 6 assists in the 2020–21 season, contributing to the club's Süper Lig title win. In 2021–22, he added 38 appearances, 8 goals, and 1 assist, including another Turkish Cup victory. Over his time with Beşiktaş from 2017–18 to 2021–22 (excluding the loan), Larin totaled 117 appearances, 40 goals, and 9 assists across all competitions.[34] His tenure was marked by adaptation hurdles, including language barriers that affected team communication and several injury setbacks that limited his consistency.[35] Additionally, in November 2020, Larin received a one-match suspension following a red card in a league match against Fenerbahçe, amid reported frustrations with club management expressed through social media activity. He departed on a free transfer to Club Brugge in July 2022 amid ongoing contract disputes with Beşiktaş regarding his role and future at the club.[36]Club Brugge
Cyle Larin joined Club Brugge KV on a free transfer from Beşiktaş on 4 July 2022, signing a three-year contract until June 2025.[37] Larin made his debut for the club on 17 July 2022 in the Belgian Super Cup against Genk, starting in the match as Club Brugge secured a 1–0 victory to claim the title.[38][39] In the 2022–23 Belgian Pro League season, Larin served as a squad player, appearing in 9 league matches and scoring 1 goal with no assists.[11] His sole league goal came on 10 September 2022 in a 3–0 away win over RFC Seraing, marking his first start and goal for the club.[40] Larin also featured once in the UEFA Champions League group stage during Club Brugge's European campaign.[41] Overall, across all competitions in his half-season stint, Larin recorded 13 appearances, 1 goal, and 0 assists.[11] Limited starting opportunities due to competition from forwards like Ferran Jutglà and Romeo Vermant led to his departure on loan to Real Valladolid in January 2023.[42] This period allowed Larin to adapt to the physical intensity of Belgian football and gain exposure to high-level European competitions.[37]Real Valladolid
On 24 January 2023, Cyle Larin joined Real Valladolid on loan from Club Brugge until the end of the 2022–23 season, with an option to buy for €1.5 million; the move came after limited playing time at the recently crowned Belgian champions Club Brugge.[43] He made an immediate impact, debuting on 29 January against Valencia and scoring the winning goal in a 1–0 victory—his first-ever La Liga goal.[44] In 19 La Liga appearances during the second half of the 2022–23 season, Larin netted 8 goals and provided 3 assists, establishing himself as the team's leading scorer and key figure in their relegation battle.[45] Despite his contributions, including a goal and assist in a 3–1 upset win over Barcelona in May, Valladolid finished 18th and were relegated to the Segunda División.[46] Larin's energetic style and goal-scoring prowess endeared him to the Valladolid supporters, earning him widespread affection from fans and local media, who coined the term "Larinsexual" to describe the passionate following he inspired in the city.[47] Following relegation, the club exercised its purchase option in June 2023, signing him to a permanent contract through 2025, but he departed just two months later, transferring to RCD Mallorca for a reported €7.5 million fee.[48] Overall, Larin recorded 8 goals and 3 assists in 19 appearances for Valladolid.[11]RCD Mallorca
Cyle Larin signed with RCD Mallorca from Real Valladolid on a permanent transfer on August 3, 2023, for a reported fee of €7.5 million, agreeing to a five-year contract until 2028.[49] His arrival bolstered the team's attacking options as they aimed to consolidate their position in La Liga following promotion the previous season. In the 2023–24 La Liga campaign, Larin featured in 35 matches, scoring 3 goals and 2 assists while providing depth as a forward.[50] These contributions, combined with his overall impact, helped Mallorca secure a 15th-place finish and avoid relegation on the final day of the season. Larin's most prominent role came in the Copa del Rey, where he netted 4 goals across 7 appearances, including a dramatic 120th-minute winner in the round of 32 against Tenerife and goals in subsequent ties that propelled the club to the final—their first since 2003—before a 1–0 loss to Athletic Bilbao.[51] His performances in the cup competition highlighted his ability to deliver in high-stakes moments and enhanced team dynamics by offering versatility alongside primary striker Vedat Muriqi. Larin's form carried into the 2024–25 season, where he recorded 7 goals and 2 assists in 32 La Liga outings, often starting and forming part of a balanced attack that supported Mallorca's push for mid-table security.[52] This output made him one of the club's joint-top scorers in the league, contributing to a 12th-place finish and further stabilization away from the relegation zone.[53] Across all competitions during his tenure at Mallorca prior to departure, Larin amassed 76 appearances, 14 goals, and 5 assists, serving as a reliable squad player who influenced key phases through his physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing in transitional play.[11] However, with opportunities diminishing amid increased competition in the 2025–26 season, he joined Feyenoord on loan from September 2, 2025, until the end of the campaign in June 2026.[54]Feyenoord
On September 2, 2025, Cyle Larin joined Feyenoord Rotterdam on a season-long loan from RCD Mallorca, set to run until the end of the 2025–26 campaign.[55][54] The move, which includes an option for Feyenoord to make the transfer permanent, was aimed at bolstering the club's attacking options amid their pursuit of the Eredivisie title.[56] Larin has adapted to the high-tempo Eredivisie by primarily featuring as a striker or left winger, wearing the number 10 shirt.[57] His physical presence as a target man aligns with Feyenoord's direct style, though he has faced competition from established forwards like Santiago Giménez.[58] Early challenges include adjusting to the league's pressing intensity and rotational squad dynamics, following a period of limited starts at Mallorca.[59] In the 2025–26 season as of November 16, 2025, Larin has made 5 appearances (all as substitute) in the Eredivisie, recording 1 assist, including a notable late cameo on October 5, 2025, where his first touch set up the winning goal in a 3–2 victory over FC Utrecht.[60] In the UEFA Europa League, he has played 3 matches, scoring 1 goal (his first for the club, in a 3–1 win over Panathinaikos on October 23, 2025) and logging additional minutes, including 28 against VfB Stuttgart on November 6, 2025, in a 2–0 defeat.[61][62] Overall, 9 appearances, 1 goal, 1 assist across all competitions.[34] The loan arrangement expires in June 2026, providing Larin an opportunity to revive his form in a competitive environment and potentially secure a long-term role in the Netherlands.[63] This stint represents a pivotal step in his career trajectory, offering exposure in a title-contending side after inconsistent output at Mallorca, with success potentially influencing future transfer prospects.[2]International career
Youth career
Larin's international career began with Canada's youth national teams, where he gained valuable experience in competitive environments. He was called up to the under-20 squad for the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Montego Bay, Jamaica, making five appearances during the tournament as Canada advanced to the quarterfinals but did not qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.[12][17] His performances in this event highlighted his physical presence and finishing ability, contributing to his personal development as a forward and aiding Canada's efforts to strengthen its youth pipeline by showcasing emerging talent from domestic leagues and colleges.[64] Larin also received a call-up to the under-23 team for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, joining a roster that included several MLS and USL players to represent Canada in the multi-sport event.[65] Although Canada did not qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympics through the concurrent CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship, Larin's involvement in these youth levels—totaling approximately five appearances across competitions—played a key role in building his tactical awareness and confidence ahead of his senior debut.[1]Senior career
Larin made his senior international debut for Canada on May 23, 2014, in a friendly match against Bulgaria, coming on as a substitute at age 19. He scored his first goal for the national team on March 30, 2015, during a 3–0 victory over Puerto Rico in the second round of 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying. Early in his international career, Larin emerged as a key attacking threat, contributing four goals across 10 matches in the 2015–16 World Cup qualifying cycle, tying him for the team lead. Larin's goal-scoring prowess became central to Canada's resurgence in CONCACAF competitions. In the 2021–22 World Cup qualifying campaign, he netted a record 13 goals in 16 appearances, including a hat-trick in a 5–1 win over Bermuda on March 25, 2021, helping secure Canada's qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup—the nation's first appearance since 1986 after a 36-year absence. Overall, he has scored 17 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, establishing himself as a pivotal figure in the team's qualification efforts. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Larin started all three group stage matches and scored Canada's lone goal of the tournament, a header in the 1–1 draw against Belgium on November 23, 2022. In regional tournaments, he featured prominently in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, scoring three goals in the 2021 edition—including two against Haiti in a 4–1 group stage win on July 15, 2021, and one versus Martinique—en route to a semifinal appearance. Larin also featured in the 2015, 2023, and 2025 Gold Cups, making a total of 19 appearances across five editions without additional goals, with Canada reaching the quarterfinals in 2019, 2023, and 2025. Canada also participated in the 2019 Gold Cup, where Larin played but did not score, and advanced to the quarterfinals. As an invited CONCACAF guest at the 2024 Copa América in the United States, Larin appeared in all five matches, contributing to Canada's historic fourth-place finish despite not finding the net.[3][66] As of November 2025, Larin has scored 30 goals in 88 caps for Canada, placing him second on the all-time scoring list behind Jonathan David. His partnership with Alphonso Davies has been instrumental, with Davies providing multiple assists, including all three in the 2021 hat-trick against Bermuda. In 2025, amid the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Larin has maintained a leadership role, captaining the team in a June friendly against Ivory Coast and offering guidance to younger players despite a goalless streak in his last 12 appearances since October 2024.Personal life
Family
Cyle Larin was raised primarily by his single mother, Patricia Larin, born in Montréal, Quebec, who played a pivotal role in supporting his early soccer development.[67][68] His father, born in Clarendon, Jamaica, immigrated to Canada, contributing to the family's Jamaican roots, though details of his direct involvement in Larin's upbringing are limited.[69] Patricia encouraged Larin's move to the United States for professional opportunities, recognizing the potential of joining the Sigma academy as a crucial step toward his MLS career with Orlando City.[67] Larin grew up in a close-knit family unit in Brampton, Ontario, alongside his brother Elijah and sister Casandra, both of whom share his passion for soccer.[69] As the eldest sibling, he often helped care for his brother and sister, fostering a sense of responsibility that shaped his maturity from a young age.[68] The family's support extended to his international transfers, providing emotional backing during moves to clubs like Beşiktaş and Club Brugge, helping him navigate the challenges of a nomadic career.[67] In his personal life, Larin is married and has publicly described his wife as a key source of support, such as bringing their children to celebrate post-match moments.[70] He is a devoted father to three children; his third child was born in September 2025.[71][72] Larin has emphasized his identity as a "family man," prioritizing fatherhood and striving to balance the demands of professional soccer with family responsibilities across his global club transitions.[71]Heritage and identity
Cyle Larin was born on April 17, 1995, in Brampton, Ontario, a multicultural city in the Greater Toronto Area renowned for its immigrant communities. His father hails from Clarendon, Jamaica, while his mother, Patricia, was born in Montreal, instilling in him a strong connection to Jamaican heritage alongside his Canadian upbringing. This background reflects the broader Caribbean Canadian experience, with Larin's family embodying the fusion of Jamaican roots and Canadian identity in a diverse urban setting.[17][67][73] Growing up in Brampton, Larin was exposed to Jamaican cultural elements through his family's traditions and values, such as a strong emphasis on family support and resilience, which his mother exemplified by raising three children as a single parent while encouraging his soccer pursuits. At the same time, he embraced core Canadian principles like multiculturalism and opportunity, crediting his environment for shaping his determination and work ethic. This blend has influenced his public persona as a bridge between communities, though he has consistently chosen to represent Canada internationally.[67][17] Larin has scored 30 goals in 87 senior international appearances as of October 2025,[74] voicing deep pride in his national identity, stating, "If you’re playing for this team, it’s special," underscoring his dedication to elevating the country's soccer profile on the global stage. His achievements, including key goals in World Cup qualifying that helped Canada return to the tournament after 36 years, highlight his role in a diverse national team that mirrors the nation's immigrant-rich fabric. Larin has been recognized with multiple Canada Soccer Player of the Month awards, such as in March 2023, affirming his status as a emblematic figure in Canadian soccer's growth.[35][74][3]Career statistics
Club
Larin has earned several team honors and individual accolades during his club career across multiple leagues. The following table summarizes Larin's club career statistics as of November 16, 2025:[11]| Club | League | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando City SC | MLS | 66 | 25 |
| Beşiktaş | Süper Lig | 124 | 47 |
| Club Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 18 | 4 |
| Real Valladolid | La Liga | 15 | 2 |
| RCD Mallorca | La Liga | 62 | 9 |
| Feyenoord | Eredivisie | 5 | 1 |
| Total | 290 | 88 |
Team honors
- Süper Lig: 2020–21 (Beşiktaş)[17]
- Turkish Cup: 2020–21 (Beşiktaş)[17]
- Turkish Super Cup: 2021 (Beşiktaş)[17]
- Belgian Super Cup: 2022 (Club Brugge)[75]
Individual awards
- MLS Rookie of the Year: 2015 (Orlando City SC)[22]
- Süper Lig top scorer: 2020–21 (Beşiktaş, 19 goals)[38]
International
Cyle Larin has earned 5 caps at the youth international level for Canada without scoring a goal, split across the U-17 and U-20 teams.[76] At the senior level, Larin holds the distinction of being Canada's second all-time leading goalscorer with 30 goals in 88 appearances and 3 assists as of November 16, 2025, surpassed only by Jonathan David.[77][78] His contributions span multiple competitions, including a record 13 goals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign alone, helping Canada secure qualification for the first time since 1986.[77] In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he featured in all three group stage matches but did not score as Canada exited in the group phase.[79] Larin also represented Canada at the 2024 Copa América, appearing in four matches (three group stage and the quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to Venezuela) en route to a fourth-place finish, though he did not record a goal.[77][12] As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada has played final-round matches in 2025, with Larin continuing to earn caps in these fixtures and friendlies.[78][80] The following table summarizes Larin's senior international statistics by competition (as of November 16, 2025):[74][12]| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 26 | 17 | 0 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 12 | 3 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Copa América | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 30 | 3 | 1 |
| Other (Nations League etc.) | 12 | 7 | 2 |
| Total | 88 | 30 | 3 |
| Level | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U-17 | 2 | 0 |
| U-20 | 3 | 0 |
| U-23 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 |
Honours
Club
Larin has earned several team honors and individual accolades during his club career across multiple leagues.Team honors
- Süper Lig: 2020–21 (Beşiktaş)[17]
- Turkish Cup: 2020–21 (Beşiktaş)[17]
- Turkish Super Cup: 2021 (Beşiktaş)[17]
- Belgian Super Cup: 2022 (Club Brugge)[75]
Individual awards
- MLS Rookie of the Year: 2015 (Orlando City SC)[22]
- Süper Lig top scorer: 2020–21 (Beşiktaş, 19 goals)[38]
International
Cyle Larin has earned 5 caps at the youth international level for Canada without scoring a goal, split across the U-17 and U-20 teams.[76] At the senior level, Larin holds the distinction of being Canada's second all-time leading goalscorer with 30 goals in 87 appearances and 3 assists as of November 2025, surpassed only by Jonathan David.[77][78] His contributions span multiple competitions, including a record 13 goals during the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign alone, helping Canada secure qualification for the first time since 1986.[77] In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he featured in all three group stage matches but did not score as Canada exited in the group phase.[79] Larin also represented Canada at the 2024 Copa América, appearing in four matches (three group stage and the quarterfinal penalty shootout loss to Venezuela) en route to a fourth-place finish, though he did not record a goal.[77][12] As co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Canada has played final-round matches in 2025, with Larin continuing to earn caps in these fixtures and friendlies.[78][80] The following table summarizes Larin's senior international statistics by competition (as of November 2025):[77][74]| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 36 | 23 | 1 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 14 | 4 | 1 |
| FIFA World Cup | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Copa América | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 30 | 3 | 1 |
| Total | 87 | 30 | 3 |
| Level | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U-17 | 2 | 0 |
| U-20 | 3 | 0 |
| U-23 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 5 | 0 |