Jonathan Osorio
Jonathan Osorio (born June 12, 1992) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a central midfielder and serves as captain for Major League Soccer club Toronto FC, as well as for the Canada men's national team.[1][2][3] Born in Toronto, Ontario, to Colombian immigrant parents—his father from Caicedonia and his mother from Medellín—Osorio grew up in Brampton and developed his skills through local youth programs, including the Brampton Youth Soccer Club and the Toronto FC Academy starting in 2012.[3][4][5] He made his professional debut with Toronto FC in March 2013 at age 20, quickly becoming a mainstay in the midfield with his versatility, vision, and leadership qualities.[6][1] Over his tenure with the club, Osorio has amassed 326 appearances and 52 goals in MLS regular-season play alone as of the end of the 2025 season, holding the franchise record for most career appearances.[7] He played a pivotal role in Toronto FC's historic 2017 treble, securing the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and Canadian Championship, along with additional honors including three Eastern Conference championships (2016, 2017, 2019) and three Canadian Championships (2016–2018).[2][8][9] On the international stage, Osorio earned his first cap for Canada on May 28, 2013, and has since accumulated 86 appearances, 9 goals, and 8 assists as of November 2025.[3] A key figure in Canada's resurgence, he contributed to their first-place finish in CONCACAF qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup—their first appearance in 36 years—where he featured in all three group-stage matches.[3][10] Osorio also represented Canada at the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América, helping them achieve a fourth-place finish, and continued to be called up for national team duties into November 2025, including friendlies against Ecuador.[3][11] His bilingual background and deep ties to both Canadian and Colombian soccer communities have made him a prominent ambassador for the sport in Canada.[4][12]Early years
Early life
Jonathan Osorio was born on June 12, 1992, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, to Colombian immigrant parents Diego and Bibiana.[13] His father, originally from Cali, Colombia, worked as a home renovator after the family immigrated to Canada, while his mother hailed from Medellín.[13] [14] The family maintained strong ties to their Colombian heritage, with Osorio growing up in a household that emphasized cultural roots alongside the challenges of adapting to life in Canada.[4] At the age of seven, Osorio moved with his family to Brampton, Ontario, where he spent his childhood in a diverse, multicultural community known for its immigrant populations.[13] Brampton's vibrant environment exposed him to a mix of cultures, shaping his early worldview amid the city's growing South Asian, Latin American, and other communities. He has two younger brothers, Anthony and Nicholas, both of whom later pursued soccer careers, reflecting the athletic focus within the family.[13] Osorio attended local schools in Brampton during his early education and later graduated from St. Edmund Campion Secondary School, a Catholic institution in the area.[15]Youth career
Osorio began his organized youth soccer career at the age of 12 with Brampton Youth SC, a local club in his hometown near Toronto, where he developed his foundational skills from approximately 2004 to 2007.[5][16] At around age 15, he advanced to Clarkson Sheridan SC in Mississauga, Ontario, joining their competitive youth program from 2008 to 2010, which provided higher-level training and competition within regional leagues.[16][17] During this period, Osorio balanced rigorous soccer commitments with his education at St. Edmund Campion Secondary School in Brampton, where he contributed to the school's boys' soccer team winning the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) provincial championship in 2009.[18] Seeking greater opportunities, Osorio made the significant decision at age 18 to pursue soccer full-time by moving abroad in 2010 to join the youth academy of Club Nacional de Football in Uruguay, a prominent South American club.[16][19] There, he progressed through the under-19 ranks and earned time with the reserve team over two years, facing challenges such as adapting to a new culture, language, and intense training environment far from family support.[19] This international experience honed his technical abilities and ambidexterity, though it required sacrifices like leaving high school behind after graduation to focus entirely on professional development.[16] Upon returning to Canada in 2012, Osorio quickly integrated into the Toronto FC Academy starting in September, where his performances led to an invitation to train with the first-team during preseason camp.[20][17] This progression marked the culmination of his youth journey, bridging local and international exposure while overcoming logistical hurdles of travel and dual commitments earlier in his teens.[6]Professional club career
SC Toronto
Jonathan Osorio began his professional career by signing with SC Toronto of the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) in 2012, shortly after returning from a youth stint abroad, marking his entry into senior soccer at age 20 as an amateur player in the semi-professional league.[14][21] Playing primarily as a central midfielder, Osorio quickly adapted to the physical demands of adult competition, drawing on his prior youth experience to contribute offensively and in build-up play.[22] In his debut season, Osorio made 17 appearances for SC Toronto, scoring 11 goals and establishing himself as the club's second-highest scorer behind only team captain Nick Soolsma.[22][23] His performances were instrumental in helping SC Toronto finish third in the CSL with a 14-4-4 record in 22 matches, securing a spot in the playoffs where the team lost 0–1 after extra time to Serbian White Eagles in the quarterfinals.[24][25] Standout contributions included multiple goals in regular-season matches, showcasing his vision and finishing ability, which earned him the CSL Rookie of the Year award at the end of the campaign.[26][27] Under head coach Gianni Cimini, Osorio benefited from mentorship that emphasized tactical discipline and endurance training, aiding his transition from youth academies to the senior level's intensity and pace.[21] The rigorous regimen, including daily sessions focused on fitness and team integration at Lamport Stadium, helped him mature rapidly, with Cimini praising his work ethic and potential for higher-tier play.[28] By season's end, Osorio's breakout year positioned him for advancement, leading to his release from SC Toronto in September 2012 to join the Toronto FC Academy.[1][21]Toronto FC
Jonathan Osorio signed a homegrown player contract with Toronto FC in March 2013 after training with the club's academy since September 2012.[1] He made his Major League Soccer debut later that month on March 9, 2013, substituting in during a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City.[29] This marked the beginning of his transition from semi-professional experience at SC Toronto to the top tier of North American soccer.[1] From 2013 to 2016, Osorio developed into a reliable central midfielder for Toronto FC, gradually earning more starts and contributing to the team's midfield depth during a period of roster building under multiple coaching changes.[1] By 2017, he emerged as a key leader in the squad's historic treble-winning campaign, often deployed in a super-sub role that allowed him to influence matches from the bench and provide rotational stability in a high-stakes season.[30] Between 2018 and 2020, Osorio solidified his status as a core player and occasional vice-captain, helping maintain team cohesion amid defensive transitions and international commitments, before being formally appointed vice-captain in subsequent years leading to his full captaincy.[2] The 2021 to 2023 seasons brought significant challenges for both Osorio and Toronto FC, including the club's league-worst finishes in 2022 and roster overhauls that tested his form with injuries and reduced minutes, though he extended his commitment with a three-year contract through 2025 in December 2022 using targeted allocation money.[31] During this time, trade rumors surfaced, including interest from European clubs like Panathinaikos in 2022, but Osorio reaffirmed his loyalty to his hometown team by prioritizing a long-term stay.[32] In 2024, Osorio was named Toronto FC's eighth captain ahead of his 12th season, transitioning from vice-captain to lead a rebuilding effort focused on young talent integration and cultural reset.[2] He reached his 300th MLS regular-season and playoff appearance on March 9, 2024, exactly 11 years after his debut, underscoring his unparalleled longevity with the club.[33] Through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, Osorio provided steady leadership during ongoing rebuild challenges, including a tough 2025 campaign marked by team inconsistencies, where he balanced on-field contributions—such as scoring in his 13th consecutive MLS season—with off-pitch mentorship to foster resilience among younger players.[34] His impact extended to team culture, as he emphasized collective accountability and personal growth in media addresses following the 2025 season.[35]International career
Youth international career
Osorio began his international youth career with the Canadian under-20 national team in 2010 at the age of 18, earning his first call-up under coach Valerio Gazzola.[36] His selection was influenced by strong performances at the club level with SC Toronto in the Canadian Soccer League, where he demonstrated versatility as a midfielder.[1] In 2011, Osorio represented Canada at the CONCACAF Under-20 Championship in Guatemala, the regional qualifying tournament for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.[36] Canada advanced to the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia later that year, where Osorio made three appearances as a midfielder during the group stage matches against France, Saudi Arabia, and Argentina. These experiences highlighted his development within the youth program, contributing to his transition toward senior international opportunities following the 2012 season.Senior international career
Jonathan Osorio made his senior international debut for the Canada national team on May 28, 2013, substituting in during a 1–0 friendly loss to Costa Rica in Toronto.[3] Over the following years, he established himself as a reliable midfielder, earning call-ups to major tournaments starting with the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2015 edition where he featured in group stage matches as Canada advanced to the quarterfinals, and the 2021 tournament.[3] In the 2017 edition, Osorio appeared in limited minutes but contributed to a squad that reached the quarterfinals again, scoring his first international goal earlier that year in a January friendly against Bermuda. By the 2019 Gold Cup, he had become a more prominent figure, making three appearances and providing defensive stability in midfield during Canada's group stage exit.[37] Osorio also featured in the 2023 Gold Cup, where Canada advanced to the semifinals. Osorio's role expanded significantly during the 2021–2023 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, where he played in multiple matches, including key contributions such as his equalizing goal that helped secure a 1–1 draw against Mexico in October 2021.[38] His contributions were instrumental in Canada topping the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers, marking the nation's first World Cup appearance since 1986 and automatic qualification as co-host for 2026.[3] In 2022, Osorio reached his 50th cap on January 27 in a 2–0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win against Honduras. He featured in all three group stage games at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, providing leadership in midfield alongside younger talents.[10] In the 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League, Osorio appeared in the quarterfinals against Jamaica in November 2023 and started both matches in the finals stage in March 2024 (semifinal vs. United States and third-place match vs. Panama) as Canada finished fourth. A hip injury then sidelined him for Canada's Copa América play-in match against Trinidad and Tobago on March 23, 2024.[39] Later that year, he was a key starter in Canada's historic run to the quarterfinals of the 2024 Copa América, logging significant minutes in high-stakes games against Peru, Chile, and Venezuela, where his experience helped stabilize the midfield against South American opposition.[4] Under new head coach Jesse Marsch, appointed in May 2024, Osorio transitioned into a leadership role, occasionally wearing the captain's armband and mentoring emerging players during training camps.[40] In the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Osorio was selected for his record seventh tournament appearance, starting in early group games before a lower-body injury forced him to withdraw after Canada's second match, limiting his involvement but highlighting his enduring value to the squad.[41] As of November 2025, Osorio has earned 86 caps and scored nine goals for Canada, with his tactical acumen and work rate continuing to support the team's preparations for the 2026 World Cup as co-hosts.[3] Despite occasional omissions from Marsch's squads due to form or rotation—such as in September 2025—he was recalled for November friendlies, affirming his status as a veteran leader.[11]Personal life
Family and background
Jonathan Osorio was born in Toronto, Ontario, to Colombian immigrant parents, Diego from Cali and Bibiana from Medellín, who instilled in him a strong connection to his Colombian roots from an early age.[3] The family relocated to Brampton, a suburb in the Greater Toronto Area, when Osorio was seven years old, where he grew up in a close-knit household that emphasized soccer and cultural traditions.[3] His parents' support has been a cornerstone of his development, with the entire family often gathering to watch Colombian national team matches, reflecting their shared heritage even as Osorio pursued opportunities with Canadian youth programs.[42] Osorio shares a deep bond with his younger brothers, Anthony and Nicholas, in what he describes as a "soccer family," where sibling encouragement and shared passion for the sport have fostered mutual support throughout his career.[3] Raised bilingually in English and Spanish, Osorio celebrates his Colombian-Canadian identity through private family traditions, such as discussing matches and cultural events, which highlight the immigrant experience of balancing dual heritages.[4] This bilingual upbringing and familial relocation to Brampton have shaped his perspective on work-life balance, allowing him to maintain strong ties to his Toronto-area roots while managing professional demands.[3] During challenging times, such as the COVID-19 shutdown, Osorio's family provided essential stability, with one of his brothers staying at the family home in the Toronto area and the other working outside the home, and his mother continuing to work outside the home, underscoring their role in his personal resilience unrelated to soccer.[43] Osorio has expressed that his family's unwavering support, despite occasional divided loyalties between Canada and Colombia, remains a motivating force in his life.[44]Community involvement
Osorio has been actively involved in Toronto FC's community outreach programs, particularly through the club's partnership with the MLSE Foundation. He regularly participates in the BMO KickStart initiative, a free 12-week soccer program designed for children aged 6 to 14 from underserved neighborhoods in Toronto Community Housing communities, where he conducts surprise visits, leads clinics, and shares life lessons alongside soccer skills to promote physical literacy and personal development.[45][46] A longtime supporter of children's health causes, Osorio has donated four tickets to every Toronto FC home game for over a decade, providing patients from the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) with opportunities to attend matches and experience live soccer. During the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, he extended his efforts by organizing virtual visits with SickKids patients, offering encouragement and interaction when in-person events were impossible.[45][43] Drawing from his Colombian heritage—his parents immigrated from Colombia—Osorio serves as a sponsor for the Canadian Colombian Children’s Organization, which aids underprivileged youth in Colombia through sports programs. His contributions have funded the construction of a soccer field in Armenia and a multi-sport facility in Barranquilla that serves 10 local schools, enabling access to athletic opportunities in impoverished areas.[45][47] In recognition of these efforts, Osorio was nominated for the 2024 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, which honors MLS players for outstanding charitable work and community service during the season. In 2025, Osorio received the Community & Sports Champion Award at the TLN 10 Most Influential Hispanic Canadians Awards Gala.[48][45][49] He continues to appear in promotional media for Canadian soccer, including interviews highlighting Toronto FC's community initiatives and his role in promoting the sport domestically.[45]Career statistics
Club statistics
Jonathan Osorio's club career began with SC Toronto in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) in 2012, where he made his professional debut and was named the league's Rookie of the Year after scoring 11 goals in the regular season.[50] His contributions helped SC Toronto win the CSL championship that year, including appearances in the playoffs. Detailed statistics for the CSL era are limited due to the league's semi-professional nature, but Osorio featured in approximately 20 matches across all competitions, contributing 11 goals.[1] Osorio joined Toronto FC in 2013 as a homegrown player and has remained with the club through 2025, becoming its all-time leader in appearances. His statistics span Major League Soccer (MLS) regular season, playoffs, Canadian Championship, and CONCACAF Champions Cup/League matches. Below is a season-by-season breakdown for MLS regular season games, the primary competition. Cards include yellow and red cards received.| Season | Club | League | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Toronto FC | MLS | 28 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2014 | Toronto FC | MLS | 27 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| 2015 | Toronto FC | MLS | 29 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 0 |
| 2016 | Toronto FC | MLS | 30 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| 2017 | Toronto FC | MLS | 27 | 2 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| 2018 | Toronto FC | MLS | 30 | 10 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
| 2019 | Toronto FC | MLS | 24 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 0 |
| 2020 | Toronto FC | MLS | 17 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| 2021 | Toronto FC | MLS | 24 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
| 2022 | Toronto FC | MLS | 23 | 9 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023 | Toronto FC | MLS | 21 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
| 2024 | Toronto FC | MLS | 22 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 0 |
| 2025 | Toronto FC | MLS | 24 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 |
International statistics
Osorio earned his first senior cap for Canada on 28 May 2013 in a friendly against Costa Rica, marking the beginning of a career that saw him become a mainstay in the midfield. As of November 9, 2025, he has accumulated 85 caps and scored 9 goals for the senior national team, with his goals primarily coming in friendlies and qualifying matches against opponents such as Bermuda, El Salvador, French Guiana, and Suriname.[3][37][53] His appearances span multiple competitions, including six CONCACAF Gold Cups (2013–2025), where he logged 19 caps without scoring; FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the 2018 and 2022 cycles (17 caps, 2 goals); the 2024 Copa América (4 caps, 0 goals); and the CONCACAF Nations League across three editions (12 caps, 2 goals), highlighted by a silver medal in 2022–23. Friendlies account for 24 caps and 4 goals, while additional qualifiers and tournaments contribute the remaining 9 caps and 1 goal. In 2024–2025, Osorio featured in key matches, including all four group and knockout games at Copa América 2024 and three appearances at Gold Cup 2025, alongside Nations League fixtures and friendlies against teams like Ukraine and Ivory Coast.[37][54][3] Disciplinary records show Osorio receiving 18 yellow cards across his senior international career, with no red cards; notable instances include a caution during the 2022 FIFA World Cup against Croatia and another in the 2024 Nations League quarterfinal against the United States.[55][51] The table below summarizes his senior international statistics by competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 24 | 4 |
| CONCACAF Gold Cup | 19 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 17 | 2 |
| CONCACAF Nations League | 12 | 2 |
| Copa América | 4 | 0 |
| Other (e.g., additional qualifiers) | 9 | 1 |
| Total | 85 | 9 |
| Level/Age Group | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U-17/U-18 | 8 | 0 |
| U-20 | 7 | 0 |
| U-23 | 6 | 0 |
| Total | 21 | 0 |