Copa América Stars: Jonathan David (Canada)

Before making his way to Stade Pierre Mauroy, David started his youth career in Canada, playing for the Ottawa Gloucester Hornets and Ottawa Internationals. In a 2022 interview with The Guardian, the 24-year-old talked about needing to focus while trying to kickstart his career at the youth level.

“I had doubts here and there. You have a lot of people in your ears when you’re young, telling you this and that, and when you’re young you’re very gullible and want to believe everything. I was lucky enough to have the right people around me.”

David would finally catch his break and leave Canada to join Gent and be part of their youth academy. In 2018, the Canadian goal scorer began cracking the first team and made 83 appearances across all competitions, scoring 37 goals and registering 15 assists for the Belgian side.

Following three years with Gent, David moved to Ligue 1 in 2020 to take the next step in his career. In the same interview, the player recalled how the entire situation played out as he needed to join a moving train since there was no preseason for him.

“We were coming  back from the Covid period. I came very late to Lille. I didn’t get a pre-season and had to get to know the team. When I first arrived I didn’t think about winning any league titles. I just thought about getting myself into shape. But as the season goes on and you think anything’s possible. It’s incredible to finish in front of PSG given the finances they have. It will stay in my my mind forever.”

In his first season with Lille, David would be part of the squad that won the 2020-21 Ligue 1 title. He’d win another trophy the following season as Les Dogues would lift the Trophée des Champions in 2021 with a win over Paris Saint-Germain.

David has played 183 matches in all competitions for Lille, scoring 84 goals and 18 assists. His production with the French club has also allowed him to establish himself with the Canadian national team.

Canada, who played at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, will be playing in another major tournament this summer at the Copa América. Les Rouges will open up the tournament against the reigning champion Argentina on Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Canadians will be in Group A alongside Argentina, Chile, and Peru.