Canada's Champions League Stars: Meet Every Maple Leaf Player Conquering Europe's Elite Stage
As the victorious squad hoists the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League trophy, numerous players will shift their focus toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup taking place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
For athletes representing these host countries, the 2025–26 European campaigns carry extra significance, as they aim to develop momentum and self-assurance before the global tournament, and there's no better preparation than a successful journey through Europe's premier club championship?
As the UCL prepares to launch its second campaign using the league structure, Sports Illustrated examines the Canadian athletes competing in this prestigious tournament.
How to Watch the UEFA Champions League in Canada
Country | Service |
|---|---|
Canada | DAZN |
Jonathan David (Juventus)
Jonathan David experienced numerous memorable performances in the Champions League while at Lille, but now seeks to create fresh chapters when he debuts in UCL matches wearing Juventus colors.
Following his move to the Italian powerhouse as a free transfer after Canada's lackluster Gold Cup performance, he has swiftly established himself as a key figure, competing for starting positions with Dušan Vlahović.
The 25-year-old Canadian found the net against prestigious opponents including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund and even Juventus during the previous campaign, and is expected to lead the attack as the tournament begins.
In his opening three appearances for the Bianconeri, David has contributed one goal and one assist, supporting the team's perfect start through three matches this season, placing them second in Serie A standings.
During the league phase, he will face Spain's formidable Real Madrid, plus two fellow Canadians, Tani Oluwaseyi and Tajon Buchanan in an away fixture against La Liga's Villarreal.
Juventus haven't claimed the Champions League crown since 1996, and should they succeed this time, the Canadian forward will likely be instrumental.
Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
Alphonso Davies hasn't featured in any matches since sustaining his ACL injury while representing Canada in March's Concacaf Nations League final, though his return is anticipated for the autumn period. Canada's manager Jesse Marsch has indicated he might be available for the national team's November gathering.
Upon his comeback, he aims to secure his position as a vital component in Vincent Kompany's Bayern Munich formation and prepare for some exciting league phase encounters. Notable among these fixtures is a meeting with compatriot Promise David, who represents UCL newcomers Union Saint-Gilloise on January 21.
Davies has delivered some of his finest Champions League performances, excelling against Chelsea and Barcelona during their successful 2022 UCL campaign. This season, he hopes to guide Bayern beyond their quarterfinal elimination from the 2024–25 tournament.
The schedule presents additional challenges beyond Union, with Bayern scheduled to meet defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, alongside Premier League clubs Chelsea and Arsenal.
Tajon Buchanan and Tani Oluwaseyi (Villarreal)
Villarreal have returned to Champions League action, accompanied by two Canadian talents: winger Tajon Buchanan and forward Tani Oluwaseyi.
Buchanan has proven essential for Villarreal throughout the current campaign, capturing European attention with his hat-trick performance against Girona earlier this season. His current form is impressive, having netted eight times in his previous 13 appearances across club and international duties, ensuring continued substantial playing time.
Conversely, Oluwaseyi is still adapting to life with the Spanish club, having recently transferred from MLS outfit Minnesota United, where his 10 goals and eight assists secured his European opportunity.
Focus will center on their October 1 encounter with Juventus, where they'll face Jonathan David, though their fixture list presents further challenges beyond the Italian champions, including meetings with Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund.
Promise David (Union Saint-Gilloise)
Promise David will experience his inaugural Champions League campaign this season. This qualification served as a major factor in his decision to remain with Union Saint-Gilloise, despite receiving foreign offers, after his 19-goal tally helped deliver their first Belgian Pro League championship in nine decades.
Although David has begun the season dealing with injury and fitness concerns, he has maintained his scoring prowess as an impact substitute, recording two goals in merely 198 minutes, while establishing himself as a consistent selection for Marsch's Canadian national squad.
Union confronts a demanding Champions League league phase schedule, meeting Davies' Bayern Munich alongside Inter and Newcastle United, among other opponents. Nevertheless, the imposing 24-year-old welcomes the test.
"It's not a fortunate draw [facing Bayern Munich] that will be a difficult encounter, but if someone had told me two years ago that I'd play against Bayern Munich, I wouldn't have laughed, I would have told them to leave me alone," he shared with the Northern Fútbol Podcast regarding the Davies matchup.
"I believe it's wonderful that we have numerous Canadians in the Champions League. Having so many representatives in this competition demonstrates our development as a footballing nation."
Union begins their maiden UCL journey against PSV Eindhoven on September 16.