Canada's Promise David attracting attention with Belgian soccer champs before transfer window

Soccer has already taken Promise David to Croatia, the United States, Malta, Estonia and Belgium. And the 23-year-old forward from Brampton, Ont., could be on the move again during the summer transfer window.

There have been bumps along the way for David, who usually goes by Tobi (his full name is Promise Oluwatobi Emmanuel David Akinpelu).

"I call it a journey through hell," David said with a smile. "I'm just trying to better myself as a football player and reach higher levels. But, yeah, from each place, I took a piece of football and added it to myself. And I think that's created the Tobi that's here today."

For the time being, he is happy to be with Union Saint-Gilloise, which won its first Belgian league title in 90 years last month.

"Best football I've ever played in my life," David said of Belgium. "I really take in every moment, because it might not last."

While David is under contract to Union Saint-Gilloise, his goal-scoring exploits have attracted attention ahead of the June 15 opening of the transfer window. He recorded 24 goals in all competitions this season with eight of those coming in the 10-game championship round (the top six Belgian sides meet in a mini-league to decide the title).

David is currently with Canada in Halifax preparing for the inaugural four-team Canadian Shield Tournament in Toronto. The 30th-ranked Canadians open Saturday against No. 25 Ukraine before facing No. 41 Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

David expects a large contingent of friends and family at BMO Field, noting they haven't seen him play live since high school.

"I think I bought tickets for the entire stadium," he said.

Born in Brampton to Nigerian parents, David made his debut for the Nigerian under-23 side in October 2022. But in