Jonathan David, Vanessa Gilles repeat as Canada Soccer players of the year

Vanessa Gilles and Jonathan David have been named Canada Soccer Players of the Year for the second year in a row.

Gilles, a centre back who plays her club football for Germany's Bayern Munich, beat out San Diego Wave forward Adriana Leon and Manchester United defender Jayde Riviere.

David, a forward who plays for Juventus in Italy, won over Vancouver Whitecaps winger Ali Ahmed and Villarreal winger Tajon Buchanan.

Gilles and David are recognized as co-winners of the award, which was decided in a vote of the media and Canada Soccer coaches.

David, who was named the 2024/25 CONCACAF Men's Player of the Year in November, also won the Canada award in 2019.

Gilles marked her 50th appearance for Canada on Feb. 22 with a goal in a 2-0 win over Mexico at the Pinatar Cup, a victory that secured the tournament title.

"It's a real honour to be named Canada Soccer's women's player of the year again," Gilles said in a statement. "There was a time when I never thought I would even get the opportunity to play for this team, let alone be nominated alongside so many incredible role models for this country."

The 28-year-old from Ottawa appeared in eight matches for Canada in 2025, starting six, and was an important player when healthy, with fellow centre back Kadeisha Buchanan sidelined by a knee injury. The Canadian women were 4-3-1 when Gilles played this year and 2-3-1 when she didn't.

"After a challenging year, both personally and as a group, this recognition means a lot to me," Gilles said. "Wearing the Canada jersey is an absolute privilege, and we will keep working and doing all that we can to help this team move forward."

The Canadian women finish the year mired in a five-game losing streak and 454-minute goal drought.

Gilles