Quality Time | Fafa Picault, presented by GE Appliances

In this edition of 'Quality Time' presented by GE Appliances, Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Fafa Picault shares his favourite spots in Vancouver, his experiences in Europe, and his passion for music and inspiring change.

It's a great city. I love the combo between city life and sky rises, whilst also having so much nature all around you. You don't really get that in most places.

What are your favourite spots to go to in Vancouver so far?

I like good spots for lunch, like Parlour. I also love little cafes and to try different ones out. It's great to try out a bunch of different food and explore the city that way.

How are you getting on with adjusting to the city?

I think it's a great city. I love the combo between city life and sky rises, whilst also having so much nature all around you. You don't really get that in most places. You usually get to the city and then nature is far, far away. Whilst here you can be right in the city and then just 10 minutes away, you're in one of the most beautiful places. So, it's really cool to see the combo and to live in a city like this every day.

Not only have you played in Canada and in the USA across MLS, but you've been fortunate to play around the world as well. What are some of your favourite experiences from playing the game?

Honestly, just experiencing a piece of everyone's culture. I tried to take the best part of everywhere I go and make it a part of me. I know for me; I grew up in New York and Miami but moving around so much I kind of just became a man of the globe. I think that's the most beautiful thing, that it's helped shape me into just a broader man and just able to understand everybody a bit easier. I try to see and enact that within myself and relate to people as much as I can, because I know what it's like to be a foreigner. But I also want to learn from everybody's culture, and I think being able to play soccer has allowed me to do that.

So not only are you a man of the globe, but also a man of many languages. Talk to us a little bit about all the different languages you speak and what's your favourite language to speak, if you do have one?

So, my first language is English, but then I learned Creole growing up at home. Whilst also learning Spanish as my mom was a Spanish teacher and then after moving to Miami, I met a lot of Cubans, Colombians and friends from all parts of South America. Then I later learned Italian after moving to Italy at 16 and then finally French as well. I lived in France for a little bit. So overall I would say I'm fluent in those five languages.

Do you have a favourite moment in your career?

I want to say there's maybe two or three occasions, but it was more so for the moment. I remember one time I scored a goal against Orlando; I think in 2018, and I just found out a few hours before the match that my aunt passed. So going to the stadium I was heated and very sad. But again, football over my life has been therapy. So, I was able to channel that into something positive in the game. Obviously once the game ends you go back to the real world. But for a second, I just took the ball and dribbled through, I don't know how many guys, but I escaped, and then when I turned back, dribbled like 30 yards, took a shot and it went in.

And what about with Vancouver, do you have a favourite moment of playing here in Vancouver?

I think it was the Portland goal at home. It was a fun night there was a whole lot that happened, that goal that was wild. I wasn't planning to end up on that side and then I switched, and it just happened to play out as a moment of really exciting play. But also, my 50th MLS goal vs TFC was special too because one of my best friends flew out, as he said I was going to score the 50th that day for sure and it was also my 200th game. So, he flew out literally a few hours before the game and he landed here from Miami and he was there to see it, which was pretty special.

Who have you become closest with amongst the team so far?

Man, in a good way, it's hard to say with this group, because I get along with everybody. I can hang out with anyone almost any day of the week. I know I can text anyone of the guys and organize a dinner or just go for coffee, whatever it is. But we do have a little Parcheesi group which consists of Ali, Gauldy, Levonte, Ralph and me. Belal and I also have spent a lot of time together as well. And Nico, probably is at my house the most, so it's cool, it's honestly an easy group and I can spend time with almost everybody on and off the field.