VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that the club has signed forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau from the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) to an MLS contract through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027.
“Nicolas joined us from the MLS SuperDraft last December and throughout his first year in Vancouver, he showed us he has the Whitecaps mentality,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “Nicolas leads MLS NEXT Pro in shots on target, has a very strong work rate and willpower. We are looking forward to seeing his growth as he builds on his young professional career.”
Whitecaps FC forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau
- Leads WFC2 in goalscoring this season with eight goals across 17 starts and 21 appearances
- Part of Whitecaps FC preseason camp in Marbella, Spain
- Led St. John's University with 14 goals in 2023, adding one assist
"I'm overcome with different emotions but I'm very grateful to the club for showing me great trust, I've felt super welcomed since my first day here, especially after missing my junior season in college due to injury," added Fleuriau Chateau. "Over the last year, my life has changed a lot and the gifts keep on coming so I'm very, very grateful to everyone here. I'm really excited to be able to play in front of the fans again, I felt super welcomed when I played my first home game last weekend. I hope to score some goals and win some games with them."
Fleuriau Chateau, 22, was originally selected 74th overall by Whitecaps FC at the 2024 MLS SuperDraft after spending two years at St. John's University. In March, the product of Ottawa, Ontario was signed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract with Whitecaps FC 2.
So far this season, Fleuriau Chateau has started 17 of his 21 appearances for WFC2, tallying a team-leading eight goals and four assists. In addition, the forward sits tied for first in MLS NEXT Pro for shots on target with 29.
Fleuriau Chateau has signed four MLS short-term agreements with the first team this season. He was an unused substitute in his first two call-ups against St. Louis CITY SC on June 29 and Minnesota United FC on July 3. The forward then made his first team debut as a substitute in the second half of the club's away match against CF Montréal on July 6 and once again came off the bench in his final call-up against FC Dallas on September 7.
During his time at St. John's, Fleuriau Chateau was named to the All-Big East First Team in 2023 after leading the team with 14 goals and adding one assist in 17 appearances. It was a comeback season for the Canadian, who tore his ACL in 2022.
Prior to his injury, he appeared in 13 matches during his sophomore season, helping the Red Storm to an 11-6-3 record, a third place finish in the BIG EAST, and a berth in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
In his youth, Fleuriau Chateau played at West Ottawa Soccer Club and Capital United.
TRANSACTION: On September 13, 2024, Whitecaps FC sign forward Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau to an MLS contract through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027.
Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau
Position: Striker
Height: 5-10
Weight: 180 pounds
Date of Birth: May 21, 2002
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario
Citizenship: Canada
Status: Domestic
Previous Team: Whitecaps FC 2 (2024)
University: St. John’s University (2021-23)
Youth Clubs: West Ottawa Soccer Club, Capital United
Instagram: @nick_f.c
