VANCOUVER, BC – He's back. Sort of.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Tuesday that retired Canadian international and ‘Caps striker Tosaint Ricketts has been signed as the club’s new eMLS athlete for the 2024 season. Ricketts becomes the first former MLS player to compete in eMLS.
“I’m excited to begin this journey in eMLS and see how my experience playing professional soccer translates to the virtual pitch,” said Ricketts. “I’m looking forward to helping grow the space and connecting with other eSports athletes.”
In addition to his eMLS responsibilities with Vancouver, Ricketts will continue in his role as liaison of club and player engagement, a position he’s held since announcing his retirement from professional soccer back in January 2023.
During his professional career, Ricketts scored 93 goals in 388 professional appearances for club and country. At the international level, Ricketts recorded 17 goals across 42 starts and 61 appearances for Canada’s men’s national team in Concacaf Gold Cup, Concacaf World Cup Qualifying and international friendly competition.
The native of Edmonton, Alberta spent his final four seasons as a professional with Whitecaps FC, tallying seven goals as well as three assists in 65 appearances across all competitions. In addition, Ricketts claimed his third-career Voyageurs Cup medal as he helped the Blue and White win the 2022 Canadian Championship.
Along with the ‘Caps, Ricketts’ playing career saw him make stops in Lithuania with FK Sūduva Marijampole, in Romania with FC Politechnica Timisoara, in Norway with Vålerenga, in Israel with Hapoel Haifa, and in Turkey with both Bucaspor and Boluspor. Ricketts also spent three seasons with Canadian rivals Toronto FC, helping the side win the 2017 MLS Cup, the 2017 Supporters’ Shield, as well as both the 2017 and 2018 editions of the Canadian Championship.
At the youth level, Ricketts was called up to Canada’s roster for the 2007 U-20 FIFA World Cup, where he made two starts and three appearances in the tournament. He also played four years at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.
Ricketts holds a masters in business administration and a bachelors of science in sport management, receiving both certifications from Southern New Hampshire University.
Details for the 2024 eMLS season will be announced at a later date.
Tosaint Ricketts
Gaming name: EIGHTYSVN
Birth Date: August 6, 1987
Primary console: Playstation
Hometown: Edmonton, Alberta
Twitter: @TosaintRicketts
Instagram: @TosaintRicketts
