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Karifa Yao
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Karifa Yao (born September 28, 2000) is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Rhode Island FC of the USL Championship.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Yao began playing youth soccer at age seven with CS Fabrose.[1] Afterwards, he joined youth club Étoiles de l’Est.[2] He was also part of the National High Performance Centre.[3] In 2017, he joined the Montreal Impact Academy, playing a year with the U17s, before playing two years with the U19s.[4]
Club career
[edit]In June 2019, Yao signed a homegrown contract with Montreal Impact.[5] He made his professional debut on September 20, 2020, appearing as a substitute against the Philadelphia Union.[6]
In February 2021, Yao went on a season-long loan to Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC.[7][8] On November 20, Yao scored his first professional goal against Pacific FC, netting the equalizer in their 2021 CPL season play-off semi-final, which ultimately ended in a 2-1 defeat for Cavalry.[9][10] He was selected as Cavalry fans’ Player of the Year in 2021.[11] After the 2021 season, Cavalry announced that Yao would leave the club at the end of his loan spell,[12][13] and CF Montréal announced that they would exercise the option on Yao's contract for 2022.[14] In March 2022, he extended his contract with Montreal adding another option year,[15] while also returning to Cavalry on loan for a second season.[16][17] He played a pivotal role for Cavalry, leading all outfield players in minutes played for the team.[18][19] Over his time with Cavalry, he scored two goals and added two assists in 56 games, across all competitions.[20]
After the 2022 season, his option was declined by Montreal and he departed the club.[21] However, at the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft, Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced they had picked up Yao's contract for the 2023 season.[22][23][24] He made his debut for the Whitecaps on March 8, in a CONCACAF Champions League match against Honduran club Real España.[25]
In January 2024, he signed a professional contract with USL Championship expansion side Rhode Island FC.[26][27]
International career
[edit]In March 2015, he was called up to a camp with the Canada U15 team.[1] In April 2017, he was called up to a camp with the Canada U17 team.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Yao was born in to an Ivorian father and a Senegalese mother.[28][29]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of match played September 19, 2025[30]
| Club | Season | League | Playoffs | Domestic Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| CF Montréal | 2019 | Major League Soccer | 0 | 0 | – | – | – | – | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2020 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 | 0 | – | 2 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Cavalry FC (loan) | 2021 | Canadian Premier League | 25 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | – | – | 28 | 1 | ||
| 2022 | 24 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | – | – | 28 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 49 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 56 | 2 | ||
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2023 | Major League Soccer | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Whitecaps FC 2 | 2023 | MLS Next Pro | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Rhode Island FC | 2024 | USL Championship | 33 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 2 |
| 2025 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 27 | 0 | ||
| Total | 54 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 64 | 2 | ||
| Career total | 112 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 132 | 4 | ||
Notes
[edit]- ^ Montreal Impact changed its name to CF Montréal in 2021
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Karifa Yao at Canada Soccer
- ^ Jacques, John (June 1, 2019). "Montreal Impact Sign Karifa Yao To Homegrown Contract". Northern Tribune.
- ^ Gauthier, Audrey (September 22, 2016). "2000$ pour Karifa Yao" [$2000 for Karifa Yao]. Métro (in French).
- ^ Lacerte-Gauthier, Félix (June 5, 2019). "Un ancien de Saint-Ex avec l'Impact" [A former Saint-Ex with the Impact]. Métro (in French).
- ^ "Centre-back and Impact Academy product Karifa Yao signs with the first team". Montreal Impact. June 4, 2019.
- ^ Vance, Paul (February 3, 2021). "Yao & Ferdinand Off on Loan Moves". Mount Royal Soccer.
- ^ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (3 February 2021). "Cavalry FC adds defender Karifa Yao on loan from MLS side CF Montreal". Canadian Premier League.
- ^ Jacques, John (February 3, 2021). "CF Montreal Loans Karifa Yao To Cavalry FC". Northern Tribune.
- ^ Jacques, John (November 20, 2021). "Pacific Powers Way To 2021 CPL Final". Northern Tribune.
- ^ Tierney, Mitchell (October 13, 2022). "'Always, play until the whistle': Karifa Yao and Cavalry FC looking to show they have learned from last year's playoffs". Canadian Premier League.
- ^ Rhodes, Benedict (December 17, 2021). "CPL50 – 16. Karifa Yao (Cavalry FC)". Canadian Premier League.
- ^ Saelhof, Todd (January 18, 2022). "Replacing major pieces Farsi, Yao, Nash tall order for Cavs". Calgary Herald.
- ^ O'Connor-Clarke, Charlie (November 25, 2021). "Cavalry FC announce departure of six players including Farsi, Yao". Canadian Premier League.
- ^ "CF Montréal exercises options for 12 players". CF Montreal. November 30, 2021.
- ^ "CF Montreal sign defenseman Karifa Yao to extension". Sportsnaut. March 18, 2022.
- ^ "Cavalry FC add Karifa Yao and Jean-Aniel Assi on loan from CF Montreal". Canadian Premier League. March 18, 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-18.
- ^ "Yao 'happy' he's back with Cavalry FC". Calgary Herald. March 19, 2022.
- ^ Saelhof, Todd (August 20, 2022). "'Real Karifa Yao' doing really well all over field for Cavalry". Calgary Sun.
- ^ Adams, J.J. (January 29, 2023). "On Yao, Iverson and the Vancouver Whitecaps". The Province.
- ^ Karstens-Smith, Gemma (January 13, 2023). "Canadian defender Yao among fresh faces looking to crack Whitecaps' roster". Toronto Star.
- ^ Jacques, John (November 15, 2022). "Yao A Surprise Departure In CF Montreal Roster Update". Northern Tribune.
- ^ "Whitecaps FC select former CF Montréal centre back Karifa Yao in Stage 1 of MLS Re-Entry Draft". Vancouver Whitecaps FC. November 17, 2022.
- ^ Jacques, John (November 17, 2022). "Whitecaps Recruit CPL Standout Karifa Yao". Northern Tribune.
- ^ Tierney, Mitchell (February 21, 2023). "'I improved so much': Karifa Yao on CPL experience ahead of first season with Whitecaps". Canadian Premier League.
- ^ Jacques, John (March 9, 2023). "Karifa Yao Makes 'Caps Debut In Champions League". Northern Tribune.
- ^ Murray, Nicholas (January 23, 2024). "Rhode Island signs Canadian defender Karifa Yao". USL Championship.
- ^ Jacques, John (January 23, 2024). "USL newcomer Rhode Island sign Karifa Yao". Northern Tribune.
- ^ Lévesque, Dave (June 12, 2019). "Karifa Yao: content d'être à la maison" [Karifa Yao: happy to be home]. Le Journal de Montréal (in French).
- ^ Téotonio, Jean-François (January 18, 2022). "La COVID-19 force déjà une " prise de conscience "" [COVID-19 is already forcing “awareness”]. La Presse (in French).
- ^ Karifa Yao at Soccerway
External links
[edit]Karifa Yao
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and background
Childhood and family
Karifa Yao was born on September 28, 2000, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.[6] Yao was born to an Ivorian father and a Senegalese mother.[6][7] He grew up in the Montreal metropolitan area, with his family residing in Laval, Quebec.[6]Youth soccer development
Karifa Yao began his organized youth soccer journey with the amateur club Étoiles de l’Est in the Montreal area.[8] In 2017, Yao joined the Montreal Impact Academy. He initially trained and competed with the academy's U17 team. Over the next two seasons, from 2018 to 2019, Yao advanced to the Impact U19 squad in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.[6][9] During this academy phase, Yao's physical attributes became prominent, standing at 1.88 meters tall, which complemented his role as a commanding centre-back capable of dominating set pieces and defensive lines.[1]Club career
CF Montréal and Cavalry FC loan (2019–2022)
Yao signed his first professional contract with CF Montréal as a homegrown player on June 4, 2019, inking a two-year deal after progressing through the club's academy.[7] He made his MLS debut on September 20, 2020, entering as a substitute in the 53rd minute during a 1–4 home loss to the Philadelphia Union, where he recorded a shot attempt but no further contributions. Three days later, on September 23, 2020, Yao earned his first start in a 1–3 away defeat to the New England Revolution, playing the full 90 minutes as a center-back without goals or assists.[10] These two appearances marked his only senior outings with CF Montréal over the next two seasons, as he remained on the bench or with the reserves amid limited opportunities in the MLS squad.[8] To gain senior playing time, Yao was loaned to Canadian Premier League side Cavalry FC on February 3, 2021, for the full season.[11] During the 2021 campaign, he adapted quickly to professional demands, starting in most matches and anchoring the defense en route to Cavalry's second-place regular-season finish.[12] Yao featured in 26 league matches plus two Canadian Championship appearances, totaling 28 games with one goal.[13] His lone strike came on November 20, 2021, in the CPL playoff semifinal against Pacific FC, where he headed in a Ben Fisk corner in the 47th minute to equalize at 1–1, though Cavalry ultimately fell 1–2 in extra time.[14] The loan was extended for 2022, with Yao rejoining Cavalry on March 18 after CF Montréal reserved the right to recall him.[12] He solidified his role as a key starter, appearing in 26 league matches plus two Canadian Championship appearances, totaling 28 games, and contributing to a third-place regular-season standing that advanced Cavalry to the playoffs.[15] Over the season, Yao logged one goal and two assists across all competitions, including a headed goal from another Fisk corner on July 30, 2022, in a 2–0 league win over FC Edmonton that clinched the Wild Rose Cup rivalry trophy.[16] His defensive presence was instrumental in maintaining clean sheets in several matches, helping Cavalry reach the CPL semifinal, where they were eliminated by Forge FC. Across both loan spells, Yao amassed 56 appearances, two goals, and two assists, gaining valuable experience in senior professional play.[9][17]Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2023)
In early 2023, following the expiration of his contract option with CF Montréal, Karifa Yao joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC after being selected by the club in Stage 1 of the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft on November 17, 2022.[8] This move marked his transition to a new MLS franchise on the West Coast, where he was positioned as a center back to bolster defensive depth.[18] Yao made four appearances for the Whitecaps' first team across competitions. His debut came on March 8, 2023, during the CONCACAF Champions Cup group stage match against Real CD España at BC Place, entering as a substitute in the 79th minute during a 5–0 victory. He started and played 90 minutes in the second leg away on March 15, contributing to another clean sheet in a 2–0 win. His only MLS appearance was on May 20, 2023, as a stoppage-time substitute in a 1–1 home draw against Seattle Sounders FC. Additionally, on July 30, 2023, he played 56 minutes as a substitute in a 2–1 Leagues Cup group stage loss to LA Galaxy.[19] These outings highlighted his integration into the squad but also underscored the challenges of securing regular playing time amid a competitive defensive unit. The majority of Yao's 2023 season was spent with Whitecaps FC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, where he made seven appearances as a starting center back, logging 660 minutes.[17] His prior experience in the Canadian Premier League aided his defensive reliability in the reserve league, allowing him to adapt to the faster pace and tactical demands of MLS-affiliated play. However, his role remained developmental, focusing on building match fitness and consistency in a backline that emphasized zonal marking and quick transitions. Yao's tenure with Vancouver ended on November 17, 2023, when the Whitecaps declined his contract option, citing the need for greater depth and experience at center back amid roster adjustments.[20] The decision reflected stiff internal competition from established defenders, limiting his first-team integration despite solid reserve contributions.[21]Rhode Island FC (2024–present)
On January 23, 2024, Yao signed with USL Championship expansion club Rhode Island FC as one of its inaugural players, marking his transition to the league after brief stints in Major League Soccer and the Canadian Premier League.[22] His previous experience with Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2023 provided a foundation for professional consistency upon joining the new franchise.[1] In his debut 2024 season, Yao quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Rhode Island FC's defense, appearing in 34 regular-season matches while contributing 1 goal and 1 assist.[2] He recorded 37 interceptions and 25 tackles won, showcasing his physicality and positioning in anchoring the backline during the club's inaugural campaign. Overall, including playoffs, Yao featured in 37 matches and 3,247 minutes, adapting effectively to the USL Championship's competitive demands and helping solidify a defense that reached the USL Championship Final, where they lost 3–0 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC on November 23, 2024.[23] Yao's role expanded in 2025, where he signed a multi-year contract extension on March 7, committing to the club through at least the end of the 2025 season with an option for further years.[24] Through the 2025 season, including playoffs, he made 29 appearances with 25 starts and 2,300 minutes, logging 17 interceptions and 18 tackles won while maintaining a disciplined presence with only 5 yellow cards.[2] Standout defensive plays included crucial blocks in key matches, contributing to clean sheets in playoff wins over Charleston Battery (0–0, 5–3 penalties, Eastern Conference Quarterfinals on November 2) and North Carolina FC (Eastern Conference Semifinals on November 8), before a 1–0 loss to Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in the Eastern Conference Final on November 15. As of November 18, 2025, Yao had featured in a total of 66 matches for Rhode Island FC with 1 goal.[2][25][26]International career
Youth level
Karifa Yao received his first call-up to a Canada U-15 national team training camp in March 2015, at the age of 14, as part of the Men's EXCEL U-15 Regional Identification Camp held in Montreal from March 2 to 5.[27] Selected as a centre-back representing CS Chomedey from Quebec, Yao was one of 31 players identified through regional scouting to participate in the four-day event focused on evaluating potential for the national team program and advancing toward high-performance training environments.[28] This opportunity provided early exposure to structured national-level training, enhancing his defensive skills through intensive sessions and matches alongside top youth prospects.[28] In 2017, Yao progressed to the Canada U-17 team, earning a call-up to a preparation camp in Toronto from March 27 to April 9, organized with 24 players to build toward the CONCACAF U-17 Championship and FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers in Panama.[29] Listed as a 16-year-old centre-back from the CF Montréal Academy, his selection reflected the influence of his club youth development, where consistent performances in academy matches had positioned him for international consideration.[30] The camp emphasized tactical development and team cohesion, offering Yao valuable experience in a competitive national environment that further refined his abilities as a defender through daily training and preparation for regional competition.[29] Yao received multiple call-ups to the Canadian Under-15 and Under-17 squads.[23] These youth level involvements marked Yao's initial steps in Canadian international soccer, focusing on foundational skill-building without advancing to competitive matches or senior pathways at that stage.[23]Senior level
As of November 2025, Karifa Yao has not earned any senior international caps for the Canada men's national soccer team.[31][2] To an Ivorian father and a Senegalese mother, Yao possesses Canadian citizenship, making him eligible to represent Canada, Côte d'Ivoire, or Senegal at the senior level.[23] He has committed to Canada by participating in the nation's youth international programs.[7] Yao's progression has been monitored by the Canadian Soccer Association following his youth-level involvement, though no invitations to senior training camps have been reported.[31]Honours and achievements
Club honours
During his time with CF Montréal from 2019 to 2022, the club achieved success in the Canadian Championship, winning the title in 2019 as Yao joined the roster mid-season as a homegrown player.[32][33] In 2022, CF Montréal finished second in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer, securing a playoff berth and advancing to the conference semifinals.[34] On loan with Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League during 2022, the team ended the regular season in third place and progressed to the playoffs, reaching the conference semifinals where they faced eventual champions Forge FC.[35] With Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2023, Yao was part of the squad that captured the Canadian Championship, defeating CF Montréal 2–1 in the final to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.[36] Since joining Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship in 2024, the club has made deep playoff runs, winning the Eastern Conference championship in their inaugural season by defeating Charleston Battery 2–1 in the conference final.[37] In 2025, Rhode Island FC again advanced to the Eastern Conference Final as the seventh seed, upsetting higher-seeded teams including Charleston Battery in the quarterfinals via penalty shootout and North Carolina FC 2–0 in the semifinals.[25][38]Individual awards
During his loan spell with Cavalry FC in the Canadian Premier League, Yao was named the club's Fans' Player of the Year for 2021 by the Foot Soldiers supporters group, recognizing his consistent defensive contributions in 26 appearances that helped the team secure a second-place finish.[39] Upon joining Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship, Yao earned the team's Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, after leading the backline with 33 appearances, 32 starts, and 2,906 minutes played in his debut season.[4] He repeated the honor in 2025 as Defender of the Year, marking back-to-back wins for his reliability and physical presence in 25 appearances.[5] In 2021, Yao was also ranked 16th on the Canadian Premier League's inaugural CPL50 list of top players, highlighting his emergence as a promising young defender.[40]Career statistics
Club appearances and goals
Karifa Yao's professional club statistics, focusing on domestic league appearances, goals, and assists, are detailed below. These figures are accurate as of November 18, 2025.[2]| Season | Club | League | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | CF Montréal | Major League Soccer | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Cavalry FC | Canadian Premier League | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Cavalry FC | Canadian Premier League | 24 | 1 | 2 |
| 2023 | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Major League Soccer | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Whitecaps FC 2 | MLS Next Pro | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 | Rhode Island FC | USL Championship | 33 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | Rhode Island FC | USL Championship | 25 | 0 | 0 |
| Career total | 117 | 2 | 3 |
International appearances and goals
Karifa Yao has represented Canada at the youth international level through participation in national team development camps, but he has not recorded any official appearances or goals across these levels. His involvement began with the Canada U15 team in 2015, followed by a call-up to the U17 camp in 2017 in preparation for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, and later inclusion on provisional rosters for the Canada U23 squad during Concacaf Olympic qualifying in 2020 and 2021.[27][29][42] Yao has yet to earn a senior cap for the Canada men's national team, with zero appearances and zero goals as of November 2025.[31]| National Team | Year(s) | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada U15 | 2015 | 0 | 0 |
| Canada U17 | 2017 | 0 | 0 |
| Canada U23 | 2020–2021 | 0 | 0 |
| Canada Senior | — | 0 | 0 |