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Tosaint Ricketts
Tosaint Ricketts
Tosaint Ricketts
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Tosaint Antony Ricketts (born 6 August 1987) is a Canadian former professional soccer player who played as a forward.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Ricketts was one of the top short-distance runners in Alberta, and he began his youth career playing Division I soccer for the Green Bay Phoenix at University of Wisconsin Green Bay.

MyPa

[edit]

Ricketts joined Veikkausliiga club MyPa in 2009. He made his debut on 4 March 2009 and scored his first goal against Kuopion Palloseura on 13 June. He scored three goals in the Europa League against Politehnica Timișoara who became interested in signing him.[2]

Politehnica Timișoara

[edit]

On 19 November 2010 Ricketts signed with Romanian club Politehnica Timișoara for three years.[3] At his presentation at the press conference, he said: "I'm glad I signed with Poli, to me is a step forward in my career. I can't wait to play at my new team and I can't wait to reunite "Poli" fans, which impressed me when I played here in Europa League with MyPa-47". He chose the number 87. On 26 February 2011, Ricketts made his debut for Politehnica Timișoara at Dan Păltinişanu in a 3–1 win against Gaz Metan Mediaş.[4] He played twenty minutes in the match after replacing injured Marián Čišovský. Ricketts scored his first goal for Politehnica Timișoara on 5 March 2011 against CFR Cluj. He scored the winning goal in the 78th minute.[5] Politehnica Timișoara was bankrupted in the summer of 2012, and Ricketts was released from his contract.[6]

Vålerenga

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On 31 August 2012, it was announced that Ricketts had signed for Vålerenga in the Norwegian Tippeligaen on a free transfer, he would be joining fellow Canadian international Lars Hirschfeld at the club.[6] Ricketts made his debut in Norway as a second half sub for Torgeir Børven in a 1–0 defeat to Sogndal on 5 November 2012.[7]

Sandnes Ulf

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In early January 2013 it was announced that Ricketts had signed with Sandnes Ulf allowing him to remain in the Tippeligaen.[8] He made his debut for the club on 17 March in a 2–0 defeat to Strømsgodset.[9] Ricketts played a total of 12 matches in Tippeligaen until he left Sandnes Ulf in September 2013, he also scored two goals for the club in the Norwegian Cup.[10]

Bucaspor

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On 6 September 2013, Ricketts signed for Turkish First League club Bucaspor, a one-year contract with a one-year option.[11] He scored his first two goals for the team in a 5–4 loss to Adana Demirspor on 22 September 2013.[12]

Hapoel Haifa

[edit]

On 16 July 2014, Ricketts announced on Twitter he had signed for Israeli Premier League club Hapoel Haifa. He debuted with the side on 16 August 2014 in a Toto Cup match against Bnei Sakhnin, and scored a goal in an eventual 2–2 draw.[13] He scored his first league goal against Beitar Jerusalem in a loss on 9 February 2015.[14] In total, Ricketts made 30 appearances for the club, scoring a single goal. His lack of offensive production at the club can be attributed to being used as a defender for the entire season because of personnel issues on the roster.[15]

Boluspor

[edit]

After one season in Israel, Ricketts returned to Turkey and signed with Boluspor on 3 August 2015.[16] Ricketts left Boluspor in early 2016 after a dispute over unpaid wages.[17]

Toronto FC

[edit]

On 20 July 2016, Ricketts returned to Canada to join Major League Soccer side Toronto FC.[18] He made his debut from the bench in a 4–1 win against D.C. United, and scored his first goal in his next appearance: a 1–0 victory against Real Salt Lake City.[19][20] He missed three games in the final weeks of the season due to a groin injury and indirect suspension.

In February 2017, Ricketts signed a two-year extension.[21] On 13 May 2017, Ricketts scored a late brace in a 2–1 win at the Columbus Crew.[22] The following game marked his first full 90 minutes for Toronto after 28 appearances, and he scored the final goal in a 3–2 victory at Minnesota United.[23] In June, an injury sustained in the Canadian Championship semi-final second leg win against the Ottawa Fury kept him out for four matches.[24]

At the conclusion of the 2018 season, Toronto declined the 2019 contract option on Ricketts.[25]

Sūduva

[edit]

On 26 January 2019, Ricketts signed with defending Lithuanian A Lyga champions Sūduva.[26] He scored a total of 10 goals for the club in the 2019 season, including a memorable goal in the 1–0 victory against Kauno Žalgiris on 16 March, which he dedicated to victims of terrorism following the Christchurch mosque shootings.[27] Ricketts also earned five inclusions in the A Lyga Team of the Week.[28] His final appearance for the club was during the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round, a 5–0 home victory against Tre Penne. Ricketts left Sūduva the following week after club's away victory in the Europa League third qualifying round game for a return to MLS.[29]

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

[edit]

On 8 August 2019, Ricketts returned to MLS and Canada, joining Vancouver Whitecaps FC.[30] He was re-signed to a new deal through 2022, with an option for 2023 in March 2022.[31] At the end of the 2022 season, Vancouver announced they would not exercise the option on Ricketts' contract for 2023, ending his playing time with the club. Ricketts would continue in the front office as Manager of Community Impact[32]

On January 31, 2023, Ricketts announced his retirement from soccer, joining the Whitecaps staff as liaison of club and player engagement.[33]

International career

[edit]
Ricketts playing for Canada in 2013

In 2007 Ricketts was called up to the Canadian U-20 team for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup held on home soil. He also made appearances for Canada in the 2008 CONCACAF Men's Pre-Olympic Tournament in which he scored twice against Guatemala.

In late January 2011, Ricketts was called up by Canada for the first time ahead of its international friendly against Greece on 9 February.[34] Ricketts made his senior team debut for Canada as a late second half sub in this game which ended as a 1–0 loss. Ricketts was one of three Canadian players to make their international senior debut against Greece; Milan Borjan and David Edgar were the other two.[35]

On 1 June 2011, Ricketts scored his first international goal, a stoppage time equalizer, in a 2–2 friendly match against Ecuador at BMO Field.[36] Ricketts made his CONCACAF Gold Cup debut on 14 June in a 1–1 draw against Panama as a second half sub for Josh Simpson.

Ricketts continued his goal scoring form in World Cup Qualifying during his first ever start for the national team on 15 November 2011 during a 4–0 home victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis.[37] Ricketts reached 10 goals for Canada on 16 June 2015 after scoring a brace against Dominica in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying. This tied him with Paul Peschisolido and Tomasz Radzinski for 9th all time on Canada's scoring charts.

Ricketts was named to the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup squad on 27 June 2017.[38]

Style of play

[edit]

A fast striker, Ricketts is mainly known for his pace. His former Toronto FC manager Greg Vanney said of him in 2017: "He gives us presence, size, speed, a goal-scoring threat."[39] Regarding his speed, movement, and work-rate, Vanney also added: "[Ricketts] is a relentless runner. A guy who will get behind defences. He's incredibly fast. He doesn't really need to run the line. He can give himself three, four lines of cushion and still make the runs in behind and still beat you to the spot."[40] That same year, Neil Davidson of The National Post described him as the "fastest player on the Toronto roster," and also noted that "Ricketts’ speed unsettles defenders and he has an ability to find space in the penalty box. Get the ball to his feet or head and he can finish." Although normally a forward, he has also been deployed out of position in a more defensive role on occasion, often playing as a right–sided full-back or wing-back during his time with Israeli club Hapoel Haifa FC, due to injuries to other members of the squad in that position.[41][42] He has also drawn praise in the media for his energy, presence in the air, and leadership, as well as his goalscoring rate,[40][43][44] despite not being a particularly prolific player.[45] Regarding his role on the pitch, Ricketts has commented: "I watch the tendencies of defenders, what spaces and weaknesses I can exploit and come second half I'm just waiting for any amount of time possible — if it's two, five, 15 minutes — to come on and provide that spark. It's just the mentality that comes along with the role I have."[39]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 9 October 2022
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup[a] League Cup[b] Continental[c] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
MYPA 2009[46] Veikkausliiga 16 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 5
2010[46] Veikkausliiga 24 4 1 0 6 1 5 5 36 10
Total 40 9 1 0 6 1 5 5 52 15
Timișoara 2010–11[46] Liga I 9 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 1
2011–12[46] Liga II 15 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 18 6
Total 24 6 3 1 0 0 0 0 27 7
Vålerenga 2012[46] Tippeligaen 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1
Sandnes Ulf 2013[46] Tippeligaen 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0
Bucaspor 2013–14[46] TFF First League 25 7 3 2 0 0 0 0 28 9
Hapoel Haifa 2014–15[46] Israeli Premier League 30 1 1 0 5 2 0 0 36 3
Boluspor 2015–16[46] TFF First League 15 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 18 1
Toronto FC 2016[46] MLS 11 3 0 0 6 2 0 0 17 5
2017[46] MLS 22 7 3 0 1 0 0 0 26 7
2018[46] MLS 18 3 2 1 0 0 3 0 23 4
Total 51 13 5 1 7 2 3 0 66 16
Sūduva 2019 A Lyga 15 8 2 1 0 0 3 1 20 10
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2019 MLS 8 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 1
2020 MLS 16 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 2
2021 MLS 14 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 15 0
2022 MLS 22 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 26 4
Total 61 7 4 0 0 0 0 0 65 7
Career total 276 53 22 5 18 5 11 6 327 69

International

[edit]
As of match played 16 January 2020[47]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Canada 2011 9 3
2012 9 2
2013 12 0
2014 5 2
2015 12 5
2016 7 2
2017 3 1
2018 2 1
2019 0 0
2020 2 1
Total 61 17
As of match played 7 January 2020[47]
Scores and results list Canada's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ricketts goal.
List of international goals scored by Tosaint Ricketts
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 1 June 2011 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada 3  Ecuador 2–2 2–2 Friendly
2 6 September 2011 Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, Bayamón, Puerto Rico 6  Puerto Rico 3–0 3–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 15 November 2011 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada 9  Saint Kitts and Nevis 4–0 4–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
4 15 August 2012 Central Broward Regional Park, Lauderhill, United States 14  Trinidad and Tobago 1–0 2–0 Friendly
5 12 October 2012 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada 17  Cuba 1–0 3–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 27 May 2014 Stadion SVU Mauer, Mauer, Austria 32  Moldova 1–1 1–1 Friendly
7 9 September 2014 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada 33  Jamaica 3–1 3–1 Friendly
8 30 March 2015 Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, Bayamón, Puerto Rico 37  Puerto Rico 1–0 3–0 Friendly
9 16 June 2015 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada 39  Dominica 3–0 4–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
10 4–0
11 4 September 2015 BMO Field, Toronto, Canada 43  Belize 1–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
12 2–0
13 6 October 2016 Stade de Marrakech, Marrakesh, Morocco 53  Mauritania 1–0 4–0 Friendly
14 4–0
15 22 January 2017 Bermuda National Stadium, Hamilton, Bermuda 55  Bermuda 2–1 4–2 Friendly
16 24 March 2018 Pinatar Arena, Murcia, Spain 58  New Zealand 1–0 1–0 Friendly
17 7 January 2020 Championship Soccer Stadium, Irvine, United States 60  Barbados 1–0 4–1 Friendly

Honours

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Toronto FC

Sūduva

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Personal life

[edit]

In December 2023, the Vancouver Whitecaps signed Ricketts to represent the team in the eMLS at League Series 1, League Series 2 and eMLS Cup for the 2024 season. The move makes Ricketts the first former MLS player to complete in eMLS.[48]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tosaint Ricketts

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Tosaint Antony Ricketts (born August 6, 1987) is a Canadian former professional soccer player who primarily played as a forward, known for his speed and versatility across attacking positions. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he began his youth career with local clubs like Edmonton Juventus before attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he honed his skills in collegiate soccer. Ricketts amassed 388 professional appearances and 93 career goals across leagues in multiple countries, including Finland (MyPa), Romania (Politehnica Timișoara), Norway (Vålerenga and Sandnes Ulf), Turkey (Bucaspor and Boluspor), Israel (Hapoel Haifa), and Lithuania (FK Sūduva). In Major League Soccer (MLS), he achieved significant success with Toronto FC from 2016 to 2018, contributing to their 2017 MLS Cup victory and Supporters' Shield, while scoring 15 goals in 58 appearances. He later returned to Canada with Vancouver Whitecaps FC from 2019 to 2022, where he won the 2022 Canadian Championship and tallied 7 goals in 65 matches. Internationally, Ricketts earned 61 caps for the men's national team between 2011 and 2020, scoring 17 goals and providing 4 assists, with notable participation in four Gold Cups (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) and two qualifying cycles. His debut came in 2011, and he also represented at the . Off the field, Ricketts was recognized for his community involvement, earning the 2020 Humanitarian of the Year award for efforts in fundraising and social justice advocacy. Following his retirement from professional play in January 2023, Ricketts transitioned into new roles with , serving as a liaison for club and player engagement and signing as the team's eMLS athlete for the 2024 season—the first former MLS player to compete in the esports league. Standing at 1.83 meters (6 feet), he holds Canadian citizenship with Jamaican heritage and continues to contribute to the sport through media and organizational capacities.

Club career

Early career

Tosaint Antony Ricketts was born on August 6, 1987, in , , . He grew up in the city's neighborhood alongside his mother, Pam, and three brothers, where the family owned and operated Irie Foods restaurants. Ricketts attended J. Percy Page Composite High School before transferring to St. Francis Xavier High School, balancing academics with emerging athletic pursuits in , where he excelled as one of 's top short-distance runners. Ricketts began playing organized soccer at age 13 with Edmonton Juventus, a prominent youth club in the region, after initially focusing on . He also trained with the Edmonton SW Sting and continued developing through his high school program at St. Francis Xavier. In 2005, he earned a to play Division I for the at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he competed for four seasons through 2008, contributing to a 40-28-11 team record and showcasing his speed and forward play. Following his college career, Ricketts transitioned to professional soccer by signing his first contract with Finnish club Myllykosken Pallo-47 (MyPa) in early 2009, marking a pivotal move abroad at age 21. This opportunity came after his selection to Canada's U-20 national team for the 2007 World Youth Championship, which heightened his visibility to European scouts.

MyPa

Ricketts joined Finnish Veikkausliiga club MyPa in early 2009, beginning his career abroad. Over two seasons with the club, he made 51 appearances and scored 14 goals across all competitions. In the 2009 season, Ricketts adapted quickly to European football, appearing in 16 league matches and scoring 5 goals as MyPa secured a mid-table ninth-place finish. He marked a notable moment by netting his debut goal in a 1-0 victory over HJK on May 11, 2009. The 2010 campaign saw Ricketts feature in 24 league games, where he scored 4 goals and recorded 2 assists, again helping MyPa to ninth in the standings. His playing time was somewhat limited with 15 starts, amid a season that included strong European showings. In the qualifying rounds, he scored 5 goals, highlighted by 3 across two legs against Romanian side Politehnica Timișoara—a performance that impressed scouts and paved the way for his next move. Across both seasons, Ricketts totaled 40 league appearances and 9 goals. Following the expiration of his at the end of 2010, he departed MyPa in November to sign with Politehnica , aiming for bigger opportunities in a more competitive league.

Politehnica Timișoara

In January 2011, Tosaint Ricketts transferred from Finnish club MyPa to Romanian side Politehnica , signing a three-year following a successful stint in that showcased his goal-scoring ability. During the 2010–11 Liga I season, Ricketts made 9 appearances and scored 1 goal, contributing to Politehnica Timișoara's strong finish in second place, which ensured their avoidance of relegation amid a competitive campaign. His debut goal came on March 5, 2011, a header in the 78th minute that secured a 2–1 victory over , marking a key moment in his integration into the squad. The 2011–12 season proved more turbulent for Ricketts and the club, as Politehnica Timișoara faced severe financial difficulties that led to their administrative relegation to before the campaign began. In Seria II, he featured in 15 matches, netting 5 goals, while also playing 3 games in the Romanian Cup where he scored once, helping the team advance in the domestic competition despite the instability. Overall, Ricketts recorded 27 appearances and 7 goals across all competitions during his two-year tenure. Politehnica Timișoara's financial woes culminated in the club's bankruptcy and dissolution in the summer of 2012, releasing Ricketts as a free agent and ending his time in Romania amid broader turmoil in the country's football landscape.

Vålerenga and Sandnes Ulf

In August 2012, following instability at Romanian club Politehnica Timișoara due to unpaid wages and financial troubles that left him as a free agent, Tosaint Ricketts sought consistent playing time in Europe's top leagues by signing with Norwegian Eliteserien side Vålerenga on a free transfer. He made his debut as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Sogndal on November 5, 2012, and went on to feature in three league matches overall, scoring once in the season finale. His brief stint provided limited opportunities amid the late-season timing of his arrival, as Vålerenga finished eighth in the standings. Seeking to build on his Norwegian experience, Ricketts joined fellow club on January 10, , agreeing to a deal that allowed him to stay in the top flight. During the season, he appeared in 12 league matches, starting six, but failed to score in competitive play while accumulating 523 minutes. He also contributed two goals in two Norwegian Cup appearances, helping advance in the competition. However, persistent limited starts—often as a substitute—and an inability to establish himself as a regular starter hampered his impact, with the team finishing 13th and facing relegation pressure. Across his time with both Vålerenga and , Ricketts totaled 15 appearances and one goal, reflecting a transitional period marked by adaptation challenges and inconsistent minutes in the physically demanding Norwegian league. Unable to secure a prominent role despite his prior European exposure in , he departed in September 2013 after less than a full season.

Bucaspor

Ricketts joined Bucaspor in the Turkish TFF 1. Lig on 6 September 2013, signing a one-year contract with an option for an additional year, following a challenging period in where injuries and limited playing time had restricted him to just 12 league appearances without a goal. The move marked a revival for Ricketts, who quickly adapted to the second-tier league and emerged as a key attacking threat for the Izmir-based club. In the 2013–14 season, he recorded 25 league appearances and 7 goals, contributing significantly to Bucaspor's mid-table finish of 9th place out of 21 teams. Across all competitions, Ricketts tallied 29 appearances and 9 goals, including 5 assists, showcasing his improved goal-scoring form and physical presence as a forward. Notable highlights included a late 120th-minute winner in the third round against Aydinspor on 30 October 2013, securing a 1–0 victory and advancement to the next stage. Ricketts departed Bucaspor upon the expiration of his contract in June 2014, opting to pursue opportunities abroad after the club's stable season in the TFF 1. Lig.

Hapoel Haifa

Ricketts joined Hapoel Haifa in the in July 2014, signing a one-season contract after drawing on his prior experience in the Turkish leagues to facilitate the transition to the new environment. His move marked an adaptation to Middle Eastern football, where he focused on building team chemistry amid the league's competitive intensity. During the 2014–15 season, Ricketts made 23 league appearances and scored 1 goal, while also featuring in 7 State Cup matches (0 goals, 1 assist) and 1 match (0 goals), for a total of 31 appearances and 1 goal across all competitions. These contributions helped maintain a solid mid-table standing, avoiding relegation concerns despite his modest personal tally. His steady but unspectacular role ended with the expiry of his in June 2015.

Boluspor

In August 2015, following his departure from , Ricketts signed a one-year contract with of the Turkish TFF First League, marking his return to Turkish football after previous stints in the . The move came as Ricketts sought to rebuild his scoring form after a limited offensive output in , where he had adapted to a new league but struggled for consistent goals. During the 2015–16 season, Ricketts made 15 league appearances for , primarily as a substitute, logging 608 minutes and scoring one goal—a winning strike in a 1–0 victory over Karabükspor in October 2015. He also featured in three Türkiye Kupası matches, contributing 225 minutes without finding the net, as the team advanced to the group stage before exiting. Limited starting opportunities arose from stiff competition in the forward line, though Ricketts viewed the stint as a chance to aid the club's ambitions in the second tier. Ricketts' time at Boluspor ended prematurely in early 2016 after a dispute over unpaid wages, leading to his release and a period without a club until mid-year. finished 12th in the TFF First League, missing promotion, with Ricketts' contributions providing occasional depth in both league and cup competitions but not altering the team's mid-table standing.

Toronto FC

In July 2016, following a career in , Tosaint Ricketts returned to by signing with as a Canadian international forward. He joined the squad mid-season and quickly integrated, making his debut as a substitute in a 4–1 victory over on July 23. In 11 regular-season appearances that year, Ricketts scored 3 goals, including his first MLS strike against in August. His contributions extended to the playoffs, where he featured in 6 matches, netting 2 goals—most notably in extra time during the Eastern Conference Final win over Montreal Impact—and serving as a substitute in the Final against , though Toronto fell in a . Ricketts' role expanded in after signing a contract extension in , securing his place through 2018. He appeared in 22 regular-season matches, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists, with standout performances including a brace off the bench against SC in May and a pair against in September. These efforts helped clinch the for the league's best regular-season record, and he remained part of the squad during their triumph over , contributing to the club's historic double despite a limited playoff role with 1 appearance. His speed and versatility earned him widespread popularity among fans, often highlighted for clutch goals that boosted team morale and his own international call-ups for . During the 2018 season, Ricketts made 18 regular-season appearances, scoring 3 goals while adapting to a more rotational role amid squad depth. He provided key contributions in the , including substitute appearances that helped advance in the Eastern Conference, underscoring his value in high-stakes matches. Over his three seasons with the club, Ricketts totaled 51 regular-season appearances and 13 goals, playing a pivotal role in Toronto FC's pursuit of multiple titles and solidifying his status as a fan favorite for his work rate and decisive interventions.

Sūduva

In January 2019, following the expiration of his contract with , Tosaint Ricketts signed as a with Marijampolė, the defending champions of Lithuania's . The move marked a return to European football for the Canadian forward, who had previously achieved career highs with , including key contributions to their 2017 victory. During the 2019 A Lyga season, Ricketts quickly integrated into Sūduva's attacking line, making 15 league appearances and scoring 8 goals while providing 1 assist in 913 minutes played. His goals were instrumental in powering Sūduva's campaign, helping the team secure their third consecutive league title with a dominant performance that finished 11 points ahead of runners-up Žalgiris Vilnius. Ricketts also featured in domestic cup competitions, scoring the decisive goal in the Lithuanian Supercup final—a 2–0 victory over Žalgiris on February 23, 2019, which added to Sūduva's early-season silverware. Ricketts' prolific output in a smaller league revitalized his goal-scoring form after a transitional period post-Toronto, where he had netted 20 goals across all competitions in 2017. His contributions extended to Sūduva's qualifying run, where he appeared in matches against Tre Penne and , further showcasing his experience in high-stakes games. After seven months with Sūduva, Ricketts departed the club in August 2019, transferring to in for the remainder of the season. This brief stint in not only delivered a league championship but also restored his confidence as a leading striker ahead of his MLS return.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

On August 9, 2019, acquired forward Tosaint Ricketts from Lithuanian club Marijampolė, signing him through the end of the season with an option for 2020, following a productive stint abroad that served as a form refresher after his departure from . Ricketts made an immediate impact in , appearing in 8 matches and scoring 1 goal with 1 assist during the 2019 campaign, contributing to the team's depth in attack. The 2020 and 2021 seasons proved challenging for Ricketts, with a combined 30 appearances and 2 goals in MLS play, as the global disrupted the league schedule and led to a shortened campaign, while injuries—including a right in November 2020—limited his availability. In 2021, he featured primarily as a substitute in 14 MLS matches without scoring, hampered by ongoing injury issues that sidelined him for multiple games. Despite these setbacks, Ricketts extended his contract through 2021 in February and again through 2022 in March 2022, providing stability as a veteran presence. Ricketts rebounded in 2022, recording 4 goals and 1 assist in 23 MLS appearances, while also contributing to the team's success in domestic cups by playing in 3 matches en route to Vancouver's victory in the competition, earning him his third Voyageurs Cup medal. Over his four seasons with the Whitecaps, Ricketts made 61 MLS appearances with 7 goals and 2 assists, plus 4 appearances in the , for a total of 65 games and 7 goals across all competitions. His contract expired in December 2022, prompting Ricketts to announce his retirement from professional soccer on January 31, 2023, at age 35, concluding a career marked by resilience in his final MLS chapter.

International career

Youth international career

Ricketts began his youth international career with the Canadian national program in 2004 at the age of 16, debuting under coach Ray Clark and quickly establishing himself as a promising forward. His early involvement helped build his experience in competitive environments, contributing to Canada's youth development efforts leading into major tournaments. In 2007, Ricketts featured prominently for the Canadian U-20 team at the hosted on home soil, where he made three appearances—including two starts—but the team failed to advance beyond the group stage despite his contributions in attack. Leading up to the tournament, he showcased his goal-scoring potential in preparatory matches, including a in a 4-0 friendly victory over the U-20 team, highlighting his speed and finishing ability as a leader in the forward line. Ricketts continued his youth international journey in 2008 with the U-23 squad at the Men's Olympic Qualifying tournament, scoring two goals in a decisive 5-0 group-stage win against to help secure vital points. Canada ultimately finished third in the competition, narrowly missing out on qualification for the Olympics as only the top two teams advanced, with Ricketts' performances underscoring his role as a key offensive leader during this formative phase.

Senior international career

Ricketts earned his first call-up to the senior national team in 2009. He received another call-up in January 2011 ahead of a friendly match against . He made his debut on 9 February 2011 in , entering as a second-half substitute in a 1–0 defeat, marking the beginning of a decade-long international career. His first goal arrived less than four months later, on 1 June 2011, when he scored a late equalizer in a 2–2 friendly draw against at in . During the 2011–2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the tournament, Ricketts became a fixture in the squad, achieving a career-high streak of 20 consecutive appearances from his debut through 2013. He contributed significantly to 's campaign, scoring five goals across the qualifiers, including efforts in key wins that helped maintain an unbeaten run in second-round play. His consistent involvement underscored his emergence as a reliable forward during this period, as advanced through preliminary stages before elimination in the final round. Ricketts continued to feature prominently in CONCACAF competitions from 2015 to 2017, including the where reached the quarterfinals before a 2–0 loss to . Over this span, he netted four international goals, bolstering 's attack in regional matches and qualifiers. By 2019–2020, he had amassed 61 caps and 17 goals overall, participating in the 2017 Gold Cup and final-round qualifying efforts that signaled the team's rising competitiveness. Ricketts retired from international duty in 2020 after exactly 10 years of service, having played a pivotal role in fostering growth and stability within the squad during a transitional era for Canadian soccer.

Style of play

Overview

Tosaint Ricketts primarily operated as a right winger or second striker throughout his career, leveraging his exceptional pace to make direct runs that disrupted defenses. His style emphasized explosive speed and physical strength, allowing him to hold off challenges while advancing the ball forward, particularly effective in transitional phases of play. Ricketts often preferred cutting inside from the flanks to create shooting opportunities or deliver assists, showcasing his ability to exploit spaces in crowded areas. A hallmark of his game was his high work rate, including vigorous pressing to regain possession high up the pitch and linking play through short passes and intelligent movement off the ball, which made him well-suited to counter-attacking systems. In Toronto FC's fluid attacking setup, he demonstrated versatility by interchanging positions to stretch opponents and support build-up play. Over time, Ricketts evolved from relying predominantly on raw athleticism in his early European stints to displaying greater tactical awareness in , where he refined his positioning and decision-making under pressure. Coaches frequently praised Ricketts for his professionalism and adaptability, noting his tireless effort and seamless transitions across diverse leagues in , , , and . This reliability as a team player, combined with his relentless running, positioned him as a valuable asset in high-stakes matches.

Key attributes

Tosaint Ricketts was renowned for his explosive acceleration and speed, enabling him to make deep runs behind defenses and exploit spaces effectively as a forward. Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney described him as "incredibly fast," noting his ability to unsettle back lines without needing to hold up play along the line. This physical prowess was complemented by strong aerial ability, where he won an average of 1.8 duels per game during his time with Toronto FC, ranking second on the team. His finishing in tight spaces further defined his threat, as evidenced by his composure in converting opportunities near the penalty area, including 17 goals across 61 appearances for the Canadian national team. Despite these strengths, Ricketts' career was hampered by injury proneness, which disrupted his consistency across multiple clubs. Notable setbacks included a strain in 2017 that sidelined him for three to four weeks with , and a right knee in 2020 while at . He also occasionally struggled as a striker, performing better in supporting roles where his speed could be maximized in short bursts rather than prolonged hold-up play. Mentally, Ricketts demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his career, navigating instability across nine countries and 10 clubs over 14 years, from unpaid stints in to adapting to new leagues in and MLS. As a international, he provided to Canada's squad, drawing on his experience in high-stakes matches like Gold Cups and qualifiers. In terms of versatility, Ricketts shared similarities with Canadian peer , both capable of operating as forwards or wingers with a focus on pace and opportunistic scoring in dynamic systems.

Career statistics

Club

During his tenure with from 2016 to 2018, Ricketts contributed to the club's major successes in . He played a key role in their run to the 2016 final, where fell to on penalties after a 0–0 draw; Ricketts came on as a substitute in extra time and nearly scored the winner with a volley in the 107th minute. In the Eastern Conference Final against Montreal Impact, he scored in the 100th minute during extra time to help secure a 5–2 victory and advance to the final. The following year, Ricketts was part of the squad that won the 2017 , defeating 2–1 in the final after appearing in 22 regular-season matches with seven goals. also clinched the 2017 for the best regular-season record, with Ricketts contributing eight goals and two assists across all competitions that season. With FK Sūduva in the Lithuanian A Lyga during the 2019 season, Ricketts helped the team secure the league title, finishing first with 79 points from 36 matches. As a key forward, he made 15 league appearances, scoring eight goals—including a brace in a 5–0 win over FK Atlantas—and providing one assist, earning five inclusions in the A Lyga Team of the Week. His contributions were instrumental in Sūduva's dominant campaign, where they won 25 of their 36 games. Ricketts added to his trophy cabinet with Vancouver Whitecaps FC by winning the 2022 Canadian Championship, defeating Toronto FC 1–1 (5–3 on penalties) in the final to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. He appeared in five tournament matches, starting three and scoring once, and came off the bench in the final, where he nearly scored the winner on a counterattack only for it to be saved. While Ricketts did not earn major individual honors such as MLS Best XI selections, he received team-specific recognitions, including Man of the Match awards in key games like a 2016 MLS Cup Playoff semifinal and the 2022 Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero award from Vancouver for his overall contributions. Club statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueAppsGoals
Edmonton Drillers (indoor)2006–07AIISL33
Vancouver Whitecaps Residency2007USL PDL128
MyPa2008214
Politehnica Timișoara2009–1090
Vålerenga201180
2011OBOS-ligaen71
Bucaspor2012–13 / 1. Lig326
Hapoel Haifa2014Ligat ha'Al231
Boluspor2014–151. Lig3211
2016–18MLS5815
Sūduva2019158
2019–22MLS657
Total28564
*Note: Does not include indoor, youth, or cup matches beyond leagues listed. Data as of retirement in 2023.

International

Ricketts did not win any major international trophies during his tenure with the Canada national team, as the squad failed to secure a title or advance to a despite competitive showings. Canada's most notable milestone under Ricketts' involvement came in the , where the team topped Group C with victories over (4–0) and (7–0) before advancing to the quarterfinals, their deepest run in the since 2000, though they fell 3–2 to . In World Cup qualifying, Ricketts contributed to Canada's progression through the early stages of both the and cycles; for the latter, he scored twice in a 4–0 second-round win over , helping secure advancement to the third round and ultimately the final hexagonal round, a feat not achieved since 1997. On an individual level, Ricketts emerged as Canada's leading scorer during the 2011–2013 qualifying campaign for the 2014 tournament, netting four goals across the second and third rounds. Overall, his 17 international goals in 61 appearances place him tied for fifth on Canada's all-time scoring list, highlighting his impact as a forward for the national team. International statistics
National teamYearAppsGoals
Canada2009–20206117
Total6117
*Note: Includes all senior international "A" matches. Youth internationals (e.g., 2007 U-20 World Cup) not included. Data as of last cap in 2020.

Honours

Club

During his tenure with Toronto FC from 2016 to 2018, Ricketts contributed to the club's major successes in Major League Soccer, including the Canadian Championship in 2016, 2017, and 2018. He played a key role in their run to the 2016 MLS Cup final, where Toronto FC fell to Seattle Sounders FC on penalties after a 0–0 draw; Ricketts came on as a substitute in extra time and nearly scored the winner with a volley in the 107th minute. In the Eastern Conference Final against Montreal Impact, he scored in the 118th minute during extra time to help secure a 5–2 victory and advance to the final. The following year, Ricketts was part of the squad that won the 2017 MLS Cup, defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2–1 in the final after appearing in 22 regular-season matches with seven goals. Toronto FC also clinched the 2017 Supporters' Shield for the best regular-season record, with Ricketts contributing seven goals in the regular season and additional appearances in playoffs and cup competitions. With in the Lithuanian during the 2019 season, Ricketts helped the team secure the league title and the Lithuanian Super Cup. They finished first with 79 points from 36 matches. As a key forward, he made 15 league appearances, scoring eight goals—including a brace in a 5–0 win over —and providing one assist, earning five inclusions in the Team of the Week. His contributions were instrumental in Sūduva's dominant campaign, where they won 25 of their 36 games. In the Super Cup, he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory over Žalgiris . Ricketts added to his trophy cabinet with Vancouver Whitecaps FC by winning the 2022 Canadian Championship, defeating 2–1 in the final to qualify for the . He appeared in five tournament matches, starting three and scoring once, and came off the bench in the final, where he nearly scored the winner on a only for it to be saved. While Ricketts did not earn major individual honors such as selections, he received team-specific recognitions, including Man of the Match awards in key games like a 2016 Playoff semifinal and the 2022 Jock MacDonald Unsung Hero award from for his overall contributions.

International

Ricketts did not win any major international trophies during his tenure with the national team, as the squad failed to secure a title or advance to a despite competitive showings. 's most notable milestone under Ricketts' involvement came in the , where the team topped Group C with victories over (4–0) and (7–0) before advancing to the quarterfinals, their deepest run in the since 2000, though they fell 3–2 to . In qualifying, Ricketts contributed to 's progression through the early stages of both the and cycles; for the latter, he scored twice in a 4–0 second-round win over , helping secure advancement to the third round and ultimately the final hexagonal round, a feat not achieved since 1997. On an individual level, Ricketts emerged as Canada's leading scorer during the 2011–2013 qualifying campaign for the 2014 tournament, netting four goals across the second and third rounds. Overall, his 17 international goals in 61 appearances place him tied for fifth on Canada's all-time scoring list, highlighting his impact as a forward for the national team.

Personal life

Background

Tosaint Ricketts was born on August 6, 1987, in , , , to parents of Jamaican heritage who were both born in . Raised in the multicultural city of , he grew up immersed in a diverse community that influenced his worldview and personal development. Ricketts completed his secondary education at St. Francis Xavier High School in , where he balanced academics with early soccer involvement. He played at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he earned a in sports management, before turning professional. Ricketts later completed a (MBA) through Major League Soccer's graduate program. Ricketts has long demonstrated a commitment to community involvement in , particularly through support for youth soccer programs and initiatives promoting social inclusion. During his time with the , he was recognized as the club's Humanitarian of the Year in for organizing school visits, clothing drives, and fundraising efforts to aid local communities. He has also engaged with local Indigenous communities through club initiatives. Ricketts holds dual citizenship in and , the latter through his parental heritage. Little public information is available regarding his family life, which he maintains as private. By 2019, he had relocated to the area to join the Whitecaps FC, establishing residence there ahead of his later career years.

Post-retirement activities

Tosaint Ricketts announced his from professional soccer on January 31, 2023, at the conclusion of his with , after a 14-year playing career. In his statement, he expressed gratitude to his family and supporters while emphasizing a desire to support future generations in the sport. Following his retirement, Ricketts joined the front office full-time as Liaison of Club and Player Engagement. In this role, he facilitates connections between the club and players, oversees youth outreach programs, and leads diversity and inclusion initiatives to foster community impact. In December 2023, Ricketts expanded his involvement with the Whitecaps by signing as the club's eMLS athlete, marking the first time a former MLS player competed in Major League Soccer's official esports league. He participates in competitions and mentors emerging gamers, bridging traditional soccer with the growing landscape. Ricketts has served as a player representative on Canada Soccer's Member Council, contributing to governance and development efforts. As of November 2025, he remains in his liaison position, actively engaging in community events such as discussions on in sports.

References

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