*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of October 19, 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of November 5, 2024
Grady McDonnell (born February 17, 2008) is a footballer who plays for Vancouver FC in the Canadian Premier League. McDonnell is the youngest player to ever sign a professional contract in the Canadian Premier League. Born in Canada, he is a youth international for Ireland.
Early life
McDonnell began playing youth soccer at age five with Coastal FC.[1] Afterwards, he played with the Supra Academy, until age 13.[2][3] He spent some time with the Whitecaps FC Pre-Academy, before officially joining the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy in August 2022.[4] He had training stints with Blackburn Rovers in England, Schalke in Germany, and Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.[5]
Club career
In January 2024, he signed a professional contract with Vancouver FC of the Canadian Premier League through the 2026 season.[6][7] He became the youngest player in league history to sign a contract at 15 years and 11 months.[8][9] He made his debut, at age 16, on May 3 against Cavalry FC,[10] becoming the second youngest player to debut in club history and the third youngest in league history.[11] In July 2024, he was named to the CPL Team of the Week for the first time for week 15.[12]
International career
McDonnell is eligible to represent Canada, where he was born, and Ireland, where his grandfather was from.[13][14]
In September 2022, McDonnell was called up to a camp with the Ireland U15 team for the first time, and then was subsequently called up to the squad the next month for the UEFA Development Tournament.[15] While with the Ireland U15, he served as team captain.[16]
