Vancouver Whitecaps forward Tosaint Ricketts retires, joins club staff

Veteran forward Tosaint Ricketts has announced his retirement from professional soccer following a 14-year career ranging 10 clubs in seven different countries.

The 35-year-old played in Major League Soccer for almost the final seven years of his career, initially with Toronto FC before heading the Whitecaps for a 65-game spell which yielded seven goals and two assists, as well as a Canadian Championship title.

Toisant Ricketts career honors

• Toronto FC: MLS Cup, Canadian Championship (x2), Supporters' Shield
• Sūduva: A Lyga, Lithuanian Football Cup, Lithuanian Super Cup
• Vancouver Whitecaps: Canadian Championship

With his boots hung up, Ricketts will remain with the Whitecaps as liaison of club and player engagement.

“As I look back on my soccer career, I can't help but feel a sense of joy and fulfilment,” Ricketts said in an official statement. "I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey - my family, friends, coaches, teammates and of course, the supporters!

"... Thank you for being a part of my journey!”

Ricketts enjoyed spells outside Major League Soccer in Finland, Romania, Norway, Turkey, Israel, and Lithuania, scoring 69 goals in 327 appearances across all competitions.

At international level, the forward represented Canada 61 times between 2011 and 2020, scoring 17 goals.

“First of all, we want to congratulate Tosaint on an incredible career and thank him for all his contributions on the field for our club,” Whitecaps chief executive officer and sporting director Axel Schuster said in a club press release.

“He has been a key presence in our locker room with his leadership qualities and showed a desire to give his all every time he put on our jersey. We are excited to continue having Tosaint as part of our club in his role of liaison of club and player engagement. ” 

Ricketts is the second Whitecaps player to retire this season alongside Florian Jungwirth, who joined the club's coaching staff.