A technical player with offensive and defensive qualities as well as potential for growth, Ali Ahmed joined Whitecaps FC in November 2022 after spending the year with the club's MLS NEXT Pro side Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2).
Ahmed agreed to an MLS contract through 2025, with a club option for 2026.
WHITECAPS FC
'24: Ahmed set career-highs in starts and appearances during the season, starting 22 of his 31 appearances across all competitions en route to helping the ‘Caps secure their third consecutive TELUS Canadian Championship triumph and a third MLS Cup Playoffs berth in the last four seasons. The native of Toronto, Ontario recorded his third-career MLS regular season goal at San Jose Earthquakes on March 9 and was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 4. He also added an assist on Sebastian Berhalter’s goal against Colorado Rapids on June 1. On the international stage, Ahmed became a key piece of Jesse Marsch’s system with Canada’s men’s national team, starting six of his eight appearances in 2024. Three of those appearances, and one start, came at the 2024 Copa América, as Canada reached the semifinals in their first appearance at the tournament.
'23: In his first full season as a member of the first team, Ahmed showed his wide range of versatility by being deployed as a central midfielder, fullback, wingback, and attacking midfielder throughout the year. The native of Toronto, Ontario started 17 of his 30 appearances across all competitions, scoring three goals and adding two assists. Ahmed made his first MLS start on April 1 against Canadian rivals CF Montréal, notching his first ‘Caps goal and assist en route to a dominating 5-0 victory. He also received league recognition for his performance, as he was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 6. Despite suffering a concussion in May and receiving his first call-up to Canada’s men’s national team in the summer, Ahmed played in all 15 of the ‘Caps final matches of 2023, scoring his third goal of the season in the Decision Day clash against Los Angeles FC at BC Place on October 21. The Canadian finished the season with a 7W-1L-4D record when starting an MLS regular season match and was named the club’s 2023 Most Promising Male Player. Ahmed was voted for the award by a panel of media.
'22: Ahmed signed with the ‘Caps MLS NEXT Pro side Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2) in March 2022, recording a team-leading five assists as well as 21 successful dribbles across 14 starts and 15 appearances. Primarily deployed as a wingback, Ahmed missed two months of the season due to a knee injury, making his return on July 24 at Colorado Rapids 2 and recording an assist on WFC2’s second goal. Ahmed also led the team in tackles (39), was second in key passes (17), third in duels (41) and fourth in interceptions (26). For his efforts, Ahmed was named the WFC2 Player of the Year, selected for the award by his teammates and WFC2 staff. In addition, Ahmed received two MLS short-term call-ups to the first team, making substitute appearances at Austin FC on April 23 and against Houston Dynamo FC on August 5. He also spent the 2022 preseason camp with the first team in California, making one start in four appearances. Prior to signing with WFC2 last March, the native of Toronto, Ontario first joined the club as a member of the Whitecaps FC Development Squad in 2020. Before arriving in Vancouver, Ahmed previously had tryouts with Toronto FC, as well as clubs in Portugal, Spain, England, and the Netherlands.
INTERNATIONAL
Ahmed received his first call-up to Canada’s men’s national team in June for the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup, making his debut as a starter in the opening group stage match against Guadeloupe. Ahmed started all four of Canada’s matches at the tournament and has gone on to start 10 of his total 12 appearances for the national team.
