Richie Laryea is one of the names synonymous with Canada’s rising soccer potential. The 28-year-old 2022 CONCACAF champion has had an exceptional soccer career that began during his college years at Sigma FC and Dante Alighieri Academy in Toronto. His passion for the sport has seen him play in the MLS, EFL Championship, and the Canada National Men’s Team. Laryea has emerged as a reliable member of any defense he steps into and receives call-ups to the national team whenever Canada plays. He was part of the winning team in the 2022 CONCACAF and played in the 2022 World Cup. Here’s an overview of Laryea’s exceptional soccer journey:
Richie’s Soccer Beginnings
Richie Laryea was born on January 7, 1995, in Toronto, Ontario, where he grew up. His parents are from Accra, Ghana, and he has a brother, Reginald Laryea, who plays for Vaughan Azzurri in the semi-professional league. Richie began playing for Club Uruguay Toronto when he was only six years old and looked up to favorites like Andres Iniesta, who played for Barcelona in Spain. His pre-college career involved playing for Sigma FC Academy and Dante Alighieri Academy in Toronto, which led him to the University of Akron. In college, he played for two seasons in 2014 and 2015. He was named to the All-Mid-American Conference Second Team in 2014 and made it to the first team in 2015 when his team reached the College Cup semi-finals. Richie joined League1 Ontario club Sigma FC, where he was named the league’s All-Star before joining Generation Adidas.
2016 MLS Super Draft
Richie Laryea was fairly unknown to fans and betting sites until he was drafted as the 7th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 MLS Super Draft by Orlando City. However, punters couldn’t find his name on MLS props as he was loaned to Orlando City B in March. Richie would spend the first half of his second season on loan to OCB, playing in attaching and defensive midfielder roles. He finally made his MLS debut on June 25, 2017, as a sub for Kaka in the 4-0 defeat to Chicago Fire. His first MLS assist came in September of the same year against the New England Revolution, but his first MLS start came on the last day of the season away to Philadelphia Union. Unfortunately, the young midfielder ended his career with Orlando City in 2018 without scoring an MLS goal.
2019 Toronto FC Signing
Richie signed for MLS outfit Toronto FC in 2019 and scored his first MLS goal in May the same year. His goal came as a consolation in a 2-1 home defeat to San Jose Earthquakes. However, his team would go on to the playoffs, where he scored his first playoff goal against DC United before defeating Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference MLS playoffs. His team lost to Seattle Sounders in the 2019 MLS Cup final. Toronto FC kept him for another season, in which he would become the MLS Player of the Week after netting one goal and assisting two in his team’s 3-1 win against league-leading Colombus Crew.
2022 European Stint
In January 2022, Richie Laryea was signed by EFL Championship club Nottingham Forest on a three-and-a-half-year contract. He debuted on April 18 of the same year against West Bromwich Albion in a 4-0 home victory. Unfortunately, Richie didn’t play much for the club and was loaned to Toronto FC in August 2022. The loan spell ended in June 2023, and Richie was once again loaned to the Canadian MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps, where he currently plays. A return to the MLS rounds up Richie’s exceptional journey as a Canadian soccer player. He is expected to return to Nottingham Forest at the end of his loan, with his parent team currently playing in the English Premier League.
Richie’s International Career
Richie Laryea was called to Canada’s Under 23 national team in 2016 and scored in the opening match against Guyana. He received his first call- to the senior squad in the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League games against Cuba. He scored his first goal in the senior team in Canada’s 5-1 win over Bermuda during the 2022 World Cup qualifying game. Laryea was also named in the 23-man squad of the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup and called up to the 2022 FIFA World Cup team. Other call-ups include the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals and the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup. During his international stint, Laryea made it to the Concacaf semifinals in 2021, won a Silver Medal in 2023 and a Gold Medal in 2022. He was also part of the team that was paid a surprise training session visit by Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2021 ahead of the World Cup qualifying match in Edmonton.
A Tale of Rising Potential
Laryea’s soccer career is a tale that is yet to meet its end. The Canadian superstar has played in the MLS and Championship and might one day play in the English elite league should Nottingham Forest decide to keep him. His journey is a success story in soccer and an encouragement to other emerging talents in Canadian sports. Laryea has become integral to the senior men’s team and an icon whose journey continues to unfold. He has already made 48 appearances for Canada, including 39 starts, contributing to six goals within that time.
