5 Best Vancouver Whitecaps FC Players, Ranked

Vancouver has a rich soccer history, as the original Whitecaps debuted in the NASL in 1974. However, the modern-day MLS franchise was established in 2009 and began play two years later.

Given the Caps’ recent success, it’s no surprise that two of their current stars make my list of the five best Vancouver Whitecaps FC players of all time.

Who Are the Best Vancouver Whitecaps FC Players?

1. Ryan Gauld

The Scottish midfield maestro is one of the primary reasons the Whitecaps are often one of the MLS betting favourites at the BetMGM sportsbook.

Since joining the club in 2021, Gauld has had a massive impact from his attacking midfield role, making over 75 goal contributions in league play. He delivered double-digit goals and assists in each of the past two MLS campaigns and was named an All-Star in 2024.

Gauld leads the modern-day iteration of the club in assists and is second in goals behind Brian White, who I’ll discuss later. The Caps’ captain has been named Vancouver’s Player of the Year in each of the last three seasons and should be instrumental in the years to come.

2. Camilo Sanvezzo

Camilo was an option for the top spot after impressing during the Whitecaps’ first three seasons in MLS. 

The Brazilian forward was the first player to reach multiple scoring milestones (20, 30, and 40 goals) for the club, and won the MLS Golden Boot in 2013 with 22 goals. He was the club’s all-time leading scorer in MLS play (43 goals) until White eclipsed his mark last season.

Beyond his scoring prowess, Camilo was known for his flair and style. He had an eye for the sensational, scoring on free kicks, scissor kicks, and diving headers, making him an instant fan favourite.

3. Kendall Waston

Defenders rarely make lists like this, but Waston’s arrival in 2014 provided stability and rigidity to a back line that struggled at times in the club’s early days. The Costa Rican centre back made 115 appearances for the club and captained it during his final two seasons.

Waston finished runner-up in the voting for MLS Defender of the Year in 2015 after helping Vancouver to the MLS’ joint-best defence, surrendering just 36 goals in 34 matches. He would finish third for that honour two seasons later but was named to the MLS’ Best XI on both occasions.

4. Alphonso Davies

Davies is unquestionably the most talented player to suit up for the Blue and White, but unfortunately, we never got to see him in his prime.

The Canadian superstar played 65 games for the club as a teenager before his then-record transfer fee ($13.5 million) to German giant Bayern Munich.

Even in limited time, Davies dazzled with his electrifying pace and dribbling skills. He scored eight goals and delivered 11 assists in the 2018 MLS campaign as a 17-year-old, earning All-Star and Whitecaps Player of the Year honours.

5. Brian White

White is Vancouver’s modern-day leading scorer despite only being with the club for the better part of four seasons. He’s already up to fifth on the all-time list, though he’s more than 100 goals behind club legend Domenic Mobilio (170).

Still, White has tallied 15 goals in each of the past two MLS seasons and has been the club’s leading scorer in three of the past four years. While he doesn’t offer as much creativity as some of the others on this list, he could move up if the productivity continues at this rate for a few more years.