20-year-old Colombian youth international joins on loan through June 2027
VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Thursday that the club has acquired Colombian defender Sebastián Ramírez on loan from Colombia’s Categoría Primera A side Fortaleza CEIF through June 2027. The loan agreement includes an option to purchase. Ramírez will officially be added to the club’s Major League Soccer roster pending receipt of his international transfer certificate.
“Sebastián is a young, defensively minded player who has emerged as a key contributor for Fortaleza,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “He brings a strong balance of aggression and awareness to defensive situations, while also offering versatility across multiple positions. We’re excited to welcome Sebastián to the group and look forward to supporting his continued development.”
Whitecaps FC centre back Sebastián Ramírez
- 46 appearances, 26 starts, three goals across all competitions with Fortaleza CEIF
- Four appearances with Colombia’s U-20 youth national team
- Product of Fortaleza CEIF’s youth academy
“I’m very excited to have arrived at Whitecaps FC, it is a great opportunity for me to grow and I’m looking forward to giving my best to help the team,” added Ramírez. "I know I am joining a club that strives to win, so I will work hard to help this team win titles and bring joy to the fans in this city.”
Ramírez, 20, is a product of Fortaleza CEIF’s youth academy and has gone on to start 26 of his 46 appearances across all competitions for the club’s first team, scoring three goals. Born in Miami, Florida, Ramírez grew up in Bogotá, Colombia and has mostly been utilized as a centre back at Fortaleza, while also seeing minutes in midfield.
In his youth, Ramírez spent time with local side Club Deportivo Escuéla Carlos Sarmiento Lora.
On the international stage, Ramírez has previously represented Colombia at the U-20 level, recording four appearances.
TRANSACTION: On August 20, 2026, Whitecaps FC acquire defender Sebastián Ramírez on loan from Colombian side Fortaleza CEIF through June 2027, following the 2027 MLS Sprint Season, with an option to purchase.
Sebastián Ramírez
Pronunciation: rah-mee-rezz
Position: Centre Back
Height: 6-00
Weight: 160 pounds
Date of Birth: February 9, 2006 in Miami, Florida
Hometown: Bogotá, Colombia
Citizenships: Colombia, United States
Status: Domestic
Parent Club: Fortaleza CEIF (2024-26)
Youth Clubs: Fortaleza CEIF, Club Deportivo Escuéla Carlos Sarmiento Lora
Instagram: @sebasramirezm21