VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that the club has signed Whitecaps FC BMO Academy midfielder Yuma Tsuji to a professional contract with Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2). The 17-year-old is signed through 2027 and becomes the 16th Canadian teenager to be signed to a professional contract since WFC2 began play in MLS NEXT Pro in 2022.
Whitecaps FC 2 midfielder Yuma Tsuji
- Joined Whitecaps FC BMO Academy program in 2022 from Langley United Soccer Association
- Recorded two goals and one assist while starting 17 of 21 appearances with WFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro
- Member of Canada’s U-17 men’s national team playing at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar
“Yuma has done well to move through our academy and earn regular minutes this season with WFC2 in MLS NEXT Pro,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “It is through his performances this season that he has now earned a professional contract. We look forward to continuing to support him as he continues his development.”
Tsuji is currently with Canada’s U-17 men’s national team preparing for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Canada begin the tournament against Uganda on Wednesday, November 5.
During the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, Tsuji made 17 starts and 21 appearances, recording two goals and one assist in 1,577 minutes to help WFC2 earn their spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs.
The resident of Maple Ridge, British Columbia joined the Whitecaps FC BMO Academy program in 2022 from Langley United Soccer Association, while also spending time at Sefa Soccer Academy.
Yuma Tsuji
Pronunciation: yoo-ma siu-gee
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-09
Weight: 160 pounds
Date of Birth: June 9, 2008 in Vancouver, British Columbia
Hometown: Maple Ridge. British Columbia
Citizenship: Canada, Japan
Status: Domestic
Youth Clubs: Whitecaps FC BMO Academy, Langley United Soccer Association, Sefa Soccer Academy
Instagram: @yuma.tsujii
