Ranko Veselinović

A young centre back with experience, character, and pace, Serbian youth international Ranko Veselinović joined Whitecaps FC on loan from Serbian SuperLiga club FK Vojvodina in February 2020. In October of the same year, he was acquired via pemanent transfer and was signed through 2023.

In August 2023, Veselinović agreed to a contract extension through 2026, with a club option for 2027.

WHITECAPS FC

'24: Veselinović starred in defence for the ‘Caps during the 2024 season as a nominee for the MLS Defender of the Year award. The Serbian international started a career-high 43 matches and made a career-high 45 appearances across all competitions, finishing as the team’s leader in clearances in MLS play with 123. Veselinović also chipped in on the offensive part of the game, scoring against Toronto FC on April 6, against Houston Dynamo FC on July 20, and in the Leagues Cup match against LAFC on July 30. Additionally, Veselinović was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday on three separate occasions (Matchday 8, Matchday 27, Matchday 33).

'23: Veselinović started 41 of his 42 appearances across all competitions and recorded team-highs in clearances (148 – fifth in MLS) as well as blocks (26 – eighth in MLS) during the regular season. In addition, the centre back notched two goals and two assists, scoring at Los Angeles FC on June 24 and against Seattle Sounders FC on July 8. Veselinović also reached 100 MLS appearances with his start at Chicago Fire FC on August 30. The Serbian was one of four finalists for the club's Player of the Year award.

'22: Veselinović was a key piece of Vanni Sartini’s system in 2022, as he tallied a team-high 34 starts across all competitions and recorded a league-leading 178 clearances during the MLS regular season. In addition, the centre back led the team in blocks, successful passes and touches in MLS play. Veselinović also scored his second goal for the club against Real Salt Lake on June 4, with the ‘Caps securing a 2-1 win at BC Place.

'21: Veselinović established himself as one of the top young defenders in MLS after being named the club’s Most Promising Male Player in 2020. The native of Novi Sad, Serbia made 22 starts and 27 appearances in the regular season and led the team in blocks (22) and clearances (100). Veselinović notched his first MLS goal on August 8 against LA Galaxy. The youngster also started the Canadian Championship match against Pacific FC.

'20: Veselinović made 16 starts in 18 league appearances as part of the 'Caps young backline, adapting quickly with the pace and style of MLS. He finished tied for third across MLS with 22 blocks, and in the top 20 with 78 clearances. He also made the start against Sporting KC in the Round of 16 matchup at the MLS is Back Tournament. He set a new 'Caps single-match MLS record with six blocks against San Jose Earthquakes at the MLS is Back Tournament. He also had a five-block outing later during the season in a win over LAFC. The Serbian defender was named the club's Most Promising Male Player at the end of the season.

FK VOJVODINA

'17-'20: Prior to his arrival in Vancouver, Veselinović had played his entire career with his hometown club FK Vojvodina. A member of the youth academy since 2011, Veselinović made his first team debut on September 16, 2017 and signed his first professional contract on October 27, 2017. During the 2019-20 season in the Serbia SuperLiga, Veselinović was named team captain in the summer, had started 19 of the first 20 matches, and helped his side reach third overall in the league prior to the winter break. In total, the centre back made 59 league appearances for FK Vojvodina, as well as five appearances in the Serbian Cup.

INTERNATIONAL

Internationally, Veselinović has represented his country twice at the senior level, starting a friendly against Dominican Republic in January 2021 and a friendly against the United States in January 2023. He has also represented Serbia at the U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19, and U-21 levels.