Vancouver FC is welcoming yet another new face to their roster as international star Alejandro Díaz joins the squad. The 27-year-old is a proven goalscorer, evident in his winning of the Golden Boot trophy last season, and will hopefully provide the young expansion side with more experience.

Díaz returns to the Canadian Premier League (CPL) on a one-year loan after spending 10 months in Norway with Sogndal Football in 1. Division. He made an impeccable arrival in the European league, scoring six goals in just 11 appearances in the second half of Sogndal’s season last year. So far this season, Díaz has scored two goals in the NM Cupen and made eight regular-season appearances but the striker is looking forward to returning to Canada.

“My family and I had an amazing time when we were here [in Canada] last,” says Díaz. “I’m super excited to play a part in this new expansion team, Vancouver FC.”

Díaz is no stranger to the CPL after previously spending almost three seasons with Pacific FC from March 2020 to August 2022. He brought a dangerous attacking skill that made every match a thriller to watch. The native of Mexico made his mark in the CPL history books prior to his departure as the only player to register two hat tricks in league history and is currently ranked-third for career goals scored in league play with 26.

Vancouver FC Head Coach Afshin Ghotbi understands the influence that a veteran like Díaz can have on a young team. “Alejandro has proven he can not only score but dominate in attack in the Canadian Premier League,” says Ghotbi. “Goals win games, and Díaz scores them in bunches.”

Now, Díaz will have the opportunity to continue his record breaking ways, this time with Vancouver FC. Although he will be playing for a new team, Díaz will be joining some familiar faces in Kadin Chung and Callum Irving who were the forward’s former teammates at Pacific when they won the CPL Championship in 2021.

“I can’t wait to join the team, to see everyone, and to play at Willoughby Park,” says Díaz.

Díaz began his professional career in Mexico with Liga MX’s Club América which included time on loan to Necaxa, Atlas and Zacatepec. For his native country, Díaz has represented Mexico at both the U-17 and U-20 levels where he won the Concacaf Championship in each age group in 2013 and 2015, respectively.

This is the second player announcement from Vancouver FC in recent weeks, after signing forward Mikaël ‘Miki’ Cantave from Cavalry FC, who has also brought some experience to the young group. Cantave has already scored one goal in just his second appearance for Vancouver FC in their 2-1 victory over Halifax and has played a total of 168 minutes.

Díaz could make his first Vancouver FC appearance when the BC-side visits Atlético Ottawa on July 16. Fans can get their first look at the reigning Golden Boot winner when Vancouver FC returns to Willoughby Park on July 22 to host Cavalry FC. Kick-off to the Telus Community Give Back match is at 4 p.m. and tickets can still be purchased here.