Vancouver FC sign midfielder Mehdi Essoussi and attacker Henri Godbout to CPL–U Sports contracts

March 24, 2025

Vancouver FC is excited to welcome 24 year-old Canadian midfielder Mehdi Essoussi and 19 year-old American-Canadian attacker Henri Godbout to the squad on CPL-U Sports contracts for the 2025 CPL Season. Essoussi and Godbout join the Eagles from UofT Varsity Blues and UBC Thunderbirds respectively after being drafted in the 2025 CPL-U Sports Draft this past December.

Mehdi Essoussi – UofT Varsity Blues & Alliance United (League 1 Ontario) – 10th overall pick at 2025 CPL-U Sports Draft

A technical and versatile midfielder from the University of Toronto (U of T), Essoussi brings professional experience as a former Toronto FC II player and a key contributor for Alliance United in League 1 Ontario. During the 2024 U SPORTS season, he appeared in 12 matches, starting 9, and contributed 2 goals and 2 assists. His close control, tactical awareness, and adaptability across midfield roles make him a valuable addition to Vancouver FC. The midfielder was called up to Toronto FC’s first time on a short-term loan agreement in 2022 from Toronto FC II.

Mehdi joins the Eagles after a strong season at UofT where he was team captain // Photo Credit: Beau Chevalier

Essoussi becomes the second ever Varsity Blues player to be drafted by Vancouver FC from the CPL U-SPORTS Draft after the Eagles selected centre-back Anthony White 1st overall in the 2023 CPL U-SPORTS Draft.

“I’m very excited to join Vancouver FC and looking forward to getting the opportunity to help the team succeed. The staff and team have been very welcoming from the first day I joined and I can’t wait to work with them more this season. The goal for the year is to be very successful as a team and I will give everything on the field to make it happen.”

Henri Godbout – UBC Thunderbirds and Altitude FC (League 1BC) – 2nd overall pick at 2025 CPL-U Sports Draft

Vancouver FC is proud to announce the signing of promising young attacker Henri Godbout to a 2025 CPL-U Sports contract. The 2025 CPL-U Sports Draft second overall pick, Godbout is a dynamic attacker with a stellar record of performances with the UBC Thunderbirds that saw him awarded Canada West’s Rookie of the Year in 2024, after scoring ten goals and notching eight assists in 20 matches. His move to Vancouver FC marks an exciting new chapter for the talented 19-year-old, who has showcased his remarkable skills as a goal-scorer and playmaker.

Henri Godbout, Vancouver FC’s second ever U SPORTS player drafted from UBC has featured regularly throughout the Eagles preseason friendlies // Photo Credit: Beau Chevalier

Last summer Godbout gained valuable experience playing in League1 BC for Altitude FC based out of North Vancouver. His time at Altitude provided him with a solid foundation and an opportunity to fine-tune his skills in a competitive environment. His 2024 campaign in League 1BC saw him help take Altitude FC to the final where they narrowly lost to TSS Rovers.

Vancouver FC Roster as of March 25, 2025:

Goalkeepers: Callum Irving, Felipe Jamarillo Drolet

Defenders: Elage Bah, Joey Buchanan, Matteo Campagna, Kunle Dada-Luke, Paris Gee, David Norman Jr.

Midfielders: Tyler Crawford, Vasco Fry, Emrick Fotsing, TJ Tahid, Dominic Joseph, Kevin Podgorni, Mehdi Essoussi, Henri Godbout

Forwards: Terran Campbell, Mikaël Cantave, Alejandro Dìaz, José Navarro

Vancouver FC recently launched Season Memberships for the upcoming 2025 Canadian Premier League Season. Fans looking to join the Eagles at the Langley Events Centre for the upcoming season can purchase tickets here.