Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jonathan David

Discover the career path of Jonathan David, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Jonathan David is a professional soccer player. He plays as a forward and most recently played for Ligue 1 club Lille and the Canada national team. He is known for his goal-scoring ability and is a key player for both his club and country.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Joined Ottawa Gloucester SC

In 2015, Jonathan David joined Ottawa Gloucester SC where he played for the club's Hornets team.

2015: Identified by Canadian youth national team

In 2015, Jonathan David was identified by the Canadian youth national team program, marking the beginning of his involvement with the national setup.

2016: Joined Ottawa Internationals SC

In 2016, Jonathan David joined Ottawa Internationals SC, continuing his development in youth soccer.

2017: Represented Canada at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship

In 2017, Jonathan David represented Canada at the CONCACAF U-17 Championship and scored a brace against Suriname in the final group game.

January 2018: Joined Gent

In January 2018, Jonathan David joined Belgian First Division A side Gent, marking a significant step in his professional career.

May 2018: Called up to Canadian Under-21 team

In May 2018, Jonathan David was called up to the Canadian Under-21 team for the 2018 Toulon Tournament, further progressing in his international youth career.

August 4, 2018: Professional Debut

On August 4, 2018, Jonathan David made his professional debut for Gent against Zulte Waregem, scoring a goal in stoppage time to secure a 1–1 draw.

August 30, 2018: First Senior Call Up to Canada

On August 30, 2018, Jonathan David received his first senior call up to Canada for a CONCACAF Nations League qualifier against the U.S. Virgin Islands.

September 2018: Debut for Canada

In September 2018, Jonathan David made his debut for the Canada national team, marking the beginning of his international career.

2018: Move to Belgium

In 2018, Jonathan David moved to Belgium and marked his professional debut for Gent.

2018: Declined Invitation from United States

In 2018, Jonathan David received a call-up to the United States under-20 team but declined the invitation to focus on his club career and because his desire was to represent Canada.

May 30, 2019: Named to CONCACAF Gold Cup Squad

On May 30, 2019, Jonathan David was named to the final squad for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

September 7, 2019: Set Record for Most Canada Senior International Goals

After Canada's 6–0 victory over Cuba on September 7, 2019, Jonathan David set the record for most Canada senior international goals in a single year with eight in 2019 and was named the 2019 Canadian Men's Player of the Year.

September 2019: Contract Extension

In September 2019, Jonathan David extended his contract with Gent by a year to 2023, showing the club's confidence in his abilities.

2019: Canada Soccer Player of the Year

In 2019, Jonathan David was named the male Canada Soccer Player of the Year, recognizing his achievements and contributions to Canadian soccer.

January 2020: Interest from Bigger Clubs

In January 2020, Gent chairman Ivan de Witte indicated there was significant interest in Jonathan David from bigger clubs, with his value estimated at €20 million.

August 11, 2020: Signed by Lille

On August 11, 2020, Jonathan David signed a five-year contract with Ligue 1 side Lille for a reported fee of €30 million, making him the most expensive Canadian transfer to date.

2020: Scored two goals during first half of campaign

During the first half of the 2020–21 campaign, Jonathan David scored two goals.

2020: Ligue 1 Title

Jonathan David contributed to Lille's title charge and finished his first season of 2020-21 with 13 league goals, becoming an important player.

November 2021: First UEFA Champions League goal

In November 2021, Jonathan David scored his first UEFA Champions League goal from a penalty in a 2–1 away victory over Sevilla.

November 2022: Confirmed for 2022 FIFA World Cup Squad

In November 2022, Jonathan David was confirmed as part of the 26-man squad going to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

2022: Personal Best in Ligue 1

During the 2022–23 season, Jonathan David netted 24 goals in Ligue 1, marking his personal best and securing third place on the top scorers list.

2022: Previous Contract Extension Year

In 2022, Jonathan David's previous contract extension with Gent was still in effect.

June 2023: Named to Canada's Final Squad for CONCACAF Nations League Finals

In June 2023, Jonathan David was named to Canada's final squad for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals. David would score Canada's first goal in their semifinal win over Panama, but would be shut out in a 2–0 loss to the United States in the final.

2023: Contract Extension Year

In 2023, Jonathan David's contract extension with Gent which was signed in 2019 came to an end.

June 2024: Named to Canada's Squad for 2024 Copa América

In June 2024, Jonathan David was named to Canada's squad for the 2024 Copa América. During their second group game, David scored Canada's first-ever goal and first win at the competition.

September 2024: Joint All Time Top Scorer

On 7 September 2024, in a friendly against the United States, Jonathan David scored his 29th international goal to become Canada's joint all time top men's scorer alongside Cyle Larin.

October 2024: Scored 30th international goal

On 15 October 2024, Jonathan David scored his 30th international goal in a friendly game against Panama.

November 2024: Canada's all time top goalscorer

In November 2024, Jonathan David became Canada's all-time top goalscorer, cementing his legacy in Canadian soccer history.

November 2024: Lille's European Competitions Topscorer

On 5 November 2024, Jonathan David became Lille’s European competitions topscorer with 13 goals.

May 2025: Departure from Lille

On 14 May 2025, Jonathan David announced his departure from Lille at the end of the season, with his contract set to expire, concluding a five-year tenure with the club.