One of the Canadian Premier League's most significant regulations is the domestic U21 player rule, which requires each club to log at least 2,000 minutes played by Canadian players under the age of 21. The rule has undoubtedly helped uncover talent that may otherwise have gone unnoticed.

Ahead of Saturday's season opener, here's a look at the U21 players worth keeping an eye on.

Pacific FC: Christian Greco-Taylor

Christian Greco-Taylor looks set to cement himself once again in the starting left-back role in his third professional season with Pacific FC. The 21-year-old from Calgary, Alberta, has steadily improved under the leadership of manager James Merriman, evolving from a rotational option with 15 appearances in 2024 into a more reliable, starting-calibre wingback with 24 appearances in 2025.

That growth has been evident across his game. Defensively, he’s sharper, more aware in transition and better at reading attacking threats. Going forward, he’s beginning to add real value as well, notching three assists last season. Still chasing his first professional goal, Greco-Taylor heads into 2026 with added confidence after an offseason that included a training stint with Bundesliga side VfL Bochum.

Honourable mentions: Sami Keshavarz, Mattias Vales

Vancouver FC: Emrick Fotsing

Few players experienced a first professional season quite like Emrick Fotsing in 2025: it was a campaign filled with both breakthrough moments and frustrating adversity.

On the positive side, the 18-year-old central midfielder from Montreal, Quebec, became a reliable contributor in the middle of the pitch for Vancouver FC, making 21 appearances and scoring four goals during the campaign. As the season progressed, Fotsing evolved from a rotational bench piece into a dependable starter, becoming one of Martin Nash’s most trusted players by season’s end. Despite his rare combination of size, speed, and strength, his most impressive trait is his composure, playing with the confidence and intent of a seasoned professional, consistently driving forward and putting himself in dangerous positions, all the while possessing the ability to drop back and help support his defenders.

However, his season was also marked by adversity, as he suffered a frightening head injury that left him unconscious during a match against Forge midway through the campaign, halting a strong run of form. If Fotsing can stay healthy, he has all the tools to become a focal point in the CPL and build a very promising future for himself.

Honourable mentions: Kian Proctor, Marsel Bibishkov

Forge FC: Hoce Massunda

What more can be said about Hoce Massunda in 2025? The winger didn’t just step into a productive role for Forge FC—he thrived in the spotlight. 

Following the controversial departure of Beni Badibanga, Massunda seized his opportunity, finishing his debut 2025 season with 25 appearances (16 starts), four goals, and five assists. His nine total goal contributions were second among U21 players. Not bad for a first impression.

Direct, aggressive, and confident on the ball, Massunda quickly became a constant threat on either wing for the boys in orange. Now, with club legend David Choinière moving on to FC Supra, the door is wide open for him to take on an even bigger role. Heading into 2026, Massunda isn’t just a promising youngster, but a player expected to deliver. And if his trajectory continues, he could quickly become a household name across the CPL landscape.

Honourable mentions: Kevaughn Tavernier, Zayne Bruno

Atlético Ottawa: Sergei Koslovskiy

Not every breakout season is built on highlight reels and scoring statistics, and Sergei Koslovskiy is proof of that. The 17-year-old from Montreal, Quebec, quietly put together one of the most composed and tactically sound campaigns for an under-21 footballer in the CPL, making 21 appearances for Atlético Ottawa and playing a steady role in the club’s historic run to its first North Star Cup in 2025.

Koslovskiy’s game is built on intelligence and consistency. He reads the game well, positions himself effectively, and rarely looks out of place—traits that are rare for a footballer his age. Add in his growing international experience with Canada’s U20 side, where he’s already chipped in with a goal in five appearances, and it’s clear his stock is rising.

If he can begin to add more attacking contributions during set pieces, his ceiling becomes even higher. For now, he remains one of the CPL’s most quietly impressive young defenders.

Honourable mentions: Joaquim Colanges

Cavalry FC: Adam Pearlman

Adam Pearlman made a major impact in his first CPL season with the Halifax Wanderers. The 20-year-old defender became a regular starter at right back, making 26 appearances while contributing two goals and two assists.

Now with Cavalry, Pearlman has big shoes to fill as he looks set to take over a role long held by club mainstay Fraser Aird. Known for his defensive instincts, composure on the ball, and physicality, Pearlman profiles as a versatile fullback capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.

Learning under Tommy Wheeldon Jr. should further accelerate his development. With a strong football environment in Calgary and a clear pathway into the starting XI, 2026 is shaping up to be an important and potentially breakout year for Pearlman.

Honourable mentions: James McGlinchey

Inter Toronto FC: Shola Jimoh

Shola Jimoh remained an important contributor for Inter Toronto FC (formerly York United) in 2025, though he did not quite make the leap in production many had expected.

However, the 17-year-old winger from Brampton, Ontario, still has plenty to offer for Mauro Eustáquio's side. As he continued to show his quality, attacking defenders directly with pace, with a high work rate to match. However, the end product was limited, finishing with three assists and no goals in 22 appearances.

Jimoh will look to bounce back during the 2026 campaign. Internationally, he has impressed with Canada’s U20 side, recording one goal and five assists in six appearances during the 2025 Concacaf Championship, along with an appearance for a Canada B side that defeated Guatemala 1–0. The sky is the limit for Jimoh, and the potential is still there. He just needs to take the opportunities under Inter Toronto FC and run with them.

Honourable mentions: Antonio Campos, Ivan Pavela, Jesse Costa

HFX Wanderers: Francesco Troisi

If you’re looking for a true dark horse heading into 2026, Francesco Troisi might be your guy.

The Halifax Wanderers’ youngster arrives from the Vancouver Whitecaps system with a profile of a modern-day fullback, as he looks to be comfortable in 1v1 situations, is technically sound, and is capable of contributing on either flank. Still just 19 years young, he’s already shown impressive awareness and composure during the 2026 offseason for a player yet to make his professional debut.

In preseason, Troisi turned heads with a standout long-range goal and, more importantly, looked right at home alongside experienced professionals. His prior connection with head coach Vanni Sartini under the Whitecaps academy further cements his case for early opportunities in the squad.

He may start the season under the radar, but don’t be surprised if Troisi plays his way into a much bigger role as the year unfolds.

Honourable Mentions: Sinclair Astridge

⚓️ What a hit by Francesco Troisi 😳⚽️

The winning goal for the Wanderers in yesterday’s 3-1 victory over Mons Calpe to close out @WestJet Training Camp in Spain 🇪🇸 #TogetherFromAways #COYW pic.twitter.com/zkcSPVvS8A

— Halifax Wanderers FC (@HFXWanderersFC) March 26, 2026

FC Supra: Alexandre Marcoux

If you thought Francisco Troisi is a true dark horse, then allow me to introduce you to Alexandre Marcoux. The second overall pick in the 2026 CPL U-SPORTS Draft enters his first professional season with a strong résumé and plenty of opportunity to seize his moment.

The 21-year-old striker from Victoriaville, Quebec, is coming off a dominant university campaign with the UQTR Patriotes, where he recorded six goals and four assists in 10 appearances in 2025, being named RSEQ's most outstanding player. He also has experience playing within Nick Razzaghi’s system at CS Saint-Laurent, which should help ease his transition into the professional game with FC Supra.

Marcoux profiles as a classic poacher, combining work rate, intelligence, and positioning to find dangerous spaces in the box. With high-quality creators such as Sean Rea, David Choinière, and Diyaeddine Abzi around him, he could benefit from strong service in attacking areas.

In an expansion side still defining its identity, Marcoux has a real opportunity to carve out a meaningful role. If he adapts quickly, he could emerge as one of the CPL’s most surprising U21 contributors in 2026.

Honourable mentions: Eliakim Awonongbadje