BREAKING NEWS: Vancouver Whitecaps Key Star announces retirement From MLS
Long-serving Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder Russell Teibert has announced his retirement from professional soccer and will transition into a role within the club’s front office, according to an announcement made on Friday.
16 years of service 🫡💙
Teibert spent his entire professional career with #VWFC, signing as an @MLS homegrown player on March 17, 2011. pic.twitter.com/8GSNm1K5tZ— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) March 1, 2024
At 31 years old, Teibert wraps up an impressive 16-year career as the longest-serving player in Vancouver’s history, having remained with the organization throughout his entire professional tenure. His legacy includes a remarkable 301 appearances across all competitions, placing him fourth in the all-time appearance list for Whitecaps players. During his time on the field, Teibert found the net five times and provided 24 assists.
Teibert’s influence extends to setting club records with 253 regular-season appearances and 193 starts.
In acknowledging Teibert’s retirement, Whitecaps CEO & Sporting Director Axel Schuster expressed his admiration, praising Teibert’s unwavering professionalism both on and off the field and his consistent dedication to the team’s cause.
Teibert’s impact wasn’t confined to domestic play; he also made significant contributions in Canadian Championship matches, boasting a tournament-record 32 appearances. His pivotal role in the team’s successes saw the Whitecaps clinch the Canadian Championship three times (in 2015, 2022, and 2023), with Teibert earning the George Gross Memorial Trophy as the tournament’s MVP in 2015.
Yours, Thirty-One. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/iPXc1mSxeF
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) March 1, 2024
Internationally, Teibert represented Canada with distinction, earning 27 senior caps and scoring two goals for his country.
In a reflective statement, Teibert expressed gratitude for the journey he shared with the club and his teammates, emphasizing their collective growth and resilience. He concludes his playing career with a sense of fulfillment, having remained true to his commitment to elevate the Whitecaps jersey.
Following a bye in Matchday 1, Vancouver kicks off their 2024 regular-season campaign on Saturday, hosting Charlotte FC at BC Place (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).