{"id":277528,"first_name":"Jonathan Christian","last_name":"David","short_name":"J. David","common_name":"Jonathan David","place_of_birth":"Brooklyn, NY","gender":"male","height":180,"weight":74,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T11:28:38.271Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T14:31:06.171Z","locale":"en","age":25,"stb_id":"jonathan-david","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Jonathan David","top_position":null,"introduction":"Jonathan Christian David is a professional soccer player widely recognized for his significant contributions to both club and international football. Born in Brooklyn, United States, David is a forward for Ligue 1 club Lille and the Canadian national team. With major achievements such as winning the Ligue 1 title with Lille and becoming Canada's all-time top goal scorer, David has made an indelible mark on the sport.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nJonathan David was born on January 14, 2000, in Brooklyn, New York City, to Haitian parents. When he was just three months old, the family moved back to Haiti before immigrating to Ottawa, Canada, when Jonathan was six. He grew up in the Franco-Ontarian community of east Ottawa, offering a culturally rich environment that supported his development in soccer. David attended École secondaire publique Louis-Riel, a Francophone public school, where he attributed much of his early success to constantly having a ball at his feet. His childhood was shaped by a desire to play soccer professionally, not in North America, but in Europe, inspired by European leagues rather than Major League Soccer. With supportive parents and influential figures like youth coach Hanny El-Magraby guiding him, David harbored ambitions to reach the highest levels of soccer.\n\n## Youth Career\nDavid began playing organized soccer at the age of ten with Ottawa's Gloucester Dragons SA. He soon moved to Ottawa Gloucester SC, playing for their Hornets team until 2015. His development continued with Ottawa Internationals SC in 2016. Exhibiting skill and dedication during these formative years, his performances were pivotal in setting the foundation for his professional aspirations. Trials with European clubs such as FC Salzburg and VfB Stuttgart did not immediately pan out, but these experiences sharpened his resolve to succeed.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n\n### Gent\nJonathan David's professional club career began when he joined Belgian First Division A side Gent in January 2018. He made an immediate impact by scoring in his debut on August 4, 2018, securing a draw against Zulte Waregem with a stoppage-time goal. Just days later, he exhibited his knack for scoring by netting crucial goals in both league and Europa League matches. By the end of his initial period with Gent, he had signed several contract extensions, reflecting his value to the team. His performances attracted attention from larger clubs, and by early 2020, his market value was estimated at €20 million.\n\n### Lille\nOn August 11, 2020, David signed a five-year contract with Ligue 1 side Lille for a record Canadian transfer fee of €30 million. After a challenging start to the season, he found his rhythm, scoring pivotal goals that contributed significantly to Lille's title-winning 2020–21 campaign, including a key goal against Paris Saint-Germain that spotlighted his role in the team's success. Across subsequent seasons, David continued to demonstrate his prowess in front of goal, securing a personal best of 24 goals in the 2022–23 season and stepping up in critical fixtures like the UEFA Champions League.\n\n## National Team Career\n\n### Youth National Teams\nDavid's international career began when he was first noted by Canada's youth national teams in 2015. He made appearances in various age groups, shining brightly during the 2017 CONCACAF U-17 Championship with notable performances like a brace against Suriname. Despite an offer from the United States U-20 team in 2018, he committed to representing Canada.\n\n### Senior National Team\nDavid debuted for Canada's senior national team on September 9, 2018, immediately making an impact by scoring twice in an 8–0 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was a standout player during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, ending as the Golden Boot winner with six goals. His striking prowess helped him become Canada's all-time top goal scorer in November 2024, exemplifying his crucial role in the squad through multiple tournaments including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nJonathan David is recognized as a versatile forward, often deployed as a second striker or attacking midfielder. Known for his remarkable goalscoring ability, David combines pace and tactical intelligence to exploit defensive gaps and launch effective counterattacks. His ability to play short passes and his synergy with teammates enhance his attacking options. Notably, his high defensive work rate and game-reading skills add important dimensions to his play, making him a valuable asset in various tactical setups.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAs of the latest data in January 2025, David has accumulated a myriad of appearances at both club and national levels, consistently contributing to his teams' goals and successes. Throughout his tenure with Lille, his scoring tally, highlighted by peaks like the 24-goal season, underscores his position as one of the top forwards in the league.\n\n## Records\nDavid holds the distinction of being Canada's all-time leading goal scorer, further cementing his legacy with his performances in both domestic and European competitions for Lille.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n\n### Team Achievements\n- Ligue 1: 2020–21 with Lille\n- Trophée des Champions: 2021\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Boot: 2019\n- Belgian Pro League top scorer: 2019–20\n- Canada Soccer Men's Player of the Year: 2019, 2024\n- UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: November 2024\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nDavid has been recognized in various best XI lineups, underscored by his inclusion in tournaments such as the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals Best XI. His career is marked by continuous accolades spotlighting his impact and contributions to the sport.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nJonathan David's career is a testament to his determination and skill, as evidenced by his impressive trajectory from youth soccer in Ottawa to professional stardom in Europe. His achievements with Lille and Canada highlight his ability to perform at the highest levels, making him a protagonist in Canadian soccer history.\n\n## Off the Field\nWhile the article does not explicitly detail Jonathan David's off-field activities, his friendship with teammates like Angel Gomes and Timothy Weah suggests a positive and personable character. His commitment to his teams and career choices underscore a focused and determined athlete with ambitions extending beyond just individual accolades.\n\n## Personal Life\nAlthough the article provides limited information about his personal life, his upbringing in a supportive family environment and his early passion for soccer are key influences that have propelled him throughout his career. Known for maintaining close relationships with his teammates, David exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and team-focused player both on and off the pitch.","stb_internal_id":"01930662-2e39-76c0-81e2-744e0856cc3d","overrides":null,"type_code":"attacker","position_type_code":"attacker","detailed_position_type_code":"centre-forward","roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":false,"has_social_media_relations":false,"introduction_html":"

Jonathan Christian David is a professional soccer player widely recognized for his significant contributions to both club and international football. Born in Brooklyn, United States, David is a forward for Ligue 1 club Lille and the Canadian national team. With major achievements such as winning the Ligue 1 title with Lille and becoming Canada's all-time top goal scorer, David has made an indelible mark on the sport.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Jonathan David was born on January 14, 2000, in Brooklyn, New York City, to Haitian parents. When he was just three months old, the family moved back to Haiti before immigrating to Ottawa, Canada, when Jonathan was six. He grew up in the Franco-Ontarian community of east Ottawa, offering a culturally rich environment that supported his development in soccer. David attended École secondaire publique Louis-Riel, a Francophone public school, where he attributed much of his early success to constantly having a ball at his feet. His childhood was shaped by a desire to play soccer professionally, not in North America, but in Europe, inspired by European leagues rather than Major League Soccer. With supportive parents and influential figures like youth coach Hanny El-Magraby guiding him, David harbored ambitions to reach the highest levels of soccer.

Youth Career

David began playing organized soccer at the age of ten with Ottawa's Gloucester Dragons SA. He soon moved to Ottawa Gloucester SC, playing for their Hornets team until 2015. His development continued with Ottawa Internationals SC in 2016. Exhibiting skill and dedication during these formative years, his performances were pivotal in setting the foundation for his professional aspirations. Trials with European clubs such as FC Salzburg and VfB Stuttgart did not immediately pan out, but these experiences sharpened his resolve to succeed.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Gent

Jonathan David's professional club career began when he joined Belgian First Division A side Gent in January 2018. He made an immediate impact by scoring in his debut on August 4, 2018, securing a draw against Zulte Waregem with a stoppage-time goal. Just days later, he exhibited his knack for scoring by netting crucial goals in both league and Europa League matches. By the end of his initial period with Gent, he had signed several contract extensions, reflecting his value to the team. His performances attracted attention from larger clubs, and by early 2020, his market value was estimated at €20 million.

Lille

On August 11, 2020, David signed a five-year contract with Ligue 1 side Lille for a record Canadian transfer fee of €30 million. After a challenging start to the season, he found his rhythm, scoring pivotal goals that contributed significantly to Lille's title-winning 2020–21 campaign, including a key goal against Paris Saint-Germain that spotlighted his role in the team's success. Across subsequent seasons, David continued to demonstrate his prowess in front of goal, securing a personal best of 24 goals in the 2022–23 season and stepping up in critical fixtures like the UEFA Champions League.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

David's international career began when he was first noted by Canada's youth national teams in 2015. He made appearances in various age groups, shining brightly during the 2017 CONCACAF U-17 Championship with notable performances like a brace against Suriname. Despite an offer from the United States U-20 team in 2018, he committed to representing Canada.

Senior National Team

David debuted for Canada's senior national team on September 9, 2018, immediately making an impact by scoring twice in an 8–0 victory over the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was a standout player during the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, ending as the Golden Boot winner with six goals. His striking prowess helped him become Canada's all-time top goal scorer in November 2024, exemplifying his crucial role in the squad through multiple tournaments including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Jonathan David is recognized as a versatile forward, often deployed as a second striker or attacking midfielder. Known for his remarkable goalscoring ability, David combines pace and tactical intelligence to exploit defensive gaps and launch effective counterattacks. His ability to play short passes and his synergy with teammates enhance his attacking options. Notably, his high defensive work rate and game-reading skills add important dimensions to his play, making him a valuable asset in various tactical setups.

Performance Statistics

As of the latest data in January 2025, David has accumulated a myriad of appearances at both club and national levels, consistently contributing to his teams' goals and successes. Throughout his tenure with Lille, his scoring tally, highlighted by peaks like the 24-goal season, underscores his position as one of the top forwards in the league.

Records

David holds the distinction of being Canada's all-time leading goal scorer, further cementing his legacy with his performances in both domestic and European competitions for Lille.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Ligue 1: 2020–21 with Lille
Trophée des Champions: 2021

Individual Achievements

CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Boot: 2019
Belgian Pro League top scorer: 2019–20
Canada Soccer Men's Player of the Year: 2019, 2024
UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month: November 2024

Awards and Recognition

David has been recognized in various best XI lineups, underscored by his inclusion in tournaments such as the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League Finals Best XI. His career is marked by continuous accolades spotlighting his impact and contributions to the sport.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Jonathan David's career is a testament to his determination and skill, as evidenced by his impressive trajectory from youth soccer in Ottawa to professional stardom in Europe. His achievements with Lille and Canada highlight his ability to perform at the highest levels, making him a protagonist in Canadian soccer history.

Off the Field

While the article does not explicitly detail Jonathan David's off-field activities, his friendship with teammates like Angel Gomes and Timothy Weah suggests a positive and personable character. His commitment to his teams and career choices underscore a focused and determined athlete with ambitions extending beyond just individual accolades.

Personal Life

Although the article provides limited information about his personal life, his upbringing in a supportive family environment and his early passion for soccer are key influences that have propelled him throughout his career. Known for maintaining close relationships with his teammates, David exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and team-focused player both on and off the pitch.

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Jonathan David: Profile