CF Montréal Squad 2025: Roster, Key Players & Season Preview

The entrance to Stade Saputo, home stadium of CF Montréal in the MLS Eastern Conference. CF Montréal, formerly Montreal Impact, is a Canadian Major League Soccer team based in Montreal. The 2025 MLS season marks the club’s 14th year in MLS, and fans are eager for a comprehensive CF Montréal Squad 2025 preview. Located at the heart of Montreal’s Olympic Park, Stade Saputo holds about 19,619 fans, making it a lively home ground for Canadian soccer fans.

Table of Contents

Known by their “Bleu-blanc-noir” colors, CF Montréal competes in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. In this MLS 2025 season preview, we’ll break down the CF Montréal 2025 roster, spotlight CF Montréal key players, discuss tactics and coaching, highlight off-season transfers, and look at future prospects for this historic club.

Squad Overview

CF Montréal’s 2025 roster is a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. The squad features Canadian nationals, US players, and internationals from around the world. The goalkeeping department includes Jonathan Sirois (CAN), Sebastian Breza (CAN), and rising Canadian prospect Emil Gazdov. Sirois, the starting keeper, and Breza, a former Bologna youth, form the core of the goalkeepers.

Goalkeepers: Jonathan Sirois (CAN, 23), Sebastian Breza (CAN, 27), Emil Gazdov (CAN, 21).
Defenders: The back line blends youth and experience: Jalen Neal (USA, 21) – a USMNT defender acquired from LA Galaxy – anchors central defense with Canadian Joel Waterman (29) and Colombian Fernando Álvarez (21). Tom Pearce (ENG, 27) and Dawid Bugaj (POL, 20) provide width at left and right fullback. Mid-season newcomer Brandan Craig (USA, 21) adds depth at center back. Jaime Santos or Fidel Escobar (Panama) provide options at right back.
Midfielders: The midfield features Samuel Piette (CAN, 30) – a long-time Montreal and Canada midfielder – as the anchor. Victor Loturi (CAN, 24) and Bryce Duke (USA, 24) provide box-to-box energy. Young Canadian talents like Nathan Saliba (CAN, 21) and Alessandro Biello (CAN, 19) are in the mix. Attack-minded midfielders include Caden Clark (USA, 22), on loan from Minnesota United, and Albanian attacking midfielder Aleksandr Guboglo (18). German import Fabian Herbers (GER, 31) brings MLS experience and set-piece prowess.
Forwards: CF Montréal upgraded its attack by signing two new strikers. Prince Owusu (GER, 28) was acquired from Toronto FC as a powerful forward. Newly-signed Giacomo Vrioni (ALB, 26) occupies a Designated Player slot after arriving from New England Revolutions. Ghanaian winger Kwadwo Opoku (GHA, 23) remains a key wide attacker, and versatile forwards Sunusi Ibrahim (NGA, 22) and Haitian-American Jules-Anthony Vilsaint (CAN, 22) add depth. In preseason, summer loan Matías Cóccaro departed to Liga MX, and veteran Josef Martínez’s option was declined. A projected lineup might see Vrioni and Owusu leading the front, with Opoku and Ibrahim on the wings.

Key Players to Watch

CF Montréal’s fortunes will hinge on several standouts. Here are some CF Montréal key players likely to feature heavily in 2025:

Giacomo Vrioni (FW, 26) – The Albanian striker is CF Montréal’s new Designated Player. A left-footed forward, Vrioni was New England’s top scorer in 2024 (9 goals). His ability to finish and run in behind defenses makes him the team’s focal point in attack.
Prince Owusu (FW, 28) – Signed from Toronto FC, the German striker brings power and experience. Owusu scored 9 goals for Toronto over the last two seasons and adds physical presence in the box. Head coach and CEO Gabriel Gervais praised Owusu’s leadership and ball-playing ability.
Kwadwo Opoku (FW/W, 23) – A Ghanaian winger signed in 2023 from LAFC, Opoku offers pace and dribbling on the flanks. He led the team in scoring during parts of 2023 and will look to complement the new strikers in 2025.
Samuel Piette (DM, 30) – The Canadian midfield veteran is the team’s defensive anchor. Piette is a veteran of multiple World Cup cycles and provides leadership and stability. He typically plays as the deepest midfielder, breaking up opposition play.
Victor Loturi (CM, 24) – A Canadian international, Loturi impressed in MLS and the Canadian Premier League. He brings energy and ball-winning ability to midfield. His competition with Piette for the defensive role will be key.
Bryce Duke (CM, 24) – The American creative midfielder, originally from Inter Miami, chips in with chances from midfield and is adept at pressing. Duke often plays alongside Piette or Loturi to balance offense and defense.
Jalen Neal (CB, 21) – The young USMNT center back, part of the Galaxy’s 2024 MLS Cup-winning side, was traded to Montreal. A strong, quick defender, Neal is expected to start alongside veteran Joel Waterman and Colombian Fernando Álvarez.
Fernando Álvarez (CB, 21) – The Colombian-born defender is a standout youth prospect. Álvarez (born in the U.S. to Colombian parents) was signed from Pachuca, and his versatility (he can also play midfield) is a big asset.
Sebastian Breza (GK, 27) – While Sirois is first choice, Breza is a reliable backup and former Bologna youth player, providing depth in goal.

Tactics and Coaching

Formation and Style of Play

CF Montréal’s playing style will likely blend attacking flair with a structured defense. In past seasons under Wilfried Nancy, the team often used a 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 formation with attacking wingbacks. The 2025 squad features wingbacks Tom Pearce and Dawid Bugaj, which could hint at a similar shape. With powerful forwards Vrioni and Owusu, coach Marco Donadel (interim) may adopt a two-striker system, supported by two or three midfield creators (e.g. Clark, Duke, Herbers). The midfield’s defensive duties will rest on Piette and Loturi, allowing wide midfielders to bomb forward. In practice, Montreal may shift between a 3-5-2 (with two strikers) and a 4-2-3-1 (with a single striker and a creative midfielder) depending on the opponent. The team traditionally presses aggressively and looks to hit on the counter.

Coaching Philosophy

On the managerial front, CF Montréal started 2025 under Laurent Courtois, who was appointed late in 2023. However, the club announced in April 2025 that Courtois had parted ways, with assistant Marco Donadel taking over as interim head coach. Donadel, a former Montréal midfielder and UEFA-licensed coach, inherits the roster and will likely focus on high-energy play and developing young talent. The coaching staff (including Donadel, Ludovic Taillandier, Kobié Johnson and goalkeeper coach Vincenzo Benvenuto) will emphasize fitness, pressing, and integrating the new signings into the CF Montréal lineup. Off the field, Donadel and CEO Gabriel Gervais have stressed building with a mix of youth and experience; club communications highlight Montreal’s French football heritage and emphasis on technical skill. Fans can expect coaching that adapts to MLS trends (e.g. pace, physicality) while retaining Montreal’s trademark passion.

Transfers and Roster Changes

CF Montréal was active in the 2024-25 transfer window to prepare for 2025. Key incoming transfers include:

Jalen Neal (USA) – Acquired from LA Galaxy in January 2025 for GAM and an international slot. A U.S. youth national team defender, Neal arrives on a three-year deal under the MLS U22 Initiative.
Prince Owusu (GER, FW) – Signed from Toronto FC with a two-year contract (plus option). Owusu was Toronto’s power forward (9 goals in MLS) and he cost GAM plus allocation money.
Giacomo Vrioni (ALB, FW) – Acquired in a trade with New England Revolution. Montréal gave $50,000 GAM and a sell-on percentage to secure Vrioni. As a Designated Player, he becomes the team’s new No. 9.
Brandan Craig (USA, CB) – Loaned from Inter Miami (Miami used a U22 roster spot), adding depth to central defense.
Raheem Edwards (CAN, LB) – Acquired from LA Galaxy (Dec 2023) for GAM. Edwards brings MLS experience at left back, though Tom Pearce is now the starting left wingback.
Fabian Herbers (GER, MF) – The German midfielder, former Philadelphia Union player, joined the team in late 2024 to add veteran midfield depth.

Notable departures and changes:

James Pantemis (CAN, GK) – The Canadian keeper’s option was declined; he moved to Portland Timbers. Sirois and Breza remain in goal.
Josef Martínez (VEN, FW) – The veteran striker’s contract option was declined after 2024, so he returns to Inter Miami.
Matías Cóccaro (URY, FW) – Loaned out to Atlas (Liga MX) for 2025.
Victor Wanyama (KEN, DM) – The ex-Tottenham star left after 2023. His departure in mid-2023 has reshaped the defensive midfield.
Caden Clark (USA, AM) – The dynamic American attacking midfielder has returned on loan from Minnesota United, bolstering midfield creativity.
In-coming/Out-going Academy: CF Montréal also adjusts its Canadian talent pool. On expansion draft day, Montréal protected 12 players including rising Canadian stars like Fernando Álvarez and Nathan Saliba. Players like … (if any left for expansion).

These moves reflect a strategic rebuild: Montréal sacrificed some veteran names for new talent. The acquisitions of Neal and Vrioni (a defender and a striker) address key positions, while Owusu and Duke bolster attack/midfield. Meanwhile, letting go of Pantemis and Martínez signals trust in the remaining squad depth. The overall CF Montréal 2025 roster shows a clear shift toward youth, athleticism, and finishing power.

Future Prospects & Youth Development

CF Montréal remains committed to developing young talent, crucial for long-term success in Canadian soccer. The club’s academy has produced several prospects. For example, Montreal academy midfielder Nathan Saliba (CAN, 21) has trained with the first team and earned Canada youth call-ups. In fact, three Montréal U-17 players – Owen Graham-Roache, Josh-Duc Nteziryayo, and Aghilas Sadek – were recently called up to Canada’s U-17 national team, underscoring the youth pipeline. Defender Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty (CAN, 19), a former TFC academy standout, has also featured in first team squads.

Looking ahead, CF Montréal will rely on this “Bleu-blanc-noir” identity and youth to grow. Homegrown players like Garry Kouakou, Canice Carroll (loan was 2023), and others could be groomed for future roles. The club’s youth approach aligns with broader trends in MLS and Canadian soccer, aiming to balance immediate results with nurturing talent. Fans should watch for Montreal signing young Canadians – the club often leverages the domestic quota to sign Canadian nationals – which keeps the squad competitive in Canadian Championship and international tournaments. Off the field, social media buzz and community programs encourage fan engagement. By 2025 and beyond, CF Montréal hopes its academy grads will mix with the established roster to make the CF Montréal lineup both dynamic and deeply rooted in Quebecois soccer culture.

Conclusion

The CF Montréal Squad 2025 enters the season with renewed optimism. With new signings like Giacomo Vrioni, Prince Owusu, and Jalen Neal, plus homegrown leaders like Samuel Piette and Victor Loturi, the team looks stronger than last year. The projected CF Montréal 2025 roster has upgraded forwards, a solid midfield core, and an evolving defense. As we preview the MLS 2025 season, remember that Montreal plays at Stade Saputo, joins 29 other MLS clubs in the Eastern Conference, and will kick off in late February.

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FAQ

Q: What is the CF Montréal 2025 roster?
A: The CF Montréal 2025 roster includes a mix of Canadian and international players across all positions. Key names are Jonathan Sirois, Sebastian Breza (GK); Jalen Neal, Fernando Álvarez, Joel Waterman, Tom Pearce (DEF); Samuel Piette, Victor Loturi, Bryce Duke, Caden Clark (MID); and strikers Giacomo Vrioni, Prince Owusu, Kwadwo Opoku, Sunusi Ibrahim (ATT). This full CF Montréal 2025 roster can be found on the official site and in MLS databases.

Q: Who are the key players for CF Montréal in 2025?
A: Notable CF Montréal key players include new strikers Giacomo Vrioni (DP forward) and Prince Owusu, midfielder Samuel Piette (Canadian team veteran), midfielder Victor Loturi, and defender Jalen Neal (USA). Veteran goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois and winger Kwadwo Opoku are also central to the lineup. These players are expected to lead Montreal’s campaign in 2025.

Q: Who is CF Montréal’s head coach for 2025?
A: CF Montréal began the 2025 season with Laurent Courtois as head coach. However, in April 2025 the club parted ways with Courtois, and assistant Marco Donadel became interim head coach. Donadel is now leading the team through the 2025 season.

Q: When does the MLS 2025 season start?
A: The 2025 Major League Soccer regular season runs from February 22 to October 18, 2025. CF Montréal’s first game is scheduled for late February (the Opening Day had Atlanta 3–2 Montréal on Feb 22, 2025). The season includes 34 matches per team.

Q: Where does CF Montréal play its home games?
A: CF Montréal plays at Stade Saputo in Montreal, Quebec. Stade Saputo is a soccer-specific stadium with a capacity of about 19,619 seats. It hosts all of the team’s home matches in MLS, the Canadian Championship, and other tournaments.