Adam Pearlman (soccer)

Adam Pearlman (born 5 April 2005) is a professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. Born in South Africa, he represents Canada at youth international level.

Early life
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Pearlman began playing soccer at age four with Highlands Park. In 2012, he moved to Thornhill, Ontario, Canada with his family, when he was seven years old, and joined Glen Shields SC, and later Future Soccer Academy. In October 2016, he joined the Toronto FC Academy, playing across the U12 to U19 levels and also participated in the 2018 U13 CONCACAF Champions League.

Club career


He played with Toronto FC III in the League1 Ontario Summer Championship in 2021.

In April 2022, he signed a professional contract with Toronto FC II in MLS Next Pro. He made his debut on 10 April against New York City FC II.

On 15 April 2022, he signed a short-term four-day loan with the first team, Toronto FC, ahead of their Major League Soccer match against the Philadelphia Union, but was an unused substitute. He signed additional short-term agreements on 14 May and 24 May. He was named to the East roster for the 2022 MLS Next All-Star Game for MLS U18 Academy prospects. On 4 July 2023, he again signed a short-term loan with the first team. He signed additional short-term loans on 8 July, 30 August, and 7 October. He made his Major League Soccer debut for the first team on 8 July against St. Louis City SC.

In February 2024, he signed a homegrown player contract with Toronto FC through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. He began the 2024 season on loan with the second team.

International career
In December 2021, Pearlman was invited to a camp for the Canada U20 team, however the camp was cancelled due to a rise in the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2022, he was named to the 60-man provisional Canada U20 team for the 2022 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, and in June was named to the extended five-man training squad for the team.

In February 2024, Pearlman was named to the Canada U20 squad for the 2024 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship qualifiers. In July 2024, he was named to the final squad for the tournament.