Grady McDonnell

Grady McDonnell (born February 17, 2008) is a footballer who plays for Vancouver FC in the Canadian Premier League. McDonnell is the youngest player to ever sign a professional contract in the Canadian Premier League. Born in Canada, he is a youth international for Ireland.

Early life
McDonnell began playing youth soccer at age six with Coastal FC. Afterwards, he played with the Supra Academy, until age 13. He spent some time with the Whitecaps FC Pre-Academy, before officially joining the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy in August 2022. He had training stints with Blackburn Rovers in England, Schalke in Germany, and Shamrock Rovers FC in Ireland.

Club career
In January 2024, he signed a professional contract with Vancouver FC of the Canadian Premier League through the 2026 season. He became the youngest player in league history to sign a contract at 15 years and 11 months. He made his debut, at age 16, on May 3 against Cavalry FC.

International career
McDonnell is eligible to represent Canada, where he was born, and Ireland, where his grandfather was from.

In September 2022, McDonnell was called up to a camp with the Ireland U15 team for the first time, and then was subsequently called up to the squad the next month for the UEFA Development Tournament. While with the Ireland U15, he served as team captain.

In August 2023, he was called up to the Canada U15 team for the 2023 CONCACAF Boys' Under-15 Championship. He scored two goals in a victory over the Dominican Republic.

In October 2023, he was called up to the Republic of Ireland U17 team for 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualification matches. In November 2023, he played with the Republic of Ireland U16 team, helping them win the Victory Shield, a friendly tournament involving the U16 teams of Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales.