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Jacob Shaffelburg

Jacob Shaffelburg is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer and for the Canada national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jacob Shaffelburg is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer and for the Canada national team. Born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, he has also been nicknamed the "Maritime Messi". He is a notable figure for Canadian soccer fans, especially in Atlantic Canada.

Early life and youth career

Shaffelburg began playing youth soccer with Valley United SC and Team Nova Scotia. He also had youth involvement with academies in the United States before joining the Toronto FC Academy in 2016.

Club career

Shaffelburg developed through the Toronto FC system before moving to Nashville SC and later Los Angeles FC. His club honours include the 2020 Canadian Championship with Toronto FC.

International career

Shaffelburg has represented Canada at senior international level. Canada Soccer notes his role in the team and identifies him as part of the squad for major international competition.

Playing style and recognition

He is a left-footed wide player or forward known for pace and direct attacking play. Media coverage has highlighted his nickname "Maritime Messi" and his rise from Nova Scotia to the national team.

Key facts

  • Shaffelburg was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, and grew up in Port Williams, Nova Scotia.
  • He plays professionally for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
  • He is a Canadian international and has represented Canada at senior level.
  • He won the Canadian Championship with Toronto FC in 2020.
  • He is known by the nickname "Maritime Messi".
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Canadian context

Shaffelburg is a Nova Scotia-born Canadian international whose development and profile have made him a notable player for Canadian soccer fans, especially in Atlantic Canada.[14][16][17]

Frequently asked questions

What position does Jacob Shaffelburg play?
He is listed as a forward, and also as a wide attacker or winger in some sources.
Which club does Jacob Shaffelburg play for?
He plays for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer.
Where is Jacob Shaffelburg from?
He was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, and grew up in Port Williams, Nova Scotia.
Has Jacob Shaffelburg played for Canada?
Yes. He has represented Canada at the senior international level.
What is Jacob Shaffelburg's nickname?
He is often called "Maritime Messi" in media coverage.

References

  1. Los Angeles Football Club — https://www.lafc.com/players/jacob-shaffelburg/
    Supports: Current club, position, birth date, birthplace, height, preferred foot.
  2. Canada Soccer — https://canadasoccer.com/profile/5202/jacob-shaffelburg/
    Supports: Birthplace, upbringing, family background, national team context, and competition notes.
  3. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/_/id/286214/jacob-shaffelburg
    Supports: Club, position, nationality, physical profile, and career overview.
  4. FotMob — https://www.fotmob.com/players/1023943/jacob-shaffelburg
    Supports: Club competition history and honours including the 2020 Canadian Championship.
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Shaffelburg
    Supports: Youth clubs and early career note.
  6. The Athletic — https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5568616/2024/06/20/jacob-shaffelburg-maritime-messi-canada-copa-2024/
    Supports: Nickname "Maritime Messi" and broader media context.