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Ryan Gauld

Ryan Gauld is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer and the Scotland national team.

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

Ryan Gauld is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer and the Scotland national team. He began his senior career with Dundee United, later played for Sporting CP and several loan clubs in Portugal, and joined Vancouver in 2021.

Early life and youth career

Ryan Gauld was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1995 and developed as a youth player in Scotland before entering the professional game with Dundee United.

Club career

Gauld moved from Dundee United to Sporting CP in 2014 and spent several seasons in Portugal, including loan spells at other clubs, before transferring to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2021. He joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in July 2021 on a Designated Player contract and signed a contract extension with the club through 2027 in January 2024.

International career

Gauld has been involved with Scotland’s national setup and has represented the senior team internationally.

Playing style

He is known as a creative attacking midfielder, with sources also listing him as a winger and left-footed player.

Key facts

  • Gauld began his professional career at Dundee United and was later transferred to Sporting CP in 2014.
  • He has also played on loan for Hibernian, Vitória de Setúbal and Farense during his time in Portugal.
  • Gauld joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in July 2021 on a Designated Player contract.
  • He signed a contract extension with Vancouver through 2027 in January 2024.
  • Gauld has represented Scotland at senior international level.
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Canadian context

Ryan Gauld is a prominent player in Canadian professional soccer through his role as a Designated Player and captain for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, one of Major League Soccer’s Canadian clubs.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Ryan Gauld play?
He is primarily an attacking midfielder, and sources also list him as a winger.
Which club does Ryan Gauld play for?
He plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer.
When did Ryan Gauld join Vancouver Whitecaps FC?
He joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in July 2021.
Has Ryan Gauld played for Scotland?
Yes. He has represented Scotland at senior international level.
Where was Ryan Gauld born?
He was born in Aberdeen, Scotland.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Gauld
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, early career, transfer to Sporting CP, and move to Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
  2. MLSsoccer.com — https://www.mlssoccer.com/players/ryan-gauld/
    Supports: Position, footedness, role as a creative playmaker, and Vancouver contract extension through 2027.
  3. Vancouver Whitecaps FC — https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/whitecaps-fc-acquire-scottish-attacking-midfielder-ryan-gauld
    Supports: Transfer to Vancouver in July 2021, Designated Player status, birthplace, youth clubs, and prior club history.
  4. Soccer365 — https://soccer365.net/players/1490/
    Supports: Nationality, date and place of birth, position, and Scotland national team involvement.