National Team heroes Julian de Guzman and Dr. Melissa Tancredi have been named to the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. The two former footballers exceled for both club and country that represented the best in Canadian soccer.

“Beyond their on-field achievements, Julian and Melissa served as ambassadors for the game, inspiring teammates, supporters, and role models to the next generation of Canadian players,” said Peter Augruso, Canada Soccer President. “Their legacies extend well beyond results, leaving an enduring impact on the culture, credibility, and ambition of Canadian soccer. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to their remarkable careers, and to the leadership, character, and lasting legacy they leave behind.”

Both de Guzman and Tancredi will be honoured later this year at Men’s National Team and Women’s National Team home matches in front of family, friends and Canadian supporters.

The Canada Soccer Hall of Fame celebrates the achievements and traditions of the game in Canada. It helps capture and preserve the history of sport in our nation, honouring former Canadian players, referees, coaches and builders of the game. To date, the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame has welcomed 149 players, 11 referees, 13 officials and 45 builders as honoured members. Honoured members, by their achievements and passion, have made a positive impact to soccer in Canada and have left a legacy for the sport in our country and around the world.
 
JULIAN de GUZMAN
Julian de Guzman was a Canada Soccer Player of the Year, a Concacaf Gold Cup Most Valuable Player and a three-time Concacaf Gold Cup all-star. He represented Canada in four cycles of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and six editions of the Concacaf Gold Cup, notably reaching the Concacaf Semifinals in 2002 and 2007. He set a Canada record with 89 career international “A” appearances from 2002 to 2016, including 25 starts with the captain’s armband. At the youth level, he represented Canada at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2001.

At the club level, he was a three-time Canadian Championship winner with Toronto FC. He featured in UEFA and Concacaf club competitions, notably reaching the 2011-12 Concacaf Champions League Semifinals. In Europe, he made more than 150 career appearances across Germany’s Bundesliga and Spain’s La Liga. He earned Player of the Year honours with Deportivo La Coruña in 2007-08. He wrapped up his pro career with Ottawa Fury FC where he won the 2015 NASL Fall Season title.