Joel Waterman Bio
Joel Robert Waterman is a Canadian soccer player who plays as a centre-back, right-back, or defensive midfielder. He represents Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer and the Canada national team. Waterman began his soccer journey at a young age and rose through local youth clubs before earning recognition at the provincial and university levels. He made history by becoming the first player sold from the Canadian Premier League to an MLS club when he transferred to CF Montréal.
Early Life and Background
Joel Robert Waterman was born on January 24, 1996, in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. He began playing soccer at age five with Aldergrove Youth SC, where he developed a strong foundation in the sport. At age 12, he joined Langley United, continuing his progression through competitive youth soccer in British Columbia.
After his time at Langley United, Waterman played with Surrey United SC, further refining his abilities as a defender. When he was 13, he made the British Columbia provincial team, marking his first significant recognition beyond club play. In 2013, he represented British Columbia at the 2013 Canada Summer Games and also had a brief trial with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, though he did not make the squad.
Path to Professional Soccer
Waterman attended Trinity Western University beginning in 2014, where he played for the men’s soccer team. He committed to the program when he was in Grade 11, choosing Trinity Western as the right fit for his academic and athletic goals. His development at the university level helped him transition from promising youth player to professional prospect.
Ahead of his fifth season with the Trinity Western Spartans, Waterman was named team captain. Under his leadership, the team won a Canada West silver medal and finished fourth at the National Championship. He was also named a Canada West First Team All-Star that season, earning recognition as one of the top university players in the country. These achievements helped him attract attention from professional clubs.
Joel Waterman Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Waterman began his senior career in 2016 with the US-based Premier Development League side Kitsap Pumas. He made eleven league appearances during his time with the club and also featured in two US Open Cup matches, gaining valuable experience against a variety of opponents.
In 2017, Waterman played with Vancouver-based TSS FC Rovers in the PDL, where he made eleven appearances. The following year, he joined Calgary Foothills in the PDL, making fourteen league appearances and another three in the playoffs. Calgary Foothills won the PDL Championship in 2018, giving Waterman his first taste of major trophy success at the senior level.
Cavalry FC Breakthrough (2019–2020)
At the 2018 CPL–U Sports Draft, Waterman was drafted in the second round by Cavalry FC on November 13, 2018. Initially, he had not planned on declaring for the draft, instead looking at potentially going to Europe or the United States. However, two days before the registration deadline, he decided to register, and he officially signed with Cavalry on February 6, 2019.
Waterman made his professional debut for Cavalry in their inaugural game against York9 FC on May 4. He scored his first goal for the club on October 5 against HFX Wanderers FC. Waterman helped Cavalry win both the Spring and Fall championships and helped them reach the CPL finals, where they finished second. He was unable to play in the second leg after being sent off in the first leg for a handball. In December 2019, Cavalry announced Waterman would return to the club for the 2020 season.
CF Montréal Era (2020–2025)
On January 14, 2020, Waterman transferred to Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact. With this transfer, Waterman made history as the first ever player from the Canadian Premier League to be sold to an MLS club. He made his debut for the Impact on February 19 against Saprissa in a CONCACAF Champions League match, and his MLS debut came in their season opener against the New England Revolution on February 29.
Upon completion of the 2021 MLS season, CF Montréal announced that they would be exercising the option on Waterman’s contract for 2022. In 2022, he became a regular starter for the club. During that season, he scored his first goal for Montreal against Orlando City on May 7, netting the opener in an eventual 4-1 victory. On August 4, he scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew.
In March 2023, Waterman signed a new contract with Montreal through 2024, with an option for 2025. In November 2024, Waterman signed a contract extension through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028.
Chicago Fire Era (2025–Present)
In August 2025, Waterman was traded to Chicago Fire FC in exchange for $500,000 in General Allocation Money and $100,000 in performance-based money. The move marked a new chapter in his MLS career and gave him an opportunity to contribute to a rebuilding Chicago Fire side.
Notable Events and Milestones
Waterman’s most significant career milestone came in January 2020, when he became the first player ever sold from the Canadian Premier League to an MLS club. He has also earned selection to Canada’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, marking his arrival on the international stage.
Joel Waterman International Career
Waterman was called up to the Canadian senior national team for the first time for a national team camp in January 2021. He earned several more call-ups to the squad during 2021 and 2022. On November 11, 2022, he made his debut for Canada in a friendly against Bahrain.
Two days after his debut, Waterman was named to Canada’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a major milestone in his international career. In June 2024, Waterman was named to Canada’s squad for the 2024 Copa América, as an injury replacement for Junior Hoilett.
Joel Waterman Personal Life
Joel Robert Waterman was born and raised in Surrey, British Columbia. He has remained closely connected to his Canadian roots throughout his career, progressing through local clubs before reaching the professional ranks. His journey from Aldergrove Youth SC to Major League Soccer reflects years of steady development across youth, university, and professional soccer.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season brought significant changes for Waterman. After signing a contract extension with CF Montréal in November 2024, he continued as a key part of the club’s defensive setup before being traded in August 2025. His time in Montreal reflected his growth into a reliable starter capable of contributing important goals, including late winners against Columbus Crew and Orlando City.
Following his move to Chicago Fire FC, Waterman joined a new organization looking to rebuild its roster. The trade provided him with a fresh opportunity to compete for minutes and establish himself within a new defensive unit. His contract with Chicago Fire runs through the 2025 season and beyond.