“We got to Downsview in 25 minutes thanks to the police escort”: Meet Team Canada’s hometown hero Richie Laryea
The Toronto native and TFC defender dishes on his first home World Cup, being a soccer dad and how the city’s dining scene keeps him match fit
Richie Laryea is living the dream of every little footy fan in the GTHA. Tomorrow, the Toronto native, TFC defender and alum of Mississauga youth club Sigma FC will represent his country in its first men’s World Cup match on home soil. It’s also Team Canada’s chance to secure their first tournament win in front of what will surely be an explosive hometown crowd. We caught up with Laryea to learn how he’s preparing for this historic moment.
How does it feel to be in Toronto for its World Cup debut? It’s a big moment for our country, especially for us players. I’m going through my regular routine, but I know the day of the first match is going to feel a lot different. We’re getting some special treatment. We travelled from downtown to our training facility at Downsview Park in 25 minutes thanks to the police escort. That never happens.
How will you block out the noise and focus on the game? I’ll be spending time with my wife, Melanie, and my kids, Elijah and Lilla Kai. Being with my family always brings it back for me. With them, I can relax and enjoy myself.
Related: Half of Toronto’s hotel rooms are unbooked heading into the World Cup
What’s it like to be from Toronto, playing for Toronto FC, while also juggling the responsibilities of being a dad? It’s tough. Thankfully, my wife is an extraordinary mother, so that makes it easier. Being away for long stretches and missing family moments—it weighs on you. But it’s my profession: this is what I worked so hard to get to. I love doing what I do, and my family loves what I do as well. They’re very much oriented around soccer.
Are you your kids’ soccer coach? Both of them are very different. My son is high energy and loves playing the game, being outside. Our relationship is more competitive. My daughter is still very young. As they say, dads usually become softer when they have girls—I’m beginning to realize that of myself.
What are your favourite spots for a family meal? We have so many: Italian, Greek, Thai. We try everything and like everything, especially Pai. The pad gra prow is my personal favourite.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Vivek Jacob is a journalist who has primarily covered sports for the past decade, with a focus on basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball and cricket. He has worked for outlets such as Yahoo Sports, Sportsnet, the CBC, the Athletic and Complex. His career highlights include covering the NBA Finals, Wimbledon and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. In addition to his current freelance ventures, he also covers the Toronto Raptors independently on Substack at Raptors in 7.
