Joel Waterman Bio
Joel Robert Waterman, born on January 24, 1996, is a Canadian soccer player who plays as a centre-back, right-back, or defensive midfielder. Standing 1.85 meters tall, he currently represents Chicago Fire of Major League Soccer and the Canada men’s national team. Waterman began his professional career in 2016 and has steadily built a reputation as a versatile defender with a strong tactical mind.
Throughout his career, Waterman has played in multiple leagues across North America, including the Premier Development League, the Canadian Premier League, and Major League Soccer. He is widely recognized for being the first player sold from the Canadian Premier League to an MLS club when he transferred to CF Montréal in 2020.
Early Life and Background
Joel Robert Waterman was born in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, and grew up in the surrounding Lower Mainland area. He began playing soccer at age five with Aldergrove Youth SC, where he developed his early passion for the sport. At age 12, he joined Langley United, continuing to refine his abilities in a more competitive environment.
After his time with Langley United, Waterman played for Surrey United SC, one of the prominent youth soccer organizations in British Columbia. His performances at the youth level earned him a spot on the British Columbia provincial team at just 13 years old. In 2013, he represented British Columbia at the 2013 Canada Summer Games. He also had a brief trial with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy during his teenage years, although he did not make the final squad.
Despite the setback with the Whitecaps Academy, Waterman remained committed to his development as a soccer player. His experiences in youth soccer across British Columbia helped shape his understanding of the game and prepared him for the next stage of his career at the collegiate level.
Path to Soccer
Waterman committed to Trinity Western University when he was in Grade 11, and in 2014, he began attending the school and playing for the Trinity Western Spartans men’s soccer team. His time at Trinity Western proved to be a defining period in his development as a player and leader.
Ahead of his fifth and final season, Waterman was named team captain, a role that reflected his growth and the respect he had earned from coaches and teammates. Under his leadership, the Spartans won a Canada West silver medal and finished fourth at the National Championship. His strong performances that season also earned him a Canada West First Team All-Star selection.
While still in college, Waterman began playing in the US-based Premier Development League during his summer breaks. These early professional-level experiences allowed him to test his skills against more experienced players and prepared him for a full-time transition into the professional ranks.
Joel Waterman Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Waterman made his professional debut in 2016 with the Kitsap Pumas of the Premier Development League, where he made eleven league appearances and featured in two US Open Cup matches. The following year, in 2017, he played for Vancouver-based TSS FC Rovers in the same league, making eleven appearances and gaining further experience in the North American soccer system.
In 2018, Waterman joined Calgary Foothills, where he enjoyed a breakout season. He made fourteen league appearances and added three more in the playoffs, helping Foothills win the PDL Championship. His strong performances during this period caught the attention of Canadian Premier League scouts.
Cavalry FC Breakthrough (2019–2020)
At the 2018 CPL–U Sports Draft, Waterman was selected in the second round by Cavalry FC on November 13, 2018. He officially signed with the club on February 6, 2019, marking the beginning of his professional career in the newly formed Canadian Premier League.
Waterman made his professional debut for Cavalry in the club’s inaugural match against York9 FC on May 4, 2019. He scored his first goal for the club on October 5, 2019, against HFX Wanderers FC. He played a key role in Cavalry winning both the Spring and Fall championships and helped the team reach the CPL finals, where they finished as runners-up. He was unable to play in the second leg of the final after being sent off in the first leg for a hand ball.
In December 2019, Cavalry announced that Waterman would return to the club for the 2020 season. However, his time in Calgary would be short-lived, as a major MLS opportunity arose just weeks later.
CF Montréal Era (2020–2025)
On January 14, 2020, Waterman transferred to Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact, later rebranded as CF Montréal. With this move, he made history as the first player ever sold from the Canadian Premier League to an MLS club, a milestone that highlighted the growing connection between the two leagues.
Waterman made his debut for the Impact on February 19, 2020, against Saprissa in a CONCACAF Champions League match, and his MLS debut came in the season opener against the New England Revolution on February 29. He became a regular starter for the club during the 2022 season, scoring his first MLS goal against Orlando City on May 7, 2022, in an eventual 4–1 victory. Later that season, he scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time to secure a 2–1 win over the Columbus Crew. In March 2023, he signed a new contract with Montreal through 2024, with an option for 2025, and in November 2024, he 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 career as he joined another historic MLS franchise.
Since joining Chicago Fire, Waterman has continued to serve as a versatile defensive option, capable of playing as a centre-back, right-back, or defensive midfielder. His experience in both the Canadian Premier League and MLS has made him a valuable addition to the Chicago squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Waterman is known for his tactical intelligence, positional awareness, and ability to read the game from the back. His height of 1.85 meters gives him an advantage in aerial duels, while his comfort on the ball allows him to contribute to build-up play. His versatility across multiple defensive positions makes him a reliable option for coaches seeking flexibility in their back line.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Waterman’s career came in January 2020, when he became the first player ever sold from the Canadian Premier League to an MLS club. His selection to Canada’s 2022 FIFA World Cup squad, his participation in the 2024 Copa América, and his call-up to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup further highlight his standing within the national team setup.
Joel Waterman Career Wins
Throughout his career, Joel Robert Waterman has collected several notable team achievements, including a PDL Championship with Calgary Foothills in 2018 and Canadian Premier League Spring and Fall titles with Cavalry FC in 2019. He has also participated in major international tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2024 Copa América, and the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Other Wins & Performances
Waterman helped Calgary Foothills capture the PDL Championship in 2018 and contributed to Cavalry FC’s success in the Canadian Premier League during their inaugural 2019 season. His performances at the club level earned him a place in Canada’s squad for multiple major international tournaments, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Joel Waterman Family
Personal Life
Joel Robert Waterman was raised in Surrey, British Columbia, where he developed his early love for soccer. He pursued his higher education at Trinity Western University, where he balanced academics with a successful collegiate soccer career that included serving as team captain. His journey from youth soccer in British Columbia to professional leagues across North America reflects a steady commitment to his craft.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked a major transition for Joel Robert Waterman, as he was traded from CF Montréal to Chicago Fire FC in August. The move represented a fresh start for the Canadian defender, who had spent the previous five seasons with Montréal and played a key role in the club’s growth within MLS.
Earlier in the year, Waterman had signed a contract extension with CF Montréal through 2027, but the trade to Chicago Fire opened a new opportunity. He also represented Canada at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup in July, further establishing himself as a reliable member of the national team setup.
Looking ahead, Waterman’s experience and versatility are expected to be valuable assets for Chicago Fire as the club continues its rebuild. With a contract running through 2025 and beyond, he is positioned to remain a key contributor for both club and country in the years to come.