Tani Oluwaseyi Bio
Tanitoluwa Oluwatimilehin Oluwaseyi is a Canadian professional soccer player who plays as a forward for La Liga side Villarreal. Born in Nigeria, he represents the Canada national team. Oluwaseyi has had a dynamic career which began in his youth in Nigeria before moving to Canada, where he excelled at soccer in high school and later at St. John’s University. He was drafted by Minnesota United in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft and has since made significant contributions to his teams, including a loan to San Antonio FC where he broke single-season scoring records.
Early Life and Background
Oluwaseyi was born in Abuja, Nigeria, on May 15, 2000. At the age of 10, he moved to Mississauga, Canada, where he began to develop his soccer skills. He played youth soccer with Erin Mills SC and GPS Academy, showcasing his talent early on. During his time at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Secondary School, he captained the soccer team to a perfect 17–0 record and a Provincial High School Championship. As a senior, he scored 30 goals and provided ten assists, earning recognition as a three-time MVP of the boys’ soccer team. Over his four-year high school career, he scored a total of 68 goals.
Path to Soccer
In 2018, Oluwaseyi committed to playing college soccer at St. John’s University. His college career was marked by impressive performances, making 49 appearances and scoring 20 goals while providing ten assists. Despite facing challenges, including a truncated sophomore season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he earned numerous accolades. These included selections to the BIG EAST All-Freshman Team, BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year, and First Team All-BIG EAST in 2019. He continued to excel, earning First Team All-BIG EAST and United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Second Team honors in the 2020–21 season.
Tani Oluwaseyi Career
Early Career (2021)
Oluwaseyi began his professional career in 2021 with the NY Pancyprian-Freedoms, competing in the fifth-tier Eastern Premier Soccer League. He also made appearances for Manhattan SC in the USL League Two, where he scored one goal in two matches. His performances caught the attention of scouts, leading to his selection in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
Breakthrough (2022-2025)
In January 2022, Tani Oluwaseyi was selected 17th overall by Minnesota United in the MLS SuperDraft. He signed a one-year deal with the team, and during the 2022 season, he spent time with Minnesota United 2 in MLS Next Pro. In April 2023, he was loaned to San Antonio FC, where he made an immediate impact. His debut on May 7, 2023, saw him score the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory. He followed this with a hat-trick against the Charleston Battery and another hat-trick against Memphis 901, ultimately breaking San Antonio’s single-season scoring record with 13 goals. On March 2, 2024, he scored his first MLS goal for Minnesota United, and by the end of the season, he had tallied eight goals and six assists, leading to a contract extension through the 2027 season.
Notable Works and Milestones
Tani Oluwaseyi’s signature work includes his record-breaking season with San Antonio FC and his impactful performances for Minnesota United. His ability to score crucial goals has made him a standout player in the league.
Tani Oluwaseyi Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tani Oluwaseyi has received several nominations and accolades, particularly during his college years, where he was recognized for his outstanding performances on the field.
Tani Oluwaseyi Awards Won
While specific awards won are not detailed, Oluwaseyi’s achievements during his college career, including selections to various All-BIG EAST teams, highlight his talent and contributions to soccer.
Tani Oluwaseyi Family
Information regarding Tani Oluwaseyi’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Tani Oluwaseyi’s personal life, including relationships and children, are not publicly disclosed.