Duncan McDonald named Canada Soccer Para Player of the Year for second time

By Canadian Press on December 16, 2025.

Duncan McDonald has been named Canada Soccer’s 2025 Para Player of the Year.

The 25-year-old defender-midfielder from Powell River, B.C., also won the award last year. The winner is decided by Canadian Para team coaches.

Playing in the backline, McDonald led Canada to a fourth-place finish at the 2025 IFCPF Copa America in October in Moldonado, Uruguay.

McDonald took over a leadership role with captain Samuel Charron, a four-time Para Player of the Year, recovering from a second Achilles tendon injury

“Duncan stepped up as captain and provided outstanding leadership both on and off the field,” Para head coach Drew Ferguson said in a statement. “He played every minute of every match at the 2025 IFCPF Copa America, operating at centre back, and led the tournament in tackles and blocked shots.

“He was a standout performer throughout the entire competition.”

McDonald, who was 15 when he made his debut in Canada’s Para program, has won 37 caps, including 34 starts, with four goals and six assists.

Canada Soccer Para Player of the Year Winners

2025: Duncan McDonald.

2024: Duncan McDonald.

2023: Samuel Charron.

2022: Samuel Charron.

2019: Samuel Charron.

2018: Damien Wojtiw.

2017: Jamie Ackinclose.

2016: Samuel Charron.

2015: Trevor Stiles.

2014: Liam Stanley.

2013: Liam Stanley.

2012: Brendon McAdam.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2025.

The Canadian Press