Vancouver Whitecaps star Jayden Nelson was warned by doctors that the possibility of him becoming a professional footballer was close to non-existent when he was fighting for his life as a child, having been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, but he overcame those odds and is now aiming to represent Canada at a much-anticipated home World Cup next year.
The winger headed back to his homeland in February, after a spell on the books of Norwegian giants Rosenborg and a loan stint with German outfit SSV Ulm, and he has played a key role in Jesper Sorensen’s Caps challenging to win Major League Soccer’s Western Conference.
Although he has long-term aspirations to eventually test himself in the Premier League – and even secure a move to Arsenal after supporting the north Londoners growing up – Nelson is desperate for his current form to propel him into the forefront of Canada head coach Jesse Marsch’s plans.
Nelson Grateful for Opportunities After Cancer Battle
Nelson has been on an inspirational journey to the top. When he was just 18 months old, he was diagnosed with a form of testicular cancer. There were fears this would significantly impact his life, especially when the cancer spread to his lungs.
But now, at the age of 22, Nelson is dreaming of helping the Vancouver Whitecaps to honours at the same time as improving his personal chances of earning a call-up to the fast-approaching 2026 World Cup. The 10-cap Canada international is proud to have defied the odds and be in a position to tell his story.
In an exclusive interview with GIVEMESPORT, Nelson said: “I was only 18 months when I was diagnosed with a rare germ cell cancer. I initially went into remission, but then it came back and spread to my lungs. I could have died, and the doctor said there was almost no chance I could be a professional footballer or live a particularly active lifestyle. But I defied the odds.
“I want to tell my story so other kids can be inspired to do the same. You can come out of dark situations brighter. Now I’m on a mission to share my story and to enjoy every second of life. I’m just grateful to be here today, and so thankful to the doctors, my family and God.
“To say I am grateful is an understatement. When I hear my family tell me what we went through together, it’s tough to hear and I get quite emotional. I am thankful to be here today and playing professional football.
“I don’t remember much because I was very young at the time, but I still visit the hospital and have check-ups. It’s crazy to think about what happened and it means I don’t take the life and opportunities I have for granted.”
Nelson was forced to undergo chemotherapy when he was being treated for cancer, resulting in him losing his hair. But now he is sporting long locks, and he is adamant that his choice of style allows him to constantly remember the obstacles he had to overcome in order to find himself in this position.
“People often speculate as to why my hair is how it is, long and wavy,” he added. “For me, it’s just to remember what I’ve been through. It’s like a symbol of strength. I like to keep it long and then to know that when I see the pictures of me, it’s with a full head of hair. Obviously, when I had chemotherapy, I had no hair, so that’s part of why I like to see myself with it now. It just keeps me grounded.
“This hasn’t always been my look. I also rocked a mohawk when I was younger! But my hair has now been like this for a while. I like to look in the mirror and, when I see my hair, it makes me feel confident. If football isn’t quite going according to plan, it reminds me there are bigger and more important things in life.”
Idolising Ronaldinho Led to Nelson Heading to Europe
Nelson’s flowing hair is not too dissimilar to that of his idol Ronaldinho, who he constantly watched when growing up before attempting to replicate his trademark tricks and flicks. After taking inspiration from the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner, he caught the eye of MLS side Toronto and was handed an opportunity to make his mark in his home province of Ontario.
“Ronaldinho was my idol,” he confirmed. “He is hands down the best footballer ever! It’s just the way he played. It was so unique, with joy and creativity. I was drawn to him and tried to take things from his game and bring them to mine. There are some Canadian players I really look up to as well, like Dwayne De Rosario and Junior Hoilett.
“I would describe myself as relentless. I love to take on defenders and I would say I am creative, both on and off the ball. Above all else, I want to get fans off their seats. I think that’s kind of missing in football these days, so I want to excite and show people the beautiful side of the game, just like Ronaldinho.”
After making the grade at Toronto, which is a stone’s throw away from his home city of Brampton, Nelson followed in Ronaldinho’s footsteps by leaving his home country for the opportunity to test himself in Europe with Rosenborg, a side with a rich history in the Champions League.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Jayden Nelson found the back of the net once and recorded three assists during his time in the Toronto first-team
Although 44 appearances followed for the Eliteserien heavyweights, with 16 goal involvements along the way, he had a loan spell with German side SSV Ulm before Caps sporting director Axel Shuster brought him back to Canada. Nelson has since confided in current Vancouver teammate Thomas Muller about his experience in Germany.
“I spoke to Thomas about my time at Ulm and it didn’t quite work out for me there, but it has still helped to shape my career,” admitted Nelson. “Sometimes it’s good to face a bit of adversity. I wouldn’t change my time in Germany because it’s helped shape me as a footballer and man.
“Playing for Rosenberg was my first taste of Europe. I had a good first season there, but I felt like it was time to take the next step, which is why I went to Germany. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out. I’d still recommend young players to go to Scandinavia to play because it’s a good stepping stone.”
Nelson Pleased With Start to Life in British Columbia
Rosenborg and SSV Ulm’s loss has certainly been the Whitecaps’ gain as Nelson enjoyed a dream debut against a Portland Timbers side managed by Manchester United and Everton icon Phil Neville, thanks to finding the back of the net and registering three assists, and has gone on to become a constant threat in MLS.
Although the attacker is pleased with the impact he has made at BC Place, allowing him to become a fan favourite, he is adamant that there is more to come and he has set himself a challenge to be even more productive in the final third of the pitch before the end of what has already been a productive campaign.
“It was a difficult time for me in Germany,” conceded Nelson, who planned to become a chef if he failed to make it as a footballer. “I knew that I needed minutes with a World Cup around the corner and I was attracted by the ambition of Vancouver as well as new coach Jesper Sorensen. I think I suit his playing style, so it was a no-brainer to come home.
“Vancouver has always been an option, ever since I was playing for Toronto. The sporting director here, Axel Schuster, had told me the door was always open. I could have gone to other teams in Europe, but I just felt like coming back home.
“Then I couldn’t have asked for a better debut. It was a 10/10 performance. It was pretty surreal and a once in a lifetime experience to get a goal and three assists when I wasn’t even on the roster a week before.
“We have lots to play for this season because we can win the Western Conference and hopefully the MLS Cup as well. We have a Canadian Championship on the line on October 1 against Vancouver FC, too. I’d love to get to 20 goal contributions by the end of the season. I think I am on 12 right now.”
Nelson has also been joined in British Columbia by World Cup-winning former Germany international Muller, following his decision to prolong his career after being released by Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich earlier this year, and he has already made an impact on the pitch as well as off it.
“Thomas is a legend,” the Whitecaps’ No.7 insisted. “He’s done so much in this game, and won so much. I just try to learn little things off him day by day. He’s a great character and human being. He basically took all the young guys here at Vancouver and has tried to show us things and have his experience rub off on us.
“He knows what a winning team looks like from his time at Bayern. It’s been a pleasure to meet, play alongside and learn from him. I think he is enjoying his time here as well. He has got a good balance between doing the job professionally with the seriousness that’s required and joking around. It’s what makes him a perfect fit in our locker room. He’s just a great guy.”
Nelson Determined to Grab Canadian World Cup Spot
Learning from the likes of Muller will surely only improve Nelson’s productivity and bolster his hopes of being called up for Canada’s World Cup squad next year. The tournament will take place on home soil, as well as the United States and Mexico, and former Leeds United boss Marsch is carefully assessing his options after being handed the managerial reins in May 2024.
Although there are the likes of Jonathan David and Tajon Buchanan shining in Europe, with Juventus and Villarreal respectively, chances will also be given to those excelling in MLS. Nelson is determined to prove his worth in the final stages of the current campaign as well as the early stages of next term.
“Making Jesse Marsch’s World Cup squad is naturally a dream,” he agreed. “It’s crazy that a home World Cup is less than a year away and I am right on the cusp of the squad. I am just trying to work hard every day. I think right now I am being used for Canada as a squad player rather than starting every game.
“I have spoken to Jesse about being an impact sub and have done that effectively in friendlies when given opportunities. I am just trying to gain international experience and build trust. If I keep working hard, I think I stand a good chance of making the squad.
“I have learned a lot from Jesse because his football is pretty different to what I am used to. It requires more running and pressing, and I think that intensity has helped me raise my game and bring some new skills to the Whitecaps. Off the field, Jesse is a bit like a father figure to many of us younger players.
“I think I am Jesse’s kind of player. I’m fast, I’m technical, and I work hard. Hopefully, that puts me in a good position to make Canada’s 2026 World Cup squad.”
Although Nelson could have chosen to represent Jamaica, he stands by his decision to compete for the country of his birth and has no regrets as he battles with a host of big names for game time.
“When I was younger, I considered representing Jamaica,” he confirmed. “My grandfather, who is from there, got me into football. He always wanted me to play for Jamaica, so I wanted to do that for him when I was a kid. But I grew up in Canada. It’s my home, so I decided to give my international allegiance to it, even though I grew up in a Jamaican household.”
Nelson Boasts Long-Term Aim to Make Arsenal Move
Although Nelson is firmly focused on securing a place in Canada’s World Cup squad and adding to the trophy cabinet with the Vancouver Whitecaps, he still has a strong desire to head back to Europe in the future and – in an ideal world – will secure a dream move to Arsenal further down the line.
Mikel Arteta’s side are fighting for the Premier League title, having been forced to settle for second spot in each of the last three seasons, and the Emirates Stadium has remained a coveted destination for a host of up-and-coming stars, including in Canada.
Nelson revealed: “100 per cent, my goal is to return to Europe again. That’s my dream, even though right now I am really happy at the Whitecaps. I would love to play in the Premier League one day. Arsenal is my team, and if I got to sign for them one day it would be amazing.
“Back in the day, I loved Thierry Henry, and now I am a fan of Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard. Max Dowman is a phenomenal talent as well. There is a lot of quality in the Arsenal midfield.”
After beating cancer and forging a career which has taken him to Norway and Germany alongside Canada, it is difficult to bet against Nelson now making Canada’s World Cup squad, and he may even one day achieve his dream of turning out for his beloved Arsenal.