Since joining Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2012, CF Montréal has become a prominent figure in North American soccer.
Throughout its history, the club has been home to a host of skilled soccer players who have made major contributions to the league and captured the hearts of fans.
From goal-scoring legends to resilient defenders and creative midfield maestros, CF Montréal’s roster has featured some of the brightest talents in MLS history.
In this list, we’ll talk about the best players to have donned the CF Montréal jersey during the MLS era.
Whether it’s their on-field exploits or their lasting legacy within the club, these players have left an enduring mark on CF Montréal and MLS as a whole.
1. Ignacio Piatti
Arguably one of the most talented players to wear the CF Montréal jersey, Ignacio Piatti endeared himself to fans with his flair, creativity, and eye for goal.
Piatti is the Montreal Impact’s all-time leading goal scorer, with an impressive 79 goals in 135 games. Known for his dazzling dribbling skills and lethal finishing, Piatti has a knack for leaving defenders trailing in his wake.
Before joining the Impact, Piatti proved his talents with Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro in Argentina’s top division.
A versatile attacker, Piatti is capable of creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His preferred position is on the left wing, where he can cut inside onto his stronger right foot to unleash powerful shots on goal.
Piatti’s impact extends beyond his goal-scoring ability; his creativity and flair make him a fan favourite and one of the most dynamic players in Major League Soccer.
2. Marco Di Vaio
Marco Di Vaio, an Italian former professional footballer, was known for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities throughout his career.
He played for various clubs across Italy, France, Spain, and Canada, tallying over 200 league goals. Di Vaio also represented the Italy national football team at Euro 2004.
During his time with the CF Montréal in Major League Soccer (MLS), Di Vaio became a club legend by scoring 40 goals in 88 games, making him the top goal scorer in Impact’s history.
Known for his clinical finishing and tireless work ethic, he was widely regarded as one of the best goal-scorers to ever play for the Impact.
Di Vaio’s impact went beyond his statistics, as he inspired fans and future players with his passion and dedication to the game.
3. Didier Drogba
Few players have made as big of an impact on Montreal as Didier Drogba did during his tenure with the club.
The Ivorian striker arrived in 2015 and immediately set the league alight with his goal-scoring prowess. In his first season alone, Drogba netted 11 goals in just 11 appearances, helping propel the Impact to the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Drogba’s influence extended beyond the pitch, as he symbolised hope and inspiration for fans across Montreal.
4. Alessandro Nesta
A defensive stalwart with a glittering career at AC Milan, Nesta brought a wealth of experience and class to the CF Montréal when he joined the club in 2012.
Although Nesta didn’t play in Montreal for a long time, his name and his post-accomplishments in the football world is huge.
Widely considered to be one of the best centre-backs of his time and also one of the greatest defenders ever, he was best known for his pace, artistic tackles, elegance on the ball, distribution and tight marking of opponents.
Despite his advancing years, Nesta showcased his impeccable positioning and reading of the game, marshalling Impact’s backline with authority. His leadership and composure were invaluable as Montreal solidified its presence in MLS.
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5. Patrice Bernier
He has been a key figure for the Montreal Impact over the past six seasons, playing 124 games and contributing 13 goals and 23 assists.
He’s known for his exceptional control of the midfield, a skill he’s demonstrated throughout his career.
Hailing from Montreal, he’s been a beloved captain for the team and announced his retirement in 2017, marking the end of his time as both a player and captain for the Impact. Bernier started his career with the Impact in 2000 and decided to retire in his hometown after 16 years in the game.
Bernier also played in Europe for clubs like Moss FK, Tromsø, FC Kaiserslautern, and Lyngby BK, tallying 211 appearances and 11 goals. He’s also been a regular for the Canadian national team, making 53 appearances, with 38 starts, showcasing his dedication to representing his country.
His impact goes beyond his stats. He’s a symbol of leadership, loyalty, and skill, leaving a lasting legacy with the CF Montréal and Canadian soccer. As he steps away from the game, his influence will continue to inspire players and fans alike.
6. Blerim Džemaili
Blerim Džemaili may have only spent a short time with the CF Montréal, but his impact was immense. As a Swiss midfielder, he brought a unique blend of skills to the team’s midfield.
Džemaili’s vision, technique, and knack for scoring goals made him a key player for the Impact during his stint from 2017 to 2018.
Whether setting up teammates with precise passes or finding the back of the net himself, he consistently delivered standout performances.
Despite his brief time with the club, Džemaili’s contributions were crucial in shaping the Impact’s style of play and securing important results. His talent and versatility made him a fan favourite during his time in Montreal, leaving a lasting impression on the team and its supporters.
7. Victor Wanyama
Victor Wanyama is a standout player for CF Montreal, known for his remarkable career in both European football and the MLS.
Before joining Montreal, he made history by becoming the first Kenyan player to score in the UEFA Champions League while playing for Celtic against Barcelona in 2012.
His success in Europe led him to the Premier League, where he played for Southampton. His transfer fee of £12.5 million to Southampton made him the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club at the time.
In 2020, Wanyama made the move to MLS, joining CF Montreal as a Designated Player.
In his debut match in the CONCACAF Champions League, he showcased his talent by providing an assist to Saphir Taïder, demonstrating his ability to make an immediate impact.
Wanyama’s arrival has brought excitement to Montreal fans, and his experience and skill make him a valuable asset to the team. As he continues to make his mark in MLS, fans eagerly anticipate his contributions to CF Montreal’s success.
8. Saphir Taïder
In 2018, Saphir Taïder joined Major League Soccer (MLS) club CF Montréalon on a three-year deal, initially starting with a two-year loan. He was designated as a key player for the team.
Taïder debuted on March 7th in a match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, which also marked the beginning of Rémi Garde’s tenure as the Impact’s manager. Despite the team’s efforts, they suffered a 2–1 defeat.
His arrival at the Montreal Impact in 2018 signalled a new era for the club, as the Algerian midfielder brought a dynamic presence to the team’s midfield.
Known for his versatility, work rate, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Taïder quickly became a linchpin in Montreal’s midfield. His vision and passing range unlocked defenses while his tenacity and defensive contributions provided stability in the middle of the park.
9. Rod Fanni
During his time with CF Montreal, Rod Fanni brought a lot of experience and leadership to the team’s defence. He joined the club in 2018 and quickly became an important figure in the backline.
As a seasoned player with experience in top European leagues, Fanni’s presence added stability to the club’s defence. He was known for organising the defence and communicating effectively with his teammates.
Fanni also served as a mentor to younger players, providing guidance both on and off the field. Despite facing challenges like injuries and coaching changes, he remained a reliable performer and earned the respect of fans and teammates.
Although his time with CF Montreal was relatively short, Fanni’s impact on the team’s defence and his leadership qualities left a lasting impression. He will be remembered for his professionalism and commitment to the club.
10. Laurent Ciman
Laurent Ciman is widely regarded as the best centre-back in CF Montréal’s history, even surpassing the legendary Alessandro Nesta.
While Nesta joined the club towards the end of his career, Ciman’s impact was significant due to his exceptional defensive skills and strong leadership qualities.
Known for his precise tackles and commanding presence on the field, Ciman has also showcased his talent on the world stage by representing Belgium in prestigious tournaments like the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 UEFA Euro.
His experience at such high levels of international football has undoubtedly honed his abilities and enhanced his reputation.
Ciman joined the Montreal Impact in January 2015 on a three-year deal and made an immediate impact. In his first season, he was honored as the MLS Defender of the Year, highlighting his outstanding defensive contributions.
He was also selected for the MLS All-Star Game in July 2016, further recognizing his excellence in the league.
Ciman’s time with the Montreal Impact solidifies his status as a true defensive stalwart and a legendary figure in the club’s history. His exceptional skills, leadership, and achievements have left an enduring legacy that fans will remember for years to come.
Other CF Montréal Players In History
- Romell Quioto
- Justin Mapp
- Dominic Oduro
- Djordje Mihailovic
- Bacary Sagna
- Marco Di Vaio
- Ambroise Oyongo
- Eduardo Sebrango
- Marco Donadel
- Evan Bush
- Jack McInerney
- Jukka Raitala