Soccer ‘trail blazer’ Cyle Larin lauded with key to City of Brampton

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown says soccer star has 'established himself as ... a tremendous source of pride'

Published Sep 27, 2026  •  2 minute read

Canada’s Cyle Larin controls the ball while being watched by Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji and Johan Manzambi at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 24, 2026, during FIFA World Cup action. Larin was given the key to the City of Brampton by Mayor Patrick Brown on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. Photo by Arlen Redekop /Postmedia Network

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There were hundreds of people who came out to support and celebrate Cyle Larin, but the list was very exclusive when he talked about those who helped him beat the near impossible odds as a professional soccer player. 

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“You each came into my life (at different stages)” Larin said after being presented with a key to the City of Brampton at city hall on Sunday night. “Your love, your guidance, support and the strength to keep chasing my dream; one that seemed so far away. This key may have my name on it. I will always be proud to come back to it.” 

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Larin’s mother Patricia took to the stage as well and talked about her son’s adventures in Brampton minor sports, including a stint in Timbits hockey back in the day. But mostly, she talked about how sport was one avenue for a quiet, introspective boy to invite others into his world. 

“When you were little, you kicked a (ball) as a way of inviting them to connect with you,” she said. 

Despite marvelling at what he has grown into and what he has accomplished, she stills sees him as that little boy who was looking to make friends before he was recognized for his athletic gifts.  

Cyle Larin of Canada celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Canada and Qatar at B.C. Placer on June 18, 2026, in Vancouver. Photo by (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

‘Proud of everything’

He was the first Canadian drafted in the Major League Soccer super draft. He scored 13 goals in CONCACAF qualifying, helping Canada earn its first trip the World Cup in 2022. Larin has scored 32 goals as a member of the senior national team, which is second only to Jonathan David’s 43 goals. 

Larin currently plays for Southampton FC in the Championship, which is one tier below the English Premier League. 

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“When I think of that little boy who grew up here, all the places soccer has taken him, this key tells him that this city sees what he has accomplished,” Patricia said. “Kyle, I am proud of everything you’ve accomplished.” 

He also scored Canada’s first World Cup goal on home soil, coming off the bench to level the game 1-1 against Bosnia and Herzegovina at BMO Field in June. He scored two goals for Canada as the team made it out of the group stage for the first time. 

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‘Pride’ of Brampton

Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said that Larin “established himself as one of the country’s most accomplished international players and a tremendous source of pride.

“He is truly leading a remarkable journey,” he said. 

Bobby Smyrniotis, who co-founded the Sigma FC elite soccer development academy that helped shape several future Canadian national team stars including Larin, said there is “symbolism” in Larin receiving a key to the city.

“Larin is a trail blazer and let that key be a symbol for future generations of soccer players in Brampton,” said Smyrniotis, who coaches the Hamilton-based Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League.

Smyrniotis also said Larin’s continual drive for excellence played a key role in getting the key to the city in the first place.  

“He keeps striving to be better, to be the best version of himself and I think that has brought him to the place he is today as a professional athlete,” Smyrniotis said.  

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