Whitecaps defender #18 pulls off a hilarious slo‑mo move — Édier Ocampo will make you laugh (and cheer)!
When you tune into a Vancouver Whitecaps FC match this season, Édier Ocampo—#18—catches your eye almost instantly. At just 21, the Colombian defender brings a mix of pace, energy, and a surprising calmness to the back line.
Édier Ocampo, a full-back, signed with the Whitecaps in August 2024 after leaving Atlético Nacional. He’s under contract through 2027, with a club option for 2028. His arrival adds a young, high-upside presence who can influence both sides of the pitch.
You can see his Colombian roots in the way he plays. Ocampo was born in San Andrés de Tumaco and developed at Atlético Nacional’s academy before making his pro debut in 2023.
He spent time on loan at Fortaleza CEIF, picking up valuable experience before breaking into Nacional’s first team. He’s also represented Colombia at the U-19, U-20, and U-23 levels, including at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Now, Ocampo wears Whitecaps blue and fights for minutes, showing why the club handed him an MLS U22 Initiative contract. His speed, defensive smarts, and attacking drive make him a player worth keeping tabs on as he settles into Major League Soccer.
Curious about how his Colombian journey shaped his style? Or what his early Vancouver performances suggest about his future? You can dig into more details on his official Whitecaps profile.
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Édier Ocampo at Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Here’s a young defender who landed in Canada after coming up in Colombia’s top league. He brought a blend of experience and promise.
His transfer took some careful planning, from contract details to roster rules, and his first outings show he’s finding his feet in MLS.
Signing and Transfer Details
Édier Ocampo made the jump to Vancouver Whitecaps FC in August 2024 from Atlético Nacional, one of Colombia’s most storied clubs. Vancouver used the MLS U22 Initiative to sign him, which let them bring in a young international player without breaking the bank.
He needed to secure an international transfer certificate, work permit, and visa before he could get on the field. Sporting director Axel Schuster called the signing part of a bigger plan to load up on young South American talent.
Ocampo agreed to stay through 2027, with an option for 2028. Reports put the transfer fee at about US $1.7 million, so Vancouver clearly sees real potential in him.
Before coming to Canada, Ocampo played more than 50 matches for Nacional, picked up domestic trophies, and earned youth caps for Colombia. That track record gave Vancouver confidence he could slot in fairly quickly.
Squad Role and Jersey Number
Ocampo lines up as a right-back—although, honestly, he’s more of a wingback in terms of how he plays. He pushes forward and whips in crosses, so he’s not just a defensive piece.
Vancouver gave him the No. 18 jersey, and he’s worn it since day one.
In his early months in MLS, he started once and made six appearances across league and cup games. He hasn’t locked down a starting spot yet, but the staff clearly wants to ease him in.
Here’s a quick look at his contributions:
| Season | Club | Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | Atlético Nacional | 58 | 45 | 3 | 5 |
| 2024 | Vancouver Whitecaps | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
His role should grow, especially with the club juggling MLS fixtures and the Concacaf Champions Cup. Depth at the back will matter.
Adaptation to Major League Soccer
Adjusting to MLS is no small thing. For Ocampo, moving to Vancouver meant learning a new language, culture, and style of play.
MLS is more physical and transition-heavy than Colombia’s Categoría Primera A. That’s been an adjustment.
He made his debut against FC Dallas in September 2024, coming off the bench. Two weeks later, he started against LA Galaxy. The coaching staff clearly trusts him.
Ocampo’s defensive positioning remains a strong suit, but he’s also shown he wants to get forward. In March 2025, he earned a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday after a standout performance in a scoreless draw at St. Louis CITY SC.
His international background helps a ton. With experience at Colombia’s U-19, U-20, and U-23 levels, including the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, he already knows what it’s like to face different styles and top opponents.
You get the sense his role in Vancouver will only expand as he gets more comfortable with MLS’s tempo and life in Canada. Both the Whitecaps and Colombia’s national team staff are watching his progress closely.
Playing Position and Style
Édier Ocampo mainly plays as a right-back, but he often shifts into a wingback role. His game combines defensive reliability with attacking support, so he’s valuable at both ends of the field for Vancouver.
Wingback Versatility
You’ll notice Ocampo’s impact when he surges forward from the right. Atlético Nacional’s academy taught him how to balance defense with overlapping runs.
He times his forward movements well and rarely leaves huge gaps behind.
As a wingback, he stretches the field and forces opponents to adjust. His speed lets him recover, which is key when Vancouver faces teams that counter quickly.
He’s comfortable on the ball—he’ll play short passes to keep possession but isn’t afraid to dart down the flank and swing in crosses. That versatility gives the Whitecaps more options, especially against tightly packed defenses.
Defensive and Offensive Attributes
On defense, Ocampo keeps his positioning tight. He tracks runners and uses his quickness to close down space.
He’s not the tallest at 1.71 meters, but his timing and anticipation make up for it.
Offensively, his numbers with Atlético Nacional show he can chip in. In 2023 and 2024, he scored 3 goals and set up 5 more in 58 matches. That’s solid for a defender.
Here’s a snapshot of his stats before coming to Vancouver:
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlético Nacional | 58 | 3 | 5 |
| Fortaleza CEIF | 17 | 0 | 2 |
Those numbers point to a balanced player who helps out at both ends, not just one.
Tactical Fit in Whitecaps FC
Ocampo fits best in lineups with three central defenders. That system lets him push forward as a wingback while still having cover behind him.
If Vancouver lines up with a back four, his job leans more traditional—he focuses on defense first.
He works well with the Whitecaps’ attacking midfielders. His overlapping runs create space for wingers to cut inside, and his recovery speed keeps the team from getting caught out.
Vancouver signed him under the MLS U22 Initiative, so they clearly see him as a long-term piece. At 21, his energy and tactical sense give the club some real flexibility.
For fans, Ocampo’s job is pretty clear: he brings balance. He supports the attack but doesn’t forget his defensive duties, making him a reliable option in several tactical setups.
Professional Career in Colombia
Ocampo’s early years in Colombia really laid the groundwork for his pro career. His time with Atlético Nacional, a loan spell at Fortaleza CEIF, and steady play in Categoría Primera A shaped him into the defender he is now.
Atlético Nacional Achievements
Atlético Nacional played the biggest role in Ocampo’s rise. He came up through their academy and joined the first team in 2023.
By the time he left in 2024, he’d put together a strong résumé.
He made 58 appearances, starting 45 times. He chipped in three goals and five assists—not bad at all for a right back.
With Nacional, he also picked up silverware. He helped them win the 2023 Copa Colombia and the 2023 Colombian Superliga. Those trophies gave him a taste of high-pressure matches early on.
Key Stats at Atlético Nacional (2023–2024):
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions | 58 | 3 | 5 |
| 2024 Season (alone) | 23 | 3 | 1 |
Loan Spell at Fortaleza CEIF
Before he became a regular at Nacional, Ocampo spent a season on loan at Fortaleza CEIF in Colombia’s second division. That year gave him the professional minutes he needed.
He played in 17 matches and started 14. He didn’t score, but he set up two goals and proved he could contribute going forward.
The loan wasn’t really about stats—it was about showing he could handle senior football.
At Fortaleza, he adapted to the physical side of the pro game. Regular playing time there got him ready for the faster pace and higher quality at Nacional.
Performance in Categoría Primera A
When Ocampo returned to Atlético Nacional, he jumped straight into Colombia’s top flight, Categoría Primera A. He quickly earned a starting spot and showed he could play both ways.
In 2024, he started 18 of 23 matches, scored three goals, and added an assist—a strong return for a defender. His attacking runs from the right gave Nacional another attacking option.
He also grew defensively in this league. Facing top Colombian attackers every week forced him to sharpen his positioning and decision-making.
Before joining Nacional’s academy full-time, Ocampo played youth football at Sol de Oriente. That early technical foundation helped him succeed in Categoría Primera A.
International Career with Colombia
Ocampo’s international journey shows steady progress through Colombia’s youth ranks. He’s played in multiple age groups and key tournaments, standing out for his defensive work and support in attack on the global stage.
Youth International Experience
You can really trace Ocampo’s rise through Colombia’s youth national teams. He started with the U-19s, then moved up to the U-20 and U-23 squads. That steady climb says a lot—coaches clearly trusted him to adapt at every level.
He made 25 appearances across these age groups, giving him consistent exposure to tough South American and international opponents. At right back, he balanced defensive work with those trademark overlapping runs—a role that pretty much mirrored what he did for his club.
He also spent time at Atlético Nacional’s academy and took a loan spell at Fortaleza CEIF. That background built up his tactical foundation, helping him handle international competition while still pretty young. By the time he joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC, he already had years of youth international experience in his back pocket.
Colombia Youth Stats
| Team Level | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-19 | 6 | 0 | 1 |
| U-20 | 15 | 1 | 3 |
| U-23 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Major Tournaments and Honors
Ocampo faced real tests in competitive tournaments that mattered. He represented Colombia at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina, starting all four matches. He held down the right flank against some top-tier opponents, picking up valuable tournament experience.
In 2022, he helped Colombia secure a bronze medal at the South American Games. He started four of the five matches, showing up consistently in a short, high-pressure format.
He played a part in Colombia’s qualification campaigns for regional competitions, giving him a taste of both knockout and group-stage play. These tournaments sharpened his tactical awareness and his ability to read the game in different situations.
Each step built his reputation as a reliable youth international who could handle the demands of tournament football.
Notable International Performances
If you’re looking for a highlight, Ocampo’s assist against Slovakia in the Round of 16 at the 2023 U-20 World Cup stands out. That play showed his ability to push forward, deliver a final ball, and impact a match beyond just defending.
His defensive work against Italy in the quarterfinals also deserves a mention—even though Colombia got knocked out. He stayed disciplined against one of Europe’s best youth sides, limiting chances down his wing.
At the South American Games, he started four times and gave Colombia a solid, steady presence. He wasn’t flashy, but his reliability in possession and positioning gave the team some much-needed stability.
These performances show a player who doesn’t just fill a spot—he actually shapes results at the international level.
Contract and Transfer Regulations
Édier Ocampo joined Vancouver Whitecaps FC in August 2024 after leaving Atlético Nacional in Colombia. The move required a transfer agreement, plus compliance with Major League Soccer roster rules and Canadian immigration requirements. All these details affect how the club can use him and how long he can stay.
U22 Initiative Roster Slot
Ocampo signed under the MLS U22 Initiative. This program lets clubs invest in young international players without taking a heavy salary cap hit. Since he was 20 when he signed, he fit right into this roster category.
This initiative gives teams a bit more flexibility. You can sign up to three players under the program, and their salaries and transfer fees count at a reduced budget charge. For Ocampo, the Whitecaps paid a reported $1.75 million transfer fee but kept his cap hit manageable.
His contract runs through 2027, with a club option for 2028. That structure gives the Whitecaps long-term control, but also protects them if they decide to transfer him abroad.
Contract Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Contract Length | 2024–2027 |
| Club Option | 2028 |
| Roster Category | U22 Initiative Slot |
| Transfer Fee | $1.75 million |
| Cap Impact | Reduced under U22 rules |
Visa and Work Permit Process
Because Ocampo is Colombian, he needed both a Canadian work permit and an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) before he could play. These steps are standard for international signings, but sometimes they delay a debut if things don’t move quickly.
The ITC confirmed his eligibility to move from Colombia’s federation to Major League Soccer. After that cleared, the Whitecaps filed for his Canadian work visa, which allowed him to live and work in Vancouver.
For fans, it meant the club had to navigate immigration timelines before Ocampo could step on the field. He officially debuted on September 7, 2024, against FC Dallas, right after his documentation came through.
Without these approvals, he wouldn’t have been able to register as an active player in MLS competition.
Key Statistics and Recent Performances
Édier Ocampo has adapted quickly to Major League Soccer with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, already showing consistency as a right back. His stats reflect steady defensive work and a growing impact in transition play.
MLS Appearances and Contributions
Ocampo joined Vancouver in August 2024 from Atlético Nacional, having developed through Colombia’s top flight. At just 21, he’s already logged meaningful minutes in MLS and earned recognition for his defensive positioning and pace on the flank.
Here’s his output for the 2024 season:
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | MLS | 12 | 0 | 1 | 890 | 2 | 0 |
His role isn’t measured by goals, but by how well he closes space and supports possession. He brings energy in overlapping runs, letting Vancouver stretch defenses.
Coming out of Atlético Nacional’s system and playing youth football in Colombia, Ocampo mixes technical skill with defensive awareness. His transition to MLS has been steady, and he keeps earning trust from the coaching staff.
Notable Matches and Highlights
Ocampo really made a mark when he landed a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday in Matchday 9. That 0-0 draw at St. Louis CITY SC? He played a big role in locking down the clean sheet on the road.
During Vancouver’s 3-0 win over Sporting Kansas City, Ocampo grabbed a Sofascore rating of 7. He pressed high, linked up attacks on the right, and honestly, you could see his energy all over the field.
Honestly, these games show he steps up when it matters most. He’s not usually scoring, but his steady duels and those gritty recovery runs make him a dependable choice in Vancouver’s back line.
At just 21, he’s already picked up pro experience in Colombia and now MLS. That market value—€2.00m—says a lot about his potential as a young defender who’s still figuring things out in the league.
