Kosi Thompson’s Ball-Hogging Brilliance: How Toronto FC’s #6 Steals Games and Laughs

If you watch Toronto FC, one name in the midfield keeps popping up: Kosi Thompson. At just 22, he pulls on the number 6 shirt and keeps finding ways to make his mark in Major League Soccer. Kosi Thompson, a homegrown midfielder for Toronto FC, grew up in the club’s academy and now plays a key role in the first team.

His journey kicked off back in 2012 when he joined the Toronto FC Academy. That step set him on the path to professional soccer.

After signing with Toronto FC II in 2021, he picked up valuable minutes in USL League One before making the leap to the senior squad. Indiana University helped sharpen his game and gave him the foundation to compete at a higher level.

You can’t help but notice his versatility. He moves between midfield and fullback, always adapting to whatever the team needs.

In 2023, Toronto FC loaned him to Lillestrøm SK in Norway. That experience added another layer to his development.

With his mix of academy roots, international exposure, and steady MLS minutes, Thompson really embodies the type of player Toronto FC wants to build around.

Season	Club	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021	Toronto FC II	USL League One	27	1	2
2022	Toronto FC	MLS	24	1	1
2023	Lillestrøm SK	Eliteserien	10	0	0
2024	Toronto FC	MLS	18	0	2

For more on his career, check his Toronto FC profile or his player history on Transfermarkt.

Player Profile and Background

Kosi Thompson has built his career with Toronto FC by combining steady technical ability with adaptability across midfield roles. His growth reflects both his Toronto roots and his steady climb through the club’s system.

Personal Information

You see a player who’s really grown up in Toronto’s soccer culture. Kosi Trevor David Thompson was born on January 27, 2003, in North York, Ontario, Canada.

He stands 5’10” (1.80m) and weighs about 174 lbs (79 kg).

Thompson developed through the Toronto FC Academy, sharpening his skills before signing a homegrown contract. He spent time at Indiana University, a program with a reputation for producing MLS-ready talent.

At just 22, he’s already experienced both MLS and European football. In 2023, Toronto FC sent him on loan to Lillestrøm SK in Norway, giving him valuable international minutes.

That stint gave him a broader tactical understanding and a taste of a competitive European league.

Playing Style and Strengths

When you watch Thompson, you notice his versatility in midfield. He can play centrally, on the right, or push forward if the team needs it.

He relies on quick decisions and technical control, not just physical strength. His ability to carry the ball and make accurate passes under pressure helps link defense and attack.

His time in Norway showed off his work rate and ability to fit into different tactical systems. Coaches appreciate his discipline, both in keeping defensive shape and pressing high up the pitch.

He’s not a big goal scorer, but he creates space and supports attacking moves. His strengths—consistency, energy, and tactical awareness—make him a reliable choice for Toronto FC’s midfield.

Squad Number and Role

For Toronto FC, Thompson wears the number 6 jersey. Usually, that means a defensive or holding midfielder, but for him, it’s more about flexibility.

He’s played as a right midfielder and central option. His job isn’t limited to shielding the back line.

You’ll see him push the ball forward, cover wide areas, and support overlapping runs. That ability to slot into different positions makes him valuable for a squad that often needs depth.

Here’s a quick look at his professional profile:

Detail	Information
Club	Toronto FC
Position	Midfielder (central, right)
Jersey Number	6
Birthplace	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date of Birth	January 27, 2003
Height / Weight	5’10” / 174 lbs
Player Category	Homegrown

His squad role keeps evolving, but his presence gives Toronto FC a dependable, adaptable option in Major League Soccer.

Toronto FC Career

You watched Kosi Thompson rise through Toronto’s academy system and into the first team, carving out a spot as a versatile midfielder. His time with Toronto FC already includes important league minutes, a loan abroad, and appearances in the Canadian Championship against tough opponents.

First Team Debut and Milestones

You first saw Thompson break into the Toronto FC senior side in 2022 under head coach Bob Bradley. Coming through the academy and Toronto FC II, he earned a homegrown contract and landed on the MLS roster.

He made his debut early in the 2022 season, stepping into midfield against the Columbus Crew. That match gave him valuable minutes and set the tone for more appearances.

By the end of his first season, Thompson had logged over 20 MLS matches. He showed the coaching staff he could handle both right midfield and right back.

His adaptability became one of his biggest assets, especially for a team dealing with injuries. In 2023, Toronto FC loaned him to Lillestrøm SK in Norway, giving him a chance to develop in a European league.

After that, he returned to MLS competition.

Notable Performances

You probably remember Thompson’s first MLS goal against Real Salt Lake in April 2022. He finished calmly in the box, showing his knack for timing runs from midfield.

He also played a steady role in the Canadian Championship, where Toronto FC leaned on younger players to balance the squad. His energy and defensive work helped TFC get through tight knockout matches.

Thompson’s value comes from his versatility. He shifts between midfield and defense, giving Bradley tactical flexibility.

That balance of roles often kept him in the rotation, even when veterans came back from injury.

Here’s a look at some of his early career numbers:

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2022	MLS	24	1	1
2022	Canadian Championship	3	0	0
2023	MLS (loan before move)	10	0	0

Key Matches and Contributions

Against New York City FC in 2022, Thompson delivered one of his best performances. He pressed high, broke up attacks, and connected passes that helped Toronto control the midfield.

Even though he didn’t score, his influence was obvious.

Another key match came in the Canadian Championship semifinal. Thompson’s defensive work on the flank limited counterattacks, and his efforts helped TFC reach the final.

He also stayed reliable in matches where Toronto FC struggled for rhythm. When facing tough MLS teams like Columbus Crew, he often provided balance by tracking runners and covering gaps.

That steady presence, even in tough games, showed why the coaching staff trusted him.

You could see his growth not just in highlight moments but in the consistent minutes that built his reputation as a dependable role player for Toronto FC.

Youth Development and Academy Journey

Kosi Thompson grew up in Toronto with a clear path toward professional soccer. His early training shaped his skills, and his time in the academy system gave him a chance to compete against top youth talent in North America.

Early Years at Vaughan Azzurri

You first hear about Thompson at Vaughan Azzurri, a respected youth club in Ontario that’s produced plenty of top players. At Vaughan, he built the technical base that defines his style.

Coaches there valued his ability to take on defenders one-on-one, a skill that’s still central to his game.

His time with Vaughan also gave him early exposure to structured competition. By the time he joined Toronto FC’s academy, he’d already built a reputation as a versatile midfielder.

That foundation made his transition into a pro environment smoother.

Progression Through Toronto FC Academy

Thompson joined the Toronto FC Academy in 2015. He moved through several age groups, competing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

He became a regular contributor at every level.

From 2016 to 2020, he scored 16 goals in 20 appearances across U-13, U-16/17, and U-18/19 competitions. That’s impressive for a midfielder and shows his ability to get forward.

Academy Stats (2016–2020)

Age Group	Matches	Goals
U-13	5	4
U-16/17	8	7
U-18/19	7	5

The numbers speak to his consistency at every stage. By the time he reached Toronto FC II, Thompson had already shown he could handle the pace and physicality of older competition.

Achievements in Youth Competitions

Two standout moments from his youth career come to mind. In 2019, he helped Toronto FC’s U-16 team win the Dallas Cup, one of the most respected youth tournaments in North America.

That win gave him a chance to face elite opposition and show he could perform in high-pressure matches.

He also earned a spot on the 2019–20 Generation Adidas Best XI, an honor for the top players in the academy system.

That recognition put him alongside the country’s best prospects and really marked him as a player to watch.

These achievements, along with his steady development, opened the door for him to sign a professional deal and eventually break into Toronto FC’s first team.

Toronto FC II and USL League One Experience

Kosi Thompson’s journey to the first team kicked off with Toronto FC II. He logged valuable minutes in USL League One and, honestly, you could see his growth in how quickly he adjusted to the pro game. Those early matches really shaped him into a dependable midfielder.

Signing First Professional Contract

May 13, 2021 stands out—Thompson signed his first professional contract with Toronto FC II. At just 18, he jumped from the academy into USL League One, which is a huge step for young Canadian players.

He’d already made a name for himself in the academy. He played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and helped his team win the 2019 Dallas Cup at the U-16 level. That experience gave him the confidence to handle the pro environment.

The contract let him face older, tougher opponents while he kept working on his technical and tactical skills. For a lot of people, this is the moment he became a real pro, not just some promising kid from the academy.

Debut and Performance Highlights

Just nine days after signing, Thompson made his pro debut on May 22, 2021, against North Texas SC. That match was his first real test against the speed and physicality of senior soccer.

He got on the scoresheet pretty quickly. On June 2, he scored his first pro goal against Union Omaha. That goal showed he could do more than just midfield work, and it gave coaches a reason to trust him in multiple roles.

In 2021, he made 27 appearances in USL League One. Here’s a quick look at his numbers:

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Goals
2021	Toronto FC II	USL League One	27	1

Loan Spells and Development

You can’t really talk about Thompson’s career without mentioning his loan spells. In 2023, Toronto FC sent him to Lillestrøm SK in Norway’s Eliteserien. That move gave him a taste of European football and a different style of play.

Lillestrøm even had the option to make the move permanent, which says a lot about how much they liked his potential. Toronto FC seems to use loans to push young players instead of letting them just warm the bench.

Playing abroad forced him to adapt to new tactics, higher physical demands, and a different culture. Those lessons definitely followed him back to Toronto FC, where he’s still fighting for regular minutes.

Positional Versatility and Tactical Roles

Kosi Thompson’s value really shines in how smoothly he moves between positions. He’s got a midfielder’s technical skills, but his athleticism and discipline let him handle defensive roles too. That kind of flexibility makes him a handy option for Toronto FC in all sorts of systems.

Transition from Midfielder to Right Back

If you watch him closely, you’ll see his midfield background in the way he plays right back. He’s comfortable carrying the ball forward, can cross with either foot, and isn’t shy about getting into advanced areas. That comfort on the ball helps cut down on turnovers out wide.

Bob Bradley often used him at right back to cover for injuries or make tactical tweaks. Bradley liked how Thompson could overlap into the attack and still recover defensively. His passing range from midfield really helped him deliver from the flank.

Check out his numbers:

Season	Position Played	Appearances	Key Passes	Tackles Won
2022	Midfielder/Right Back	24	12	28
2023	Right Back/Midfield	21	10	31

That mix of attacking and defensive work explains why coaches relied on him in a hybrid role.

Adaptation Under Different Coaches

With coaching changes, Thompson’s role shifted. Bob Bradley saw him as a utility guy, while John Herdman leaned on his athleticism and defensive reliability. Herdman’s system demanded more structure, so Thompson focused on positioning and one-on-one defending.

He’s sharpened his tactical awareness under Herdman. He reads pressing triggers better, stays tight with the back line, and picks his moments to go forward. That discipline earned him trust in high-pressure games.

His adaptability goes back to his days in the Toronto FC academy and TFC 2, where he regularly played in different spots. That background helps him adjust quickly when the team needs him to switch roles.

Playing as a Centre-Back

In 2024, Herdman tried Thompson as a right-sided centre-back in a back three. It’s not his natural spot, but you can see why they gave it a shot. He’s quick, has stamina, and steps into midfield well, so he fits that hybrid role.

Thompson admitted in an interview with TFC Republic that the switch surprised him, but he took it on. He learned to track strikers, win aerial challenges, and time his recovery runs. That versatility helped Toronto FC fill gaps in the lineup.

Playing centre-back improved his defensive instincts too. He’s gotten better at reading through balls and organizing teammates. Even though he’s still a midfielder at heart, his willingness to step into defense shows a maturity that’s good for the team.

International Prospects and Recognition

When you look at Kosi Thompson, you don’t just see club minutes—you see someone building a case for international opportunities. His rise from the Toronto FC Academy to the first team sets him up well for possible national team involvement.

Canada Youth National Team Involvement

Thompson grew up in Toronto and joined the Toronto FC Academy in 2012. That early start put him on the radar of Canada’s youth scouts, who keep a close eye on academy talent. He hasn’t become a regular with Canada’s youth national teams yet, but his path looks a lot like other players who got call-ups after breaking through in MLS.

Versatility matters for the national team. Thompson’s played as a midfielder and fullback, giving Canada’s coaches some tactical options. His loan to Lillestrøm SK in Norway added international experience, testing him against different playing styles.

Here’s a quick timeline of his early career:

Year	Team	Role	Notes
2012	Toronto FC Academy	Youth Player	Joined at age 9
2019	Toronto FC U-16	Midfielder	Won Dallas Cup
2021	Toronto FC II	Midfielder	27 appearances in USL
2022–	Toronto FC	Midfielder/Fullback	First-team regular

That steady climb puts him in the mix for future Canada U-23 or even senior camps, especially as the team looks for depth in World Cup qualifying.

Honors and Awards

Thompson’s career is still pretty fresh, but he’s already racked up some achievements that show off his potential. When he signed as a Homegrown Player in 2022, he became the 29th player to make the jump from the Toronto FC Academy to the first team.

He hasn’t landed a spot on a Generation Adidas Best XI yet. Still, you get the sense that if he keeps growing, he’s got a real shot.

Those kinds of honors usually go to young players who rack up minutes and make a real impact, and honestly, Thompson feels like he’s right there.

You can’t ignore his part in the 2019 Dallas Cup win with Toronto FC’s U-16 squad. That tournament draws some of the best youth teams in North America, so lifting that trophy gave him his first real taste of international competition.

Toronto sent him on loan to Lillestrøm SK in 2023, showing they see value in his future. Experiences like that can open doors to bigger honors, whether at home or on a bigger stage.