How Lazar Stefanovic Went from Backyard Kicks to Torneo-Tackling — You Won’t Believe His #76 Swerve!
If you tune into Toronto FC this season, you’ll spot an 18-year-old defender with surprising composure wearing number 76. Lazar Stefanovic stands 6’1” and already lines up with the first team, having come through Toronto FC Academy and Toronto FC II. He made his MLS debut at just 16—pretty wild, right?—and keeps showing he’s got what it takes at the top level.
His journey feels both familiar and impressive. Born in Clearwater, Florida but raised in Oakville, Ontario, Stefanovic joined the Academy in 2016 after starting out at Oakville Soccer Club. He honed his game with Toronto FC II and then signed a Homegrown contract, which keeps him with the club through 2028 (plus an option for 2029), as Toronto FC notes.
What really grabs your attention is how quickly he’s adjusted to MLS. You see his presence on the back line, the way he reads the game, and the confidence he shows against veteran forwards. That blend of poise and potential makes Stefanovic one of Canada’s most intriguing young defenders.
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Lazar Stefanovic: Player Profile
You’re looking at a young defender who’s already broken into MLS with Toronto FC. His path shows steady growth through the academy, international youth experience with Canada, and a bigger role at the pro level.
Personal Background
Lazar Stefanovic was born on August 10, 2006, in Clearwater, Florida, but he grew up in Oakville, Ontario. He joined Toronto FC Academy in 2016 after starting out at Oakville Soccer Club. Those early academy years gave him a solid base in technical skills and competitive games.
By 2022, he debuted for Toronto FC II in MLS NEXT Pro. He signed a full contract with the second team in 2023. That same year, he picked up his first senior minutes with Toronto FC on short-term call-ups.
Internationally, he’s represented Canada at both U-17 and U-20 levels. He captained the U-17 squad at the 2023 Concacaf Championship and played in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Coaches clearly trust his maturity, letting him lead at such a young age.
He attended high school in Ontario while juggling academy commitments. Instead of the NCAA, he took the pro path that Toronto FC’s development structure offers.
Physical Attributes
Stefanovic stands 6’1” and weighs 174 pounds, so he’s got the size to battle as a center back in MLS. His height helps him win headers, and his lean build lets him move across the back line without much trouble. He’s left-footed, which adds balance to defensive pairings and helps when building from the back.
His physical profile fits what you want in a modern defender. He covers ground, stays active in one-on-ones, and uses his body well to shield off attackers. His size also makes him dangerous on set pieces.
Key Measurements
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 6’1” (186 cm) |
| Weight | 174 lbs (79 kg) |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Jersey Number | 76 |
With his age, there’s probably still room for him to get even stronger.
Playing Style and Strengths
You’ll usually find Stefanovic playing as a center back, although his left foot means he can shift around the back line if needed. He reads the game well, steps into passing lanes, and anticipates runs. Most of the time, his positioning means he doesn’t have to make desperate tackles.
On the ball, he’s calm. He can thread short passes into midfield or hit longer diagonals when the game calls for it. That distribution helps Toronto FC build from the back.
Defensively, he relies on timing and discipline. He doesn’t dive in, instead making attackers work for every inch. While he’s not the most aggressive tackler, his body positioning and awareness usually do the trick.
At the youth international level, he anchored Canada’s back line with consistency. During the 2024 Concacaf U-20 qualifying, he helped keep opponents off the scoresheet. For Toronto FC, his responsibilities keep growing as he gets more MLS experience.
His game will probably keep evolving as he faces tougher competition, but the foundation is already there—a steady, left-footed defender with poise.
Toronto FC Career
Lazar Stefanovic has climbed Toronto FC’s ladder, starting from the Academy, moving up to Toronto FC II, and now holding a regular place with the first team. His story fits the club’s push to develop homegrown talent and give young defenders real minutes in MLS.
First Team Contract and Homegrown Status
Toronto FC signed Stefanovic to a Homegrown player contract in early 2025, locking him in through 2028 with a 2029 option. That came after two seasons with Toronto FC II, where he made 31 appearances in MLS NEXT Pro.
Homegrown status means a lot—it rewards years of work in the Toronto FC Academy. Stefanovic joined back in 2016 after Oakville Soccer Club and moved through every level from U-10 to U-19.
With this signing, Toronto FC kept roster flexibility under MLS rules and invested in a defender who already looked comfortable against older players. The contract length and timing—right before the 2025 season—show the club’s belief in him.
MLS Debut and Early Appearances
Stefanovic stepped onto the MLS stage for the first time on July 1, 2023, against Real Salt Lake. At just 16, he became the second-youngest player to ever appear for Toronto FC. That debut happened through a short-term deal while he was still playing with Toronto FC II.
He got his first MLS start in 2024, going the full 90 minutes in a 6-1 win over CF Montréal. That match showed he could handle the pressure of a rivalry game—something a lot of teenagers would struggle with.
Before his full contract, he picked up minutes in the Canadian Championship and Leagues Cup, where Toronto FC often gave younger players a run. Those games gave fans a glimpse of his defensive awareness and calmness on the ball, which helped him settle in quickly with the first team.
Role in the 2025 Season
In 2025, Stefanovic entered the season as part of Toronto FC’s first team. He featured in preseason matches in Marbella, Spain, and Palm Beach, Florida, showing the coaches put their trust in him in real-game situations.
He’s mainly rotated in as a center-back, helping Toronto FC manage a busy schedule across MLS and cup competitions. His size and steady positioning made him a useful option in a backline that needed depth.
Check out his early 2025 season stats:
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Minutes Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS Regular Season | 8 | 6 | 540 | 0 | 0 |
| Canadian Championship | 2 | 2 | 180 | 0 | 0 |
| Leagues Cup | 1 | 1 | 90 | 0 | 0 |
That’s steady involvement for a teenager still getting used to MLS speed.
Jersey Number #76
Stefanovic wears number 76 for Toronto FC. It’s not a common number in MLS, where players usually pick something traditional or personally meaningful. For Stefanovic, it’s probably a nod to his Academy roots, since higher numbers often go to younger players.
Toronto FC kept him in #76 since his first appearances. That consistency makes it easier for fans to track his journey from the Young Reds to the senior team.
When you’re at the stadium or watching at home, #76 is the number to look for in defense. It’s quickly become part of his identity—one of the youngest regulars in Toronto’s backline.
Development Pathway
You can follow Lazar Stefanovic’s rise from local soccer in Ontario to the pro ranks step by step. His path shows how early training, time in the academy, and minutes in lower divisions prepare a defender for MLS.
Youth Years at Oakville Soccer Club
Stefanovic started out at Oakville Soccer Club, spending three years there before joining Toronto FC’s system. Oakville’s known for producing players who move on to bigger things.
He learned the basics—positioning, timing, discipline—at Oakville. The club focused on technical skill and tactical awareness, which really set him up for later success.
Playing for Oakville gave him early experience in tough matches against strong regional teams. That helped him build confidence in one-on-one defending and aerial battles.
By 2016, he’d shown enough promise to catch the attention of Toronto FC Academy.
Progression Through Toronto FC Academy
During his time at Toronto FC Academy, Stefanovic climbed through every age group from U-10 to U-19. Not many players stay with one academy for nearly a decade, but his consistency kept him moving up.
The Academy offered structured training, fitness work, and competitive matches against other MLS academies. That environment pushed him to keep improving.
Coaches trusted him in central defense, and his size and calm decisions stood out. He learned to read the game earlier than most.
By U-19, he’d become a leader at the back, setting the stage for his move to Toronto FC II.
Experience with Toronto FC II
Toronto FC II gave Stefanovic his first taste of pro soccer. He debuted in 2022 against FC Cincinnati 2 as an Academy player, then signed with the second team in June 2023.
His progress shows up in the numbers. Over two seasons, he made 31 appearances and started 29. Those minutes taught him how to handle older, stronger opponents.
Toronto FC II Stats (2023–2024)
| Season | Matches Played | Starts | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1,260 |
| 2024 | 16 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 1,350 |
He earned three short-term deals with the Toronto FC first team in 2023, including his MLS debut against Real Salt Lake.
MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT Pro Involvement
Stefanovic developed further in MLS NEXT and MLS NEXT Pro, which bridge the gap between academy soccer and MLS.
In MLS NEXT, he faced top youth talent from all over North America, sharpening his tactical awareness and decision-making under pressure.
MLS NEXT Pro with Toronto FC II brought more physicality and a faster pace. He adapted quickly, becoming a regular starter.
By performing well at both levels, Stefanovic positioned himself for a long-term contract with Toronto FC’s first team, signed through 2028 with an option for 2029, according to the club’s official announcement.
International Experience
Lazar Stefanovic’s international career keeps building as he gets steady run with Canada’s youth teams. He’s played at the U-17 and U-20 levels, competed on the world stage, and even captained the side. His path shows a clear rise from promising prospect to trusted leader.
Canadian Men’s National Team U-17
Stefanovic made his mark with the Canadian Men’s National Team U-17 program. He played as a central defender, bringing size and composure to a back line often facing older, tougher opposition.
At just 16, he showed maturity in how he positioned himself and made decisions. Coaches trusted him in high-pressure matches, relying on his ability to organize the defense.
His time at this level gave him regular minutes against international competition. Training camps and friendlies in North America and Europe helped him adjust to different playing styles.
By 17, he’d already logged several key appearances, setting up his move to global tournaments.
Key Attributes Displayed:
- Strong aerial presence
- Reliable tackling
- Calm under pressure
2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup Participation
You watched Stefanovic suit up for Canada at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The tournament threw him into matches against some of the best young players on the planet.
Canada kicked off the group stage feeling optimistic. Stefanovic played as a key defender, right in the heart of the back line.
He read the game well, especially when facing squads loaded with academy talent. Every match challenged his stamina and focus.
He had to react fast during transitions, adapt to different tactics, and battle some pretty physical forwards. Global tournaments like this push young players to their limits.
Canada didn’t make a deep run, but the experience paid off for him. Scouts and analysts highlighted his calmness under pressure—a rare trait for someone his age.
Tournament Stats (2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup):
| Matches Played | Minutes | Tackles Won | Clearances | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 270 | 7 | 15 | 1 |
Concacaf U-17 and U-20 Championships
You’ve followed his journey through regional tournaments too, where he played at both the Concacaf U-17 and U-20 Championships.
At U-17, he anchored Canada’s defense in qualifying. Central American teams brought a ton of speed, but he kept the group organized.
When he moved up to the U-20s, he faced even tougher competition. The U-20 Championship challenged him to play out from the back under more pressure.
He adjusted quickly, showing more confidence when passing into midfield. These tournaments helped bridge the gap between youth and professional soccer for him.
You could actually see his growth as he handled stronger opponents and more demanding tactics.
Leadership and Captaincy Roles
People don’t just praise Stefanovic for his defending—they notice his leadership too. He wore Canada’s U-17 captain’s armband in some matches, proving his coaches trusted him.
As captain, he talked constantly with his teammates. You could hear his voice during set pieces, and he always organized the back line.
But leadership isn’t just about talking. He set the tone by staying disciplined, especially when the team was under pressure.
At U-20, he kept taking on leadership roles. Even without the armband, he helped younger players settle into international games.
Leadership Highlights:
- Captain in U-17 international matches
- Vocal organizer in defense
- Coaches trusted him for discipline and maturity
Stefanovic’s international career really shows a player who mixes technical skill with leadership. He’s become a reliable part of Canada’s youth teams and looks like a strong candidate for the senior squad down the road.
Notable Matches and Milestones
You can track Lazar Stefanovic’s rise through a handful of games that shaped his story at Toronto FC. His first minutes in MLS NEXT Pro, the leap to the first team, and his performances at both levels all show how quickly he’s adapted.
Professional Debut vs FC Cincinnati 2
You first spotted Stefanovic in the pro ranks when he started for Toronto FC II against FC Cincinnati 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. He was just 16, playing as a center-back, but he looked calm and composed.
That debut kicked off his transition from academy prospect to professional. He kept things simple—winning headers, staying organized, and not panicking under pressure.
His reading of the game stood out more than any single tackle. Matches like this one showed why Toronto FC invested in his development.
MLS NEXT Pro gave him a chance to test himself against older, stronger players. That experience helped lay the groundwork for his eventual first-team shot.
Match Snapshot
| Date | Competition | Opponent | Role | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | MLS NEXT Pro | FC Cincinnati 2 | Center-back | 90 |
First Team Debut Against Real Salt Lake
It didn’t take long for Stefanovic to reach the senior squad. His first-team debut came against Real Salt Lake in MLS.
At 17, he stepped into a league match that demanded total focus. Playing defense in a high-speed game, he stayed compact, tracked runners, and avoided mistakes.
He didn’t overcomplicate things—just did his job, and did it well. That approach won over the coaching staff.
Toronto FC needed help at the back, and Stefanovic gave them a reliable option. For someone fresh out of the academy, holding his own against experienced MLS players was a big milestone.
Key Performances in MLS and MLS NEXT Pro
You’ve seen Stefanovic juggle time between MLS and MLS NEXT Pro, picking up valuable minutes in both. With Toronto FC II, he played full matches and often faced tough, physical strikers.
In MLS, he started out as a substitute, then earned starts as he proved he could handle faster attackers and more pressure. Each game seemed to boost his confidence on the ball.
His versatility jumped out, too. Mostly a center-back, he still managed to adapt to different systems and tactics. Plus, his left-footed passing added something extra to Toronto FC’s buildup play.
Performance Overview
- MLS NEXT Pro: Regular starter, played full matches
- MLS: Came on as a sub, then started games
- Strengths: Positioning, aerial ability, composure under pressure
Off the Field and Personal Life
You see a young defender who’s not just handling the demands of MLS, but also shaping his identity around his roots and his community. Where he comes from seems to shape how he carries himself, even when nobody’s watching.
Connection to Clearwater, Florida
Lazar Stefanovic was born in Clearwater, Florida on August 10, 2006. He later moved to Oakville, Ontario. That early Florida connection still feels like a part of his story, even as he wears Canada’s colors.
His dual background gives him options. Born in the U.S., he’s eligible for both American and Canadian teams, but so far he’s chosen to represent Canada.
Looking at his career journey, the Florida roots stand out. It’s a reminder of how cross-border development shapes soccer these days.
Players move between systems more than ever, and Stefanovic’s path really shows that.
| Birthplace | Clearwater, Florida |
|---|---|
| Raised | Oakville, Ontario |
| National Team | Canada U-20 |
That mix—American by birth, Canadian by upbringing—adds another layer to his background. He’s in a unique spot among young MLS players, carrying more than one national identity.
Community Involvement and Representation
You probably see Stefanovic’s path as more than just professional soccer. He came up through Toronto FC’s academy, showing how much the system values homegrown development and those local connections.
He’s already jumped in with youth events and training sessions alongside TFC Academy players. That tells you he wants to give back to the program that helped shape him.
Representation really does matter. As a Canadian youth international from Ontario, he reflects soccer’s growth in the region. Fans don’t just see a pro player—they see someone who actually connects with the local community.
When you watch him interact with younger players, you notice he gets how important it is to be visible. That presence? It inspires kids who dream of making the same jump from academy to first team.
