R. Raposo #21: This LAFC Midfielder’s 2025 Trick Plays Had Fans Rolling — Wait Till You See the Stats!
Ryan Raposo, #21 for Los Angeles FC, brings a spark and a steady hand to the midfield. He’s one of those guys you just trust out there. Over 120 Major League Soccer games under his belt, and after five seasons with Vancouver, he’s now suiting up in black and gold. At 26, he’s already a veteran, but let’s be honest—he’s got plenty left in the tank.
If you’re tuning in to an LAFC match, don’t blink when Raposo’s on the ball. He’s everywhere—breaking up plays, starting attacks, and just keeping things ticking. His numbers? Five goals and eight assists so far in MLS. Not flashy, but he’s got a knack for popping up in big moments. Want the official scoop on his move? Check out how LAFC announced his signing and expectations.
| Stat | MLS Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 122 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 8 |
Contents
R. Raposo at Los Angeles FC
Raposo came to LAFC with a reputation—versatile, experienced, and always ready to put in a shift. He’s logged five years in MLS, and he brings that energy to every match in Los Angeles.
Signing as a Free Agent
LAFC didn’t waste time—they scooped up Raposo on a one-year deal, shoring up their midfield depth for the campaign. The contract includes a club option for 2026, so the front office kept things flexible but smart.
Raposo kicked off his career as a first-round draft pick for Vancouver. After the 2024 season, he hit free agency. He racked up over 120 league appearances, chipping in with crucial goals and assists. LAFC saw a guy who could handle any midfield role and deliver.
For a club chasing trophies, Raposo gives you that peace of mind. He showed up in LA with a point to prove and a lot of experience to offer. More details? Here’s the official announcement.
Role as a Midfielder
Raposo adapts to whatever the team needs. You’ll see him play central, out wide, whatever the coach asks. His history proves it—left, right, or in the middle, he’s done it all.
For LAFC, he brings crisp passing, relentless defense, and a knack for linking up play. He’s right-footed, stands at 170 cm, and uses that low center of gravity to wriggle through tight spots. You’ll spot him connecting defense to attack and keeping the ball moving.
Here’s a quick look at his main MLS stats as of mid-2025:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2024 | Vancouver Whitecaps | 122 | 5 | 8 |
| 2025 | Los Angeles FC | Pending | Pending | Pending |
His flexibility gives LAFC more ways to tweak the lineup, especially when games get wild.
Jersey Number 21
Raposo rocks number 21 for LAFC. That number’s become his signature in MLS. For LAFC fans, seeing 21 in midfield means you’re watching a guy who never stops working.
He wore 21 in Vancouver, too, so longtime fans will feel right at home. New to the party? 21’s the number to watch—making runs, linking up, and always in the thick of it.
It fits him and fits LAFC’s style, where numbers mean something but so does versatility. Whether he starts or comes on late, you’ll spot Raposo in 21 every game.
Connection with Marc Dos Santos
Raposo’s move to LA brings him back under Marc Dos Santos, his old boss from Vancouver. Dos Santos joined LAFC’s staff as an assistant in 2022, so there’s already a comfort level there.
That connection matters. Dos Santos knows exactly what Raposo can do, and that helps him settle in. It makes the transition smoother—on the field and in the locker room.
You’ll probably notice Raposo playing similar roles to what he did in Vancouver. Dos Santos knows how to get the best out of him, whether it’s supporting the attack or dropping back to defend. Dive deeper into their history at LAFC set to sign ex-Vancouver Whitecap Ryan Raposo.
MLS Career Overview
Raposo’s MLS journey? It’s been all about growth, adaptability, and seizing the moment. From draft night with Vancouver to a bigger role in LA, you can see how he’s carved out a real place in this league.
Time with Vancouver Whitecaps
Raposo started making noise as a young midfielder with Vancouver. Drafted in 2020, he broke into MLS and began earning minutes, mostly off the bench at first.
He became the team’s go-to utility guy. Whenever they needed someone to fill a gap—midfield, wing, you name it—Raposo stepped up. That meant he got steady match action, especially during those jam-packed 2021 and 2022 schedules.
In 122 games for Vancouver, Raposo started 56 times. He wasn’t always the main scorer, but he delivered important goals and assists. His biggest assist? Setting up Ryan Gauld’s winner at BC Place, right in front of a returning home crowd. That’s a moment you don’t forget.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC Stats (MLS Regular Season)
| Season | Games | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2021 | 21 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 2022 | 33 | 18 | 2 | 3 |
| 2023 | 31 | 19 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 22 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
MLS SuperDraft Selection
Raposo’s pro story kicked off with the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. Vancouver picked him fourth overall—pretty high praise after his standout college stint at Syracuse.
Top-five picks come with pressure. Coaches and fans wanted to see if he could live up to the hype as an attacking threat. He became the highest-drafted player from Syracuse at the time.
That draft moment set the tone. Raposo didn’t explode onto the scene with highlight-reel plays, but he built his career on steady, reliable performances. That’s how he’s earned his spot in MLS.
Major League Soccer Achievements
Raposo’s built a reputation as a reliable, flexible midfielder in MLS. Five goals and eight assists in 122 regular season matches—solid numbers for a guy who does the dirty work.
He’s comfortable in the middle or out wide, giving coaches options when lineups need a shakeup. His defensive hustle and pressing stand out, especially in those tight, late-season games.
Now, he’s wearing 21 for LAFC and bringing that same grit and experience. From draft day to trusted veteran, Raposo’s journey shows what consistency and hard work can do. For a closer look at his current stats and LAFC role, check his player profile and the official LAFC announcement.
Player Profile and Background
Raposo brings experience and versatility to LAFC’s midfield. You get a player who knows how to handle himself in big moments, always moving, always thinking.
Personal Information
Ryan Raposo was born March 5, 1999, in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. As of July 2025, he’s 26 years old. He signed with LAFC after five seasons in Vancouver, where he really came into his own as a pro.
He’s 172 cm (about 5’8″) and weighs in at 65 kg. Right-footed and wearing number 21, Raposo’s got Canadian roots and a reputation for adapting quickly to new squads.
Quick Profile Table:
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Ryan Raposo |
| Age | 26 |
| Birthplace | Hamilton, Ontario |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Height | 172 cm |
| Weight | 65 kg |
| Club | Los Angeles FC |
| Shirt Number | 21 |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
Want more on his LAFC move? Check the LAFC player profile.
Playing Style and Strengths
Raposo’s game is built on quickness and technical skill. He reads plays well and reacts fast, especially during transitions. That low center of gravity? It lets him slip through tight spots and hang onto the ball under pressure.
You’ll see him out wide or in the middle—he’s comfortable in both. His work rate off the ball sets the tone for teammates, and he’s always ready to help out on either end of the field.
He’s got over 120 MLS appearances, five goals, and eight assists. Even when he’s not on the scoresheet, his movement and positioning make a difference. That’s the kind of player LAFC needs if they want to push for trophies. For more stats, check his player statistics page.
Collegiate and Youth Development
Ryan Raposo’s rise started long before MLS. He built his game in youth soccer and really took off during his college days at Syracuse. That journey shaped his technical skills, his mindset, and the way he approaches every match.
Syracuse University Career
Let’s talk about Raposo’s run at Syracuse University—he made his presence felt right away. He jumped into the Orange lineup in 2018, grabbing a starting spot with his creative play and scoring touch.
As a midfielder, Raposo just had this knack for finding open space and going right at defenders. He became one of the most reliable attacking threats for Syracuse.
His numbers? Pretty eye-popping. In just two seasons, he put up 15 goals and 11 assists in 33 matches.
Coaches loved his versatility. Sometimes he played in the middle, sometimes out wide.
He kept raising the bar for the whole squad.
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 13 | 4 | 6 |
| 2019 | 20 | 11 | 5 |
You could see his technical dribbling and vision set him apart. His commitment on and off the ball? It made him stand out among his peers.
By the end of his college days, folks recognized Raposo as one of the ACC’s top offensive talents.
All-ACC First Team Honors
During his sophomore year, Raposo grabbed All-ACC First Team honors. That’s a big deal—reserved for the best of the best in the conference.
He joined an elite group, usually packed with players headed for the pros.
Coaches from across the ACC pointed to his big-game performances and his ability to change results.
His consistency and leadership made a real difference, even against top-ranked teams.
Youth Clubs and Azzurri Influence
Before Syracuse, Raposo’s soccer journey started in Ontario, Canada. He built his basics at local clubs where coaches focused on technical detail and teamwork.
A huge influence? Playing for Hamilton Azzurri, a club known for discipline and development.
At Azzurri, the coaches demanded professionalism from the start. They pushed Raposo to sharpen his passing, movement, and tactical smarts.
That kind of environment built his competitive edge and love for the game.
His time there shaped who he is on the field. You can still see it in the way he reads the game and adapts to different roles.
It’s all rooted in those early lessons from his youth coaches.
International Experience and Recognition
Raposo’s built a reputation for showing up, game after game. He’s earned plenty of recognition, both nationally and at the club level, early in his career.
You can see how his international and domestic performances shaped his leadership and his growing stack of honors.
Canadian U-23 National Team
When you check out Raposo’s work with the Canadian U-23 national team, you get why people are excited about young talent in Canada.
He stepped up for Canada during the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers.
As a midfielder, he brought vision and quick decisions, giving the squad tactical flexibility.
Coaches picked Raposo for his work rate and technical skills, especially when the pressure was on.
In group matches, he started and found ways to link up with the attack, helping Canada move the ball forward.
His international experience helped him grow, facing teams from the U.S., Mexico, and Central America.
The Canadian U-23 program doesn’t always get top billing, but Raposo’s role highlights Canada’s growing pool of midfield talent.
Canadian U-23 Key Stats
| Year | Caps Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
Canadian Championship Performance
Raposo’s stock really rose during the Canadian Championship, the country’s top club tournament.
He lined up against some of Canada’s best teams and often got the call in big moments.
His sharp passing and quick feet broke down defenses, earning praise from fans and coaches.
In 2022, he helped his club reach the final, playing key roles in each knockout round.
He showed nerves of steel in penalty shootouts, which definitely caught some attention.
The Canadian Championship gave him a shot at silverware and a taste of international competition.
That experience just made him stronger in league play.
Best Young Canadian Player Award
Recognition came early—Raposo landed on the shortlist for the Best Young Canadian Player award.
That’s reserved for players under 23 who show real promise, skill, and leadership at home and abroad.
It’s not just about stats; it’s about maturity and impact on the field.
Raposo’s professionalism and performances made him a regular nominee.
Sure, there’s stiff competition, but his steady play for club and country kept him in the spotlight.
That kind of recognition raises the bar for young Canadian players everywhere.
Notable Matches and Memorable Moments
Raposo’s run with Los Angeles FC has had plenty of clutch moments. He’s made critical plays and always seems to find a way to make an impact when it matters.
Whether he’s creating chances or threading a pass in high-pressure situations, you notice his consistency and reliability every time he steps on the pitch.
Key Goals and Assists
Some of Raposo’s biggest goals and assists for LAFC have come in crucial regular season games and cup ties.
One highlight? He set up the winning goal for Ryan Gauld in a victory over Los Angeles FC, marking the club’s first home game back at BC Place since early 2020.
He just seems to step up when the heat is on, delivering not just goals but key assists.
So far in his MLS career, he’s racked up 5 goals and 8 assists in 122 games.
His timing and vision with the ball? That really shows off his soccer IQ.
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2025 | 122 | 5 | 8 |
Highlights Against Sporting Kansas City
Raposo’s matches against Sporting Kansas City really show what he’s about—work ethic, tactical smarts, and composure.
He’s always involved in transitions, hustling back on defense and launching attacks from midfield.
In those high-stakes games, you see him push the tempo and press high, breaking up plays and helping LAFC win the ball back.
His positioning lets LAFC flip the field quickly, and he’s always there to make a clever run or draw a foul.
When the game’s on the line, Raposo never shies away from a physical battle or a big moment.
Impactful Performances in MLS
Alright, let’s talk about Raposo’s run in MLS. He’s been with Los Angeles FC for more than five years now, and you can really see how he’s grown into a steady midfielder.
You’ll notice him coming off the bench, bringing a spark and some much-needed energy. Sometimes he even jumps into the starting lineup when the team needs him.
Game after game, Raposo shows up with discipline. He doesn’t pick up many yellow cards, and he chips in some goals and assists here and there—nothing flashy, but always reliable.
Coaches trust him. They know he’ll follow the plan and adjust if the match takes a wild turn.
When the pressure’s on in those big MLS games, Raposo doesn’t shy away. He steps up and helps steady the midfield, giving the younger guys someone to lean on.
Want to dig deeper into his career and stats? Check out his player profile on Transfermarkt.
