After loan stint, Canada’s Mathieu Choiniere joins Los Angeles FC on permanent basis

TORONTO — Canadian international midfielder Mathieu Choiniere, who joined Los Angeles FC in May on loan from Switzerland’s Grasshopper Club Zurich, is staying with the MLS team.

LAFC has exercised its permanent transfer option on the 26-year-old from Saint-Alexandre, Que., signing him through the 2028 season with an additional option for 2029.

“Since arriving late in the summer, Mathieu made an immediate impact with his experience, intelligence and versatility,” LAFC co-president and GM John Thorrington said in a statement. “We are delighted to have secured his return. He brings a calm authority and a competitive edge that strengthen our group on and off the field, and we look forward to a full season with him as we continue our pursuit of more trophies.

“With the World Cup on the horizon, we’re also excited about the opportunity for Mathieu to represent his country on the biggest stage and proud to support him in that ambition.”

Choiniere, who made 13 appearances for LAFC across all competitions this season, has won 21 caps for Canada.

He joined CF Montreal’s academy in 2011, graduating to the first team in 2018. He went on to make 120 league appearances, including 89 starts, for Montreal, recording 11 goals and three assists while earning MLS all-star team honours in 2023 and 2024.

Choiniere, the first player to have progressed through every stage of the Montreal academy, moved to Grasshoppers in August 2024.

Choiniere’s older brother, David, left CPL’s Forge FC recently after seven seasons with the Hamilton-based side.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 9, 2025