Exclusive: From Ramadan to the Rise of Vancouver Ali Ahmed Speaks Out on Breakout Season

Toronto native Ali Ahmed is quietly becoming one of the standout performers in Major League Soccer (MLS) as he enters his third season with Vancouver Whitecaps FC. 

The 24-year-old midfielder, known for his versatility and poise, has notched five assists in the 2025 season while continuing to deliver solid defensive performances. Used primarily as a winger by head coach Jesper Sorensen, Ahmed has emerged as a difference-maker on both ends of the pitch.

Currently sitting atop the Western Conference with 27 points from 12 matches, the Whitecaps have racked up an impressive eight wins, three draws, and just one loss. Their most recent result—a 2-2 draw against LAFC on Mother’s Day, May 12—saw Ahmed make another impact. Subbed on at halftime at BC Place, he delivered the assist for Brian White’s equaliser in the 70th minute, helping his team extend their unbeaten streak.

Speaking to SportsBoom at the National Soccer Development Centre (NSDC) on the University of British Columbia campus, Ahmed shared his straightforward mindset and team-first mentality.

“Keep doing what we’re all doing, keep I’m doing what I’m doing, step in and help the team tactics side of things and do my job there. Continue assisting and scoring and just help the team get the three points,” Ahmed told SportsBoom.com. 

Despite Vancouver’s strong run, Ahmed remains focused on the present and grounded in his approach.

“Honestly I’m just focusing on games every week I haven’t really thought about that just taking it game by game and obviously enjoying the success; we have had this season and just enjoying that and not really thinking too much about that and just continuing to control what I can control.”

Growth Through Consistency

Ahmed has featured in 19 games so far this season, playing a key role in Vancouver’s strong campaign. His performances at the club level earned him a call-up to the Canadian Men’s National Team (CANMNT), where he helped secure a third-place finish in the CONCACAF Nations League with a 2-1 win over the United States in March.

Comfortable at left back, midfield, or further up the pitch, Ahmed credits his growth to the challenges of adapting to different styles of play at both club and international levels.

“A lot of ways, just the style of play, you get to experience two different, it’s very similar to club and International, so you really get to master the systems and obviously you are playing with players of the highest quality, players playing in the highest league, in the Champions League so it definitely helps your game. It helps with confidence and knowing you can play amongst the best you are playing for your country, and it just helps you with the mental side of stuff.”

That experience is helping him establish a defined role in the Whitecaps lineup—something he relishes.

“Yeah of course, anytime a young player or a player new to the league, new to the professional world when you get a chance to really play week in and week out in one position and you know carve out a defined role, you develop, you grow every game and it helps you just be a better player and grow in every area so yeah I definitely enjoy playing in the same position every game.”

Faith and Football

Ahmed’s discipline on the pitch mirrors his devotion off it. A practicing Muslim, he played seven matches for Vancouver and represented Canada during the holy month of Ramadan (Feb 28–Mar 30), a time when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from both food and drink.

“Obviously, it is a little challenging when you are playing with no nutrition, no system in your food, but you know I think it’s quite opposite for me you really feel mentally fresh, mentally new, mentally everything honestly, you feel in your best state throughout the whole 12 months,” he said. “Honestly, the months probably you are really content with everything really at peace with everything, so it really helps when you’re on the field.”

His professional journey has come full circle—Ahmed made his Whitecaps debut in April 2022 while fasting and capped the moment with a goal and an assist.

Staying Grounded, Staying Ready

Born to Ethiopian parents, Ahmed continues to focus on the here and now, determined to contribute meaningfully to both club and country.

“Just continuing to have the same role, you know I’m having with Jesse [I’m having] here and just look to continue to build on it and to continue to get the coach’s trust, you know, and just kind of prove to him why he trusts me.”

With a packed fixture list ahead, Ahmed acknowledges the physical and mental demands of such a schedule.

“Been having games Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday, Wednesday so not much really of an opportunity to train as of late. We’ve been just playing games and really trying to recover and getting ready for the next game and just really preparing, just really preparing for every different opponent.”

Through all of it—tight turnarounds, tactical shifts, spiritual fasting, and top-level opponents—Ali Ahmed continues to be a steady, evolving force for Vancouver. A leader by example, he's helping fuel a season of serious ambition at BC Place.