Olivia Smith is one of Canada’s most exciting young soccer players. She has impressed at every level, from youth soccer to the professional game. Her journey is filled with dedication, hard work, and record-breaking moments. At just 15 years old, she became the youngest player to debut for the Canadian women’s national team. Since then, her career has taken off, with success in domestic leagues and international competitions.
This article explores Olivia Smith’s rise in the soccer world, from her early days in Ontario to becoming a professional in Europe.
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Early Life and Youth Development
Born on August 5, 2004, in North York, Ontario, Smith grew up with a passion for soccer. She started playing at a young age and quickly showed exceptional skill. She played for several local clubs, including:
- Whitby Soccer Club
- Oshawa Kicks SC
- Ajax SC
- Markham FC
- North Toronto SC
Her performances caught the attention of Ontario Soccer’s Regional Excel (REX) program, which develops elite female players. The REX program helped her refine her skills and prepared her for the next level.
Even at a young age, Smith stood out. She was technically gifted, quick, and had an incredible eye for goal. Her performances earned her a spot in Canada’s youth national teams.
Historic Debut for Canada
In October 2019, at just 15 years and 94 days old, Olivia Smith made history. She became the youngest player ever to debut for the Canadian women’s national team. This record-breaking moment came in a friendly match against Brazil during a tournament in China.
Her call-up surprised many, but those who had watched her play knew she was ready. She played with confidence and skill beyond her years. After her debut against Brazil, she earned another cap against New Zealand in the same tournament.
By breaking this record, Smith surpassed Canadian soccer legend Kara Lang. It was clear that she had the potential to be a future star.
Dominating League1 Ontario
After gaining national team experience, Smith continued her development at the club level. In 2022, she played in League1 Ontario, Canada’s top semi-professional women’s league. She joined North Toronto Nitros and had an incredible season.
- 18 goals in 11 appearances – the league’s top scorer
- Named Young Player of the Season
- Won the Golden Boot
- Awarded Forward of the Year
Her ability to score in different ways—long shots, dribbles, and clinical finishes—made her stand out. She was now ready for the next step: professional soccer.
Moving to College Soccer and Beyond
After dominating League1 Ontario, Smith joined Penn State University in 2022. She played for Penn State Nittany Lions, one of the top programs in NCAA women’s soccer.
However, after one season in college soccer, she decided to pursue a professional career in Europe. Her talent had already attracted attention from clubs overseas. In July 2023, she signed her first professional contract with Sporting CP in Portugal’s Campeonato Nacional Feminino.
Smith made an immediate impact. She scored on her league debut and played a key role throughout the season. Her performances earned her the Young Player of the Season award for the 2023-24 season.
In July 2024, she took another big step by signing with Liverpool FC Women in the English Women’s Super League (WSL). The WSL is one of the top women’s leagues in the world, giving Smith a chance to compete at the highest level.
One of her biggest moments came when she became the first woman to score for Liverpool at Anfield. This historic goal cemented her place in the club’s history books.
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International Success and Future Goals
Smith’s performances at the club level helped her earn more opportunities with the Canadian national team. She played a key role in Canada’s U-20 Women’s World Cup squad in 2022. In April 2023, during the CONCACAF U-20 Championship qualifiers, she showcased her goal-scoring ability by scoring two hat-tricks against Martinique and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Her consistency led to her inclusion in Canada’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad. At 18 years old, she was the youngest player on the team. She made her World Cup debut against Australia in the group stage.
In early 2024, she was named to Canada’s CONCACAF W Gold Cup squad. She scored her first senior international goal in a 6-0 win against El Salvador. She followed it up with another goal against Paraguay.
Her performances helped Canada reach the semi-finals, where they narrowly lost to the United States in a penalty shootout. Smith’s efforts earned her the Young Player Award for the tournament.
Looking ahead, she has her sights set on the 2024 Paris Olympics. If selected, she could be a key player for Canada in one of the biggest tournaments in women’s soccer.
What Makes Olivia Smith Special?
Smith’s rapid rise in soccer is no accident. She possesses several key qualities that make her stand out:
- Technical Skill – She has excellent dribbling ability and can take on defenders with ease.
- Goal-Scoring Ability – Whether from distance or inside the box, she knows how to find the net.
- Speed and Agility – Her quick feet and acceleration make her a nightmare for defenders.
- Versatility – She can play as a forward, attacking midfielder, or winger.
- Composure Under Pressure – Despite her young age, she performs well in big moments.
Her combination of skill, speed, and intelligence makes her one of the most exciting young players in Canadian soccer.
The Future of Olivia Smith
Smith’s career is only just beginning. She has already accomplished so much at a young age, but there is still plenty more to come.
Playing in the Women’s Super League with Liverpool FC Women will help her grow even more. She will face some of the best players in the world, improving her game every season.
For Canada, she has the potential to be a key figure in the 2024 Olympics, 2027 Women’s World Cup, and beyond. If she continues on this trajectory, she could become one of Canada’s greatest-ever players.
Conclusion
Olivia Smith’s journey from a young girl playing soccer in Ontario to a professional in Europe is truly inspiring. She has broken records, won individual awards, and performed on the biggest stages.
Her story is still being written, but one thing is clear: Canada has a future superstar in Olivia Smith.
As she continues to develop, fans can expect many more incredible moments from her. Whether for Liverpool FC Women or Canada’s national team, she is a player to watch for years to come.
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