Whitecaps M Russell Teibert retires

Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Russell Teibert is retiring from his playing career and will transition to a front office role with the club.

"Years ago, I made a promise to myself and our club: I would only be satisfied taking my work boots off when our jersey was in a better place," Teibert said in a statement Friday. "We've been through the mud together and have had to clean our boots time and time again. Our climb has only made us stronger. Today I hang my boots proudly, knowing we made good on that promise.

"It took all of me, every day. It was worth every ounce and second."

A native of Ontario, Canada, Teibert ranks fourth in Whitecaps history with 301 appearances and helped the club win the Canadian Championship three times, including each of the past two years.

Teibert spent his entire 16-year MLS career with Vancouver. He made more regular-season appearances (253) and starts (193) than any other player in club history, tallying five goals and 24 assists in that time.

"First of all, we want to congratulate Russell on an incredible career and thank him for all his contributions to the club over these last 16 years as a player," Whitecaps CEO and sporting director Axel Schuster said in a statement. "It is uncommon in today's times that a player plays his whole career for one club.

"... Few understand more what this club has been through and what matters for the people in the city. He has built relationships in our community and across the province. All of those values that he has, in addition to being a longstanding player for us, he will now bring to the club in a different role."

Teibert notched two goals and two assists in 27 appearances for Canada's men's national team.

The Whitecaps open their 2024 MLS season Saturday against visiting Charlotte FC.