He grew up playing street football in Toronto… now he’s captained his hometown club, faced the greatest players on earth, and represented Canada on the world’s biggest stages 🇨🇦⚽️From Driftwood gyms and South American trials… to the World Cup, Copa América, and wearing the armband for Toronto FC — Jonathan Osorio’s journey is the blueprint for modern Canadian football.In this episode, Osorio gives a raw, inside look at what it really takes to make it — breaking down pressure, development, belief, and what separates good players from elite ones. He opens up about playing against Lionel Messi, the lessons learned at the World Cup, and why Canada’s football identity is only just beginning.We talk:⚽ What it actually feels like playing against Messi and world-class legends🇨🇦 Representing Canada at the World Cup — nerves, pride, and pressure🔥 Why the first game of a tournament changes everything🧠 Street football vs academies — and what Canada gets wrong in development💰 The reality of pay-to-play and why late bloomers slip through the cracks👕 Captaining Toronto FC and leading a new generation🌍 Canada’s rise — and why the world is starting to take noticeThis isn’t just a football interview — it’s an honest conversation about identity, leadership, and belief, told by one of the faces of Canadian soccer.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 – Intro01:30 – Growing up in Toronto & falling in love with football04:20 – Street football, futsal & why environment matters07:10 – Why creativity is disappearing from youth football10:00 – The reality of pay-to-play in Canada13:20 – Why hungry players often come from humble beginnings16:00 – The moment Osorio realized he could go pro18:45 – Getting overlooked early & proving people wrong21:30 – Choosing an unconventional path over academies24:10 – Playing in South America at 16 (Argentina & Uruguay)27:30 – Experiencing Boca Juniors vs River Plate live30:10 – Life inside a South American academy33:20 – Competing for survival & growing up fast36:00 – MLS vs Europe: the path debate38:45 – How Canada misses late-blooming talent42:10 – Why scouting young players is broken45:00 – Becoming captain of Toronto FC48:00 – Leadership lessons from Michael Bradley50:40 – World Cup 2022: locker room mindset & emotions53:20 – Facing Belgium & learning hard tournament lessons56:30 – Why the first game of a World Cup changes everything59:15 – Playing against Messi & elite world-class players1:02:00 – What separates good players from great ones1:05:00 – Canada’s rise on the world stage1:08:30 – Playing a home World Cup & national pride1:11:45 – Canada vs heritage nations (Italy debate)1:15:30 – Multicultural identity as Canada’s superpower1:18:20 – Copa América run & growth under pressure1:21:40 – Lessons Canada will carry into 20261:24:30 – Regrets, perspective & staying grounded1:27:00 – Advice to young Canadian footballers1:29:30 – Final thoughts & message to the next generation🍁 Footy Fresh Football Air Fresheners ► https://thefootyculture.com/Audio VersionsApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple...Spotify:https://open.spotify.c...Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefootycultureOSORIO IG: https://www.instagram.com/j.oso21SMASH the LIKE Button for the boys and comment on any guests we should interview.#canmnt #canadasoccer #worldcup #mlsFootball Podcast, Soccer Podcast, Footy Debate Show