Brampton is honouring local soccer star Cycle Larin after contributing to a record-breaking performance at this year’s World Cup. (Photo: Canada Soccer)

Brampton cemented its spot in Canadian soccer history with several hometown players competing in the 2026 World Cup, and the city has paid tribute to those stars by naming pitches in their honour.

And one local soccer player known overseas as “The Brampton Bagsman” has been given a Key to the City – an award he hopes will inspire local youth to take up the sport.

“To come back home and celebrate this moment with the people of Brampton means a lot to me, and I hope my journey can inspire young players in the city to pursue their goals and believe in what they can achieve,” said Cyle Larin after receiving the Key to the City on Sunday.

Larin, who was born in Brampton, gained his “Bagsman” title from teammates while playing at English club Southampton, and was one of several members of Canada’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad with roots in the Flower City.

Cyle Larin receives the Key to the City from Mayor Patrick Brown. Credit: City of Brampton

He scored the tying goal in Canada’s 1-1 draw with Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto during the tournament, and also opened the scoring in Canada’s record-breaking 6-0 win over Qatar.

Larin called receiving the Key to the City “a tremendous honour.”

“Brampton is where my soccer journey began, and I’m grateful for the family, coaches, teammates and community members who supported me along the way,” he said in a release.

When Canada’s World Cup roster was announced, Brampton stood out as the city with the most representatives on the national team, including Larin, Tajon Buchanan, Jonathan Osorio, Promise David and Jayden Nelson, who was named to Canada’s roster to replace injured midfielder Marcelo Flores.

City of Brampton and Canadian soccer players unveil six newly named sport fields. Credit: City of Brampton

To mark the moment, the city has renamed six soccer fields in Brampton after members of Canada’s 2026 World Cup team who began their careers in Brampton.

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Cyle Larin Soccer Field (formerly Chris Gibson Park Soccer Field Senior 1) is located in Chris Gibson Park.
Promise David Soccer Field (formerly Major Oaks Park Soccer Field) is located in Major Oaks Park.
Jonathan Osorio Soccer Field (formerly Morris Kerbel Park Soccer Field) is located in Morris Kerbel Park.
Liam Millar Soccer Field (formerly Flower City Community Campus Soccer Field Senior 1) is located in Flower City Community Campus.
Tajon Buchanan Soccer Field (formerly Bramalea Ltd. Community Park Soccer Field) is located in Bramalea Ltd. Community Park.
Jayden Nelson Soccer Field (formerly Avondale Soccer Field) is located by Victoria Park Arena.

“This has been an incredible season for soccer in Brampton and an opportunity to celebrate the homegrown athletes who have proudly represented our city and Canada on the international stage,” Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown said in a statement, adding that the city is planning five additional boxed soccer courts with new sets of soccer nets at 10 locations across Brampton starting next year.


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