12 Jonathan David Career Facts From Childhood That'll Surprise You
- Think Football Ideas
- May 31
- 5 min read
Updated: Jun 5
Full Name: Jonathan Christian David
Date of Birth: January 14, 2000
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s): Forward
Jonathan Christian David. Remember the name, because chances are, if you’ve been paying even half-attention to world football lately, you’ve already heard it echo across stadiums, highlight reels, and some late-night pub debates.
He’s the kind of player whose story doesn’t unfold, it erupts. Not with the polish of privilege, but with grit, grind, and a few well-timed curveballs. Who is Jonathan David, really? Well, that depends on how far back you’re willing to go, and trust us, it’s worth the trip.
Here Are 12 Jonathan David Career Facts From Childhood That'll Surprise You
1. Jonathan David was Born in New York City
Jonathan Christian David, yes, that's his full name, took his first breath in Brooklyn, New York, on January 14, 2000. That makes him a true 21st-century baby, born in the heart of one of the most chaotic, electrifying cities on Earth.
But plot twist: the Big Apple would barely register in his life story. Just months after his birth, his family was on the move. So while he's technically American-born, you won’t catch him repping the Stars and Stripes on the pitch. And honestly? That’s a win for Canada.
2. His Parents are Haitian
David’s roots are steeped in Haitian heritage, both his parents hail from the Caribbean island that’s as proud and defiant as they come. That Haitian blood runs deep.
It's not just cultural; it’s football DNA. He’s spoken before about the sacrifices his parents made, and it’s clear that their spirit flows through everything he does on the field.
3. His Family Moved to Port-au-Prince when He was 3 Months Old
At just three months old, little Jonathan was wheels-up to Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Yep, that means he left the skyscrapers of NYC for a childhood in the Haitian capital.
Though brief, those formative early years in Haiti would leave their mark, laying a cultural foundation before the next big migration. Honestly, the man had more stamps in his passport before age one than most people rack up in a decade.
4. At Age 6, His Family Emigrated to Canada, Settling in Ottawa
By the time he turned six, the David family packed their bags again, this time heading north to the snowy sidewalks of Ottawa, Canada. From Port-au-Prince heat to Canadian cold, talk about a climate shock.
But it was in the nation’s capital where things really started to take shape. Ottawa wasn’t just a new home, it was the launchpad for one of Canada’s greatest footballing exports. Hockey country? Sure. But Ottawa just might owe this kid a statue.
5. He Attended École Secondaire Publique Louis-Riel - A High School in the Blackburn Hamlet
Jonathan didn’t just go to school; he went to Louis-Riel. Located in Blackburn Hamlet, this francophone school wasn’t your average educational institution, it had a killer sports program, particularly for football.
David often credits Louis-Riel for giving him the structure, the language (hello French-speaking Belgium and France!), and, crucially, constant access to a football. Translation: school was important, but football? That was life.
6. His Football Career Started At Age 10 with Gloucester Dragons SA
The Gloucester Dragons might sound like a rec league team (because they are), but they were where it all began, David’s first taste of organised football came at age 10.
A year later, he moved up to the Hornets, sharpening his sting (yes, pun fully intended) until 2015. Then came the Ottawa Internationals, where he really started turning heads.
7. He was Rejected by FC Salzburg and VfB Stuttgart After Trials
Rejection? Oh, he knows the feeling. Before his big break, David had trials with FC Salzburg and VfB Stuttgart, and both clubs gave him the cold shoulder.
Salzburg, famous for churning out future stars, and Stuttgart, a respected Bundesliga name, both missed the diamond in front of them. Huge Ls, in hindsight. But that sting? It fuelled him. Rejection became rocket fuel. And who doesn’t love a classic underdog story?
8. Gent Provided the Right Environment For Him To Grow
In 2018, Belgian side Gent took the plunge. And hallelujah, they actually gave him a shot. From the moment David arrived, things just clicked. He scored five goals in his first five games.
FIVE. No wonder they extended his contract twice, once in 2018 and again in 2019. Gent wasn’t just a stepping stone; it was a football greenhouse where David grew into the menace he is today.
9. He Became The Most Expensive Canadian Footballer After his Lille Transfer
On August 11, 2020, David signed with Lille in a deal worth €30 million. Yes, Canada’s most expensive transfer ever. Five-year deal, Ligue 1 debut on August 22 vs Rennes, and just like that, he became the first Canadian to play in France’s top flight. From the frigid fields of Ottawa to elite European football? Talk about levelling up.
10. He Helped Lille seal their First Away win Over PSG Since 1996
April 3, 2021, a special date. In one of Lille’s most important wins ever, David scored the lone goal in a 1–0 away triumph over Paris Saint-Germain.
You know, the French giants? Yes, Les Parisiens. It was Lille’s first away win at PSG in 25 years. David didn’t just break a streak, he snapped it like a twig. Ice in his veins.
11. He Became A Champion at Lille Before Ending His 5-year Stint
Fast forward to May 23, 2021: Lille beat Angers 2–1, and guess who scored one of those goals? Yes, David. That goal helped seal the Ligue 1 title, toppling PSG’s empire.
He ended that season with 13 goals, 11 of them after January. And, he kept banging them in over the next few years, including 24 goals in 2022–23 and 19 in 2023–24. But by May 2025, the curtain closed on his Lille chapter. Five glorious years. One title. Endless memories. Merci, Jonathan.
12. He Represents Canada Internationally and Has Been Thriving
Internationally? He’s basically Canada’s golden boy. First senior cap in September 2018. First two goals? Same game. He won the Golden Boot at the 2019 Gold Cup.
Scored at World Cup qualifiers, Nations League, and Copa América. As of late 2024, he became Canada’s all-time top men’s scorer with 31 goals. And the man’s only in his mid-20s! What. A. Ride. For a country still finding its footballing identity, David’s not just a player, he’s the blueprint.
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