Career So Far: Junior Hoilett

With over six years in the English Premier League, 500 senior appearances and representing Canada at the FIFA World Cup – it is safe to say Junior Hoilett has enjoyed an established career to date.

Born in Brampton, Ontario – Hoilett spent his early footballing days representing a variety of local clubs before first gaining global attention at a youth football tournament in Wales. The youngster attracted interest from several clubs, including Blackburn Rovers – who convinced Hoilett to relocate to England to join their Academy.

Hoilett progressed through the Academy before signing his first professional contract at the age of 16. Season-long loan spells followed in Germany with Paderborn and St Pauli before making his debut for Blackburn Rovers in August 2009 against Manchester City.

The forward went on to make 27 appearances for the First Team that season, earning himself a new contract in the process. During his time at Rovers, he made 92 appearances making 22 goal contributions before making the switch to Queens Park Rangers in July 2012.

Hoilett spent four seasons in London, helping ‘The Rs’ gain promotion back to the English Premier League in 2013/14 via the Playoffs. The midfielder featured 122 times, adding another 12 goals and 11 assists.

In October 2016, Hoilett signed for Cardiff City and went on to spend his next five years in the Welsh capital. His most profitable campaign, in terms of goal involvements, came in the 2017/18 season where he featured in every English Championship game – with 20 goal contributions helping Cardiff City to a second-place finish and gaining automatic promotion to the Premier League.

Junior left Cardiff with 184 appearances to his name and as the Canada's second all-time Premier League top goal scorer with 16 goals (across three clubs).

A two-year spell in Reading followed, scoring his first goal against his former Club at the Cardiff City Stadium, and was another consistent name on the teamsheet on the left-hand side – making 62 appearances across two seasons.

Since departing Reading in summer 2023, Hoilett returned to Canada to play for Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS, before joining Aberdeen in February 2024 under former manager Neil Warnock.

At The Dons, Hoilett quickly grasped the intensity of Scottish Football – scoring twice and setting up nine goals in 15 games. That run included eight assists in his last five matches for Aberdeen making him a popular figure amongst the fanbase.

On the international front, Hoilett has won 63 caps for his national side, scoring 16 goals to date.

Unfortunately, earlier this summer he picked up an injury whilst training with Canada which meant he was forced to withdraw from the 2024 COPA América squad.

Hoilett is no stranger to international tournament football, however, having helped Canada end a 36-year drought and qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Hoilett scored in a 4-0 victory over Jamacia which booked their place at their first World Cup since 1986, before going on to play in all three group stage matches in the finals in Qatar.

The Canadian has also played at several Gold Cups and earned a runners-up medal in the CONCACAF Nations League in 2023. Amongst his established international career, Hoilett also played at Easter Road! Featuring for Canada against Scotland back in March 2017.

Now, the dynamic forward’s next step in his career sees him return to Scotland to join up with David Gray’s side for the duration of the 2024/25 season!