Toronto FC announced today that the club has signed midfielder Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty as a Homegrown Player. Marshall-Rutty becomes the 22nd player in club history to sign for the first team from the Toronto FC Academy and, at 15 years of age, is the youngest player in club history to sign for the first team. Prior to Marshall-Rutty, the youngest player to sign a first team contract with Toronto FC was Doneil Henry who signed at the age of 17 in 2010.
“Jahkeele is the top player in his age group across Canada and the U.S, and he is among the top young players in all of North America. He is an incredibly talented young man. While he’s only 15 years old, he plays the game in very mature way,” said Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis. “He had interest from many top clubs in Europe. It’s important that we are both patient and aggressive with Jahkeele’s development, but he has the potential to be an incredible player moving forward. We’re also very proud of Jahkeele as he’s done a lot to get to this moment. Happy for Jahkeele, happy for his family, and we are excited about working with Jahkeele moving forward.”
Marshall-Rutty made his professional debut for Toronto FC II in the USL League One on June 28, 2019, coming on as a substitute against Forward Madison FC. He made three appearances with Toronto FC II during the 2019 season.
Marshall-Rutty signed with Toronto FC II on December 17, 2018, becoming the youngest player in club history to sign with the club. Marshall-Rutty represented the Canada National U-15 team at the 2019 Concacaf Boys Under-15 Championship.
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC has signed midfielder Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty as a Homegrown Player.
JAHKEELE MARSHALL-RUTTY
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5'9"
Weight: 140
Birthdate: June 16, 2004 (Age – 15)
Birthplace: Brampton, ON
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC II