Ralph Priso

Ralph-William Johnson Priso-Mbongue (born August 2, 2002) is a Canadian soccer player who plays as a defender for Major League Soccer club Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the Canada national team.

Early career He began playing soccer at the age of four with Clairlea-Westview SC, before moving to the North Toronto Nitros when he was eleven. In 2016, he was invited to Adidas's Elite Soccer Program. He tried out for the Toronto FC Academy at ages 11, 12, and 13, failing to make the program, before finally being accepted in 2017, at age 14.

Club career

Early career In 2018, he played with Toronto FC III in the semi-professional League1 Ontario, making six appearances. He scored his first goal against Darby FC on July 17, 2018. On March 5, 2019, he signed his first professional contract, joining Toronto FC II in USL League One. His debut professional appearance came when he started against the Richmond Kickers on August 17, 2019.

Toronto FC On October 14, 2020, he signed with first team Toronto FC, becoming the 25th player to sign as a Homegrown Player from the TFC Academy. He made his debut on October 24, coming on as a substitute for Nick DeLeon against the Philadelphia Union. He was loaned to the second team for some matches in 2021. On July 21, 2021, he scored his first goal for Toronto FC in a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls. On August 19, Toronto FC announced Priso would undergo season-ending ankle surgery after suffering an injury on August 14 against the New England Revolution.

Colorado Rapids

In July 2022, Priso was traded from Toronto FC to fellow MLS club Colorado Rapids for Mark-Anthony Kaye. Colorado would also receive $1.025 million in General Allocation Money, and an international roster slot in the trade. He made his debut on July 17, against the LA Galaxy.

Vancouver Whitecaps In March 2024, Priso was traded to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for 1st and 3rd round MLS SuperDraft picks and up to $150,000 in General Allocation Money. He made his debut for the club on April 6 against his former club, Toronto FC. In December 2024, Priso signed a new contract with the Whitecaps for the 2025 season, with club options for 2026 and 2027. Late into the 2025 season, Priso was asked to play centre back for the first time in his career, a move which would see him praised for his play as the Whitecaps would make it to the MLS finals. In August 2026, Priso would sign a contract extension through the 2028-29 season, with an option for 2029-30.

International career In 2016, at age 13, he made his debut in the Canadian youth program at an identification camp with coach Ante Jazic. and the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

He was called to the Canada national team camp for January 2021. In January 2026, he was named to the Canada senior team for a training camp and friendly against Guatemala. He appeared in the match against Guatemala, in his first senior appearance, however, as it was designated a B-level friendly, it did not count as an official senior cap.

Personal life Priso is of Cameroonian descent through his parents. He is the older brother of fellow professional soccer player Hugo Mbongue.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Toronto FC Canadian Championship: 2020

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Canadian Championship: 2024, 2025