VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed Major League Soccer goalkeeper of the year finalist Yohei Takaoka to a new contract through June 2027, the club announced Thursday.
The Japanese ‘keeper had a club-record 16 clean sheets across all competitions in 46 starts as the Whitecaps advanced to the 2025 MLS Cup final.
His 18 MLS regular-season wins were tied for first in the league, and he had the second-fewest goals conceded at 38.
He became the first Japanese-born player to be named an MLS All-Star and was third in goalkeeper of the year voting. The award was won by Canadian ‘keeper Dayne St. Clair of Minnesota United.
Takaoka, 29, has made 129 starts across all competitions since joining Whitecaps FC in 2023 via transfer from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos.
Across his career, Takaoka has posted 90 clean sheets in 312 appearances.
“We are pleased to have reached a new agreement with Yohei,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a release.
“Since joining us in 2023, Yohei has become a key figure within our club, consistently demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the league’s top players in his position. Beyond his performances on the pitch, he is a consummate professional with outstanding character, and we are thrilled to welcome him back.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2025.
The Canadian Press
