Klaidi Cela
Lead Coach/Trainer
Klaidi Cela is a versatile and accomplished professional soccer player with a distinguished career across multiple leagues. In his youth, Klaidi honed his skills within the prestigious academy system of Toronto FC, where he quickly developed into a promising talent. His performances earned him an academy contract with Toronto FC II, competing in the USL Championship. His potential was further recognized at the national level when he received a call-up to the Canada U18 team, playing in two friendly matches against the United States U18s.
Klaidi’s club career includes stints in League1 Ontario with Sigma FC and Vaughan Azzurri, where he made notable contributions, including competing in the Canadian Championship against MLS side CF Montréal. He also competed in the MLS Next Pro league with Toronto FC II, gaining further experience in high-level competition.
Klaidi’s professional breakthrough came in the Canadian Premier League (CPL), where he enjoyed multiple successful seasons. He first signed with Forge FC in 2019, making an immediate impact and scoring his first goal in a pivotal match against FC Edmonton on October 2, 2019. His efforts helped secure Forge FC's first CPL Championship in 2019, followed by another title in 2020. In 2023, he signed with Valour FC, where he scored two goals, both remarkable headers from set pieces.
In addition to his success in Canada, Klaidi has had international experience, signing with Gafanha in Portugal’s Campeonato de Portugal for two seasons in 2016. His overseas journey continued in February 2024 when he joined K.F. Liria Prizren in the Football Superleague of Kosovo, further expanding his global soccer experience.
Currently, Klaidi plays for the Richmond Kickers in USL League One, continuing to showcase his talents and add to an already impressive professional career.