Shola Jimoh – CPL’s Generational Golden Boy by Yonni Kaknaev

Shola Jimoh – CPL’s Generational Golden Boy by Yonni Kaknaev

Full Name: Olusola Jimoh
Date of Birth: May 10, 2008 (16)
Place of Birth: Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England
Height: 1.65 m (5’5″)
Youth Teams: Brampton East SC, Toronto FC Academy, United Football Academy
Current Team: York United FC, Canada U17
Position: Left Winger
Preferred Foot: Right
Market Value: Undisclosed
Similar Profiles: Maxi Rodriguez, Leandro Trossard, Dwight McNeil

Player History

In a dramatic playoff quarter-final against Atlético Ottawa, York United’s 16-year-old prodigy, Shola Jimoh, showcased why he’s among the most exciting young talents in the Canadian Premier League. Substituted on at halftime, Jimoh seized his moment, equalizing in the 94th minute with a cool-headed finish that underlined his composure under pressure. His all-around performance was pivotal, contributing 1 goal, 1 assist, 5 attempted dribbles, and a solid 75% pass accuracy, sparking York United’s revival. This standout display earned him a call-up to Canada’s senior men’s national team camp—a remarkable achievement for a player still in his teens.

Born in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, England, and raised in Brampton, Jimoh’s passion for soccer ignited when a teacher spotted his potential during a schoolyard game and encouraged his family to pursue his talent. From joining Brampton East SC at age six to progressing through the Toronto FC Academy and later the United Football Academy, Jimoh has consistently been on an upward trajectory. His decision to leave the academy system in September 2023 and sign a developmental deal with York United marked a bold step toward professional football. By mid-2024, his exceptional promise earned him an Exceptional Young Talent contract through 2026, with an option for 2027.

This season, Jimoh has just tasted the flavor of professional play, delivering 4 goals and 2 assists throughout the campaign. As a winger, his ability to stretch defenses and exploit wide spaces has proven valuable for York United. While standing at just 5’5, his low center of gravity, tactical awareness, and unique energy make him a threat both on and off the ball. November 2024 was a defining moment for Jimoh—earning a senior team call-up as the only non-MLS player at Canada’s North American training camp and netting his first international goal shortly after in a U17 friendly against Mexico.

While he could grow more confident in taking on fullbacks directly, his explosiveness and decision-making already hint at a promising career. Though not yet following the meteoric rise of Alphonso Davies or Jonathan David, Jimoh’s steady development positions him as a player with the potential to shine at higher levels for both club and country.

International Career:

Jimoh’s international career began early, as he represented Canada at the 2023 CONCACAF Boys’ Under-15 Championship. His November 2024 call-up to Canada’s senior national team training camp was a groundbreaking moment for him and for the CPL as a league, highlighting his potential to contribute at higher levels. Shortly after, he joined Canada’s U17 squad and made an immediate impact by scoring against Mexico.

Strengths:

• Dribbling
• Directness 
• Work Ethic
• Defensive Contributions
• Acceleration

Weaknesses:

• Physical Development
• Ambidexterity 
• Consistency
• First touch

Playing Style:

Jimoh embodies the qualities of a modern pressing winger, blending natural fitness with relentless energy. His low center of gravity, quick reflexes, and impressive stamina enable him to excel in tight spaces, maneuvering past larger defenders with ease while creating opportunities to stretch opposing defenses both in and around the box.

Under the guidance of former coach Benjamin Mora, Jimoh has demonstrated maturity, adapting to new responsibilities and showing promising growth in his game. While he lacks the physicality of some more imposing attackers, he compensates with an exceptional work rate, fearlessness in pressing high up the pitch, and the ability to disrupt opposition defenses. His pace and agility are key assets, allowing him to recover possession in advanced areas and spark dangerous counterattacks.

Though his first touch remains a work in progress, Jimoh is steadily evolving into a versatile attacking threat. With continued development in decision-making and physicality, he has the potential to transition into a more direct and dynamic full package, capable of excelling in multiple roles across the front line. I would classify him as a wide forward that likes to operate similarly to an Inverted Winger. His strengths—such as dribbling, acceleration, and work ethic—make him well-suited for an attacking role where he can cut inside, stretch defenses, and create chances.

Heatmap by Wyscout:

Game Notes:

Game 1: Atletico Ottawa v York United (2:2) Canadian Premier League, Playoffs, Quarterfinal (27/10/2024)

• Positioned as a second striker in a 3-5-2 formation, playing alongside M. Babouli.
• Entered the game at halftime, replacing D. Salanovic, and delivered an impactful performance over 75 minutes.
• Scored one goal and provided one crucial assist, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on key moments in high-pressure situations.
• Attempted five dribbles, successfully completing two, underlining his willingness to take on defenders. 
• Consistently hugged the touchline in offensive phases, stretching the opposition’s defense and creating space for teammates.
• Demonstrated relentless pressing, forcing Atletico Ottawa’s defenders into hurried clearances, helping York United gain second balls in midfield.
• Despite losing possession 13 times, he exhibited a combative attitude, engaging in physical battles and earning one foul while committing two. Shola’s determination to prove he can challenge players bigger him size wise makes him a unique asset. 

Game 2: York United v Pacific FC (2:0) Canadian Premier League, Playoffs (23/10/2024)

• Positioned as a second striker within a 3-4-3 formation next to M. Babouli and M. Franzotti.
• Came on in the 73rd minute and contributed for 17 minutes as York United searched for an equalizer.
• Managed one shot on target despite limited time on the pitch, demonstrating quick involvement in offensive actions.

• Maintained 80% passing accuracy (4/5), showcasing his effort to retain possession in high-pressure moments.
• Faced challenges breaking through Pacific FC’s defense, resulting in no dribble attempts and being dribbled past twice, which forced him into direct efforts that were comfortably saved by the keeper.
• Demonstrated relentless energy, persistently pressing and chasing defenders, even when they successfully bypassed his efforts.

Game 3: HFX Wanderers v York United (2:1) – Canadian Premier League, Round 28 (19/10/2024)

• Positioned as a left winger within 5-4-1 system replacing Leon in the 46’ minute of the game.
• Played the entire second half, completing 45 minutes in a tightly contested away match in Halifax. 
• Had 12 touches during the match. 
• Achieved a passing accuracy of 79% (15/19), including one key pass and one accurate long ball, displaying his ability to contribute to buildup play in possession.
• Successfully completed one dribble out of one attempt, showing his close control and ability to navigate tight clustered spaces.
• Engaged in nine ground duels, winning five, and committed two fouls while drawing one, emphasizing his willingness to battle for possession and disrupt the opponent’s rhythm.
• Lost possession many times (11), remained an energetic presence, consistently contributing to York United’s defensive structure and never too shy to press.
• In charge of set-pieces for his team at the age of 16, showing trust and maturity.

Game 4: York United v Atletico Ottawa (1:0) Canadian Premier League, Round 26 (06/10/2024)

• Positioned as a left winger within a 4-3-3 formation with Bryan Wright up front.
• Completed the full 90 minutes, making a decisive impact in a closely contested match.
• Delivered an impressive 83% passing accuracy (29/35), contributing heavily to York United’s build-up and transitions in attack. 
• Made six dribble attempts, completing two, demonstrating his intent to challenge Atletico Ottawa’s defense.
• Participated in 14 ground duels, winning six, with greater strength or tactical positioning, he could increase his success rate in these duels and contribute more effectively to his team’s defensive transitions.
• Displayed a tendency to drift from his assigned position, pointing to an area for improvement in maintaining tactical discipline.
• Doing well against bigger, slower defenders, using his strength and agility to outmaneuver and twist past them effectively.
• Possesses a precise finesse shot, making him a potent threat in front of goal.

GRADING

Current Ability

2.5/10 — A Starting Player in the Canadian Premier League

Jimoh currently demonstrates the ability to perform consistently as a starter at York United or a similar level.

Potential Ability

6.5/10 — A Solid Player for a Mid-Tier Club in a Big Five League or a Dominant Player in Secondary European Leagues

At his career peak, Jimoh has the potential to become a good player for clubs in leagues known for developing and showcasing emerging talent. 

Potential Clubs:

• FC Midtjylland
• KAA Gent
• FC Basel

Overview:

Shola Jimoh’s outstanding talent and unwavering dedication establish him as one of Canadian football’s most exciting young prospects. As he continues to make an impact at York United, his focus will be on consistency and increasing his effectiveness in the final third will be key to unlocking his full potential.

With further development in his physicality, Jimoh is well-positioned to excel in the Canadian Premier League next season. This progression could pave the way for a move abroad in Europe, where clubs renowned for nurturing young talent, such as FC Midtjylland, FC Basel, or KAA Gent, could provide the ideal environment for his continued growth without placing excessive pressure on him.

On the international stage, Jimoh is on the right track to solidify his place in Canada’s senior squad in the near future, leveraging his sharp positioning, defensive work rate, and pressing ability. His ability to perform in high-pressure scenarios and maintain a high tempo in the game make him a strong fit for Jesse Marsch’s plans going forward.

Potential Rating: 6.5/10 (A Solid Player for a Mid-Tier Club in a Big Five League or a Dominant Player in Secondary European Leagues)

Jimoh has promising potential but would need consistent development in physicality, directness, and consistency to reach higher levels in Europe.