EDMONTON — Philippe Lincourt-Joseph’s worldwide soccer journey has landed him firmly in Edmonton.

A product of the Montreal Impact Academy, FC Edmonton’s recent signing had to chase his dreams elsewhere following the disbanding of the MLS side’s United Soccer League affiliate, FC Montreal.

“I think it’s good to learn from every soccer culture you can,” Lincourt-Joseph suggested. “Once I moved to Europe, I changed my mindset to ‘can I play at this level?’”

The 24-year-old midfielder spent the 2017 season with C.D. Fátima of the Portuguese third division before his football journey took him to the Middle East, and Oman Professional League side Al-Rustaq SC.

“It was a completely different experience in terms of culture and weather,” said Lincourt-Joseph of his time in Oman. “You obviously have to adapt, but I think I come back here with more confidence, knowledge and experience than before.”

FC Edmonton head coach Paulus likes Lincourt-Joseph because he says he helps to diversify the midfield.

“He’s a player that has been hunting the game and he’s not let anything hold him back,” Paulus said. “He’s experienced games in different countries and cultures, it’s made him hungrier, and he’s got a real good opportunity here.

“We’ve got a central midfield that is very talented, but full of passers so they are all kind of similar,” the gaffer explained. “Philippe gives us something different. He’ll take players on 1-v-1 at the right times, he’s got movement off the ball to help break down the back line, and he’ll also be able to break lines with his passing.”

“I like to be very creative with the ball,” Lincourt-Joseph said, assessing his own game. “I like to find myself in attacking spaces where I can make a difference, and I like to create a lot of assists in the final third.”

Like many young Canadians, having a professional league in their own backyard is a dream come true, and something the midfielder says was sorely needed.

“I feel like it’s going to give Canadian soccer a lot more credibility because I’ve been in Europe and nobody there knows anything about us,” Lincourt-Joseph said. “With the World Cup coming in 2026, it’s a step in the right direction for us as a country and as a soccer nation.

“I feel like it’ll put Canada on the map.”