Ryan Gauld

Gauld grew up in Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, where he attended Laurencekirk Primary before becoming a pupil at Mearns Academy.{{cite news|title=Mearns youngsters extend contracts for Dundee United|url=http://www.mearnsleader.co.uk/sport/local-sport/mearns-youngsters-extend-contracts-for-dundee-united-1-2781269|access-date=10 September 2015|work=Mearns Leader|date=8 February 2013|location=Stonehaven}}

In 2002, Gauld began to play for Brechin City Boys Club (now renamed Brechin City Youths), where he was part of a successful team alongside John Souttar and Euan Spark. The trio also developed their skills at coaching schools run in Dundee by Ian Cathro, before they all joined Dundee United's youth system in 2006 at the age of nine.{{cite web|url=http://www.brechincityyouths.co.uk/club/History|title=Former Players with Senior Clubs|work=Brechin City Youths F.C.|date=1 October 2011|access-date=10 September 2015|archive-date=3 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103000005/http://www.brechincityyouths.co.uk/club/History|url-status=dead}}

{{Quote box|width=25%|align=right|quoted=1|quote=He's a talent. He's one of a conveyor belt of young players that we need to breed and need to bring on. He can go past people as if they're not there.|source=— Dundee United manager Peter Houston praising 16-year-old Gauld in September 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19608134 |title=Dundee United manager Peter Houston impressed by Ryan Gauld|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 September 2012 |access-date=14 September 2012}}}}

Gauld made his Scottish Premier League debut as a 16-year-old, as an 87th-minute substitute for Johnny Russell in the final match of the 2011–12 season, a 2–0 win away to Motherwell on 13 May.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17973099|title=Motherwell 0–2 Dundee United|date=13 May 2012|publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=31 July 2012}}

On 24 January 2013, Gauld signed an extended contract keeping him at the club until January 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21190697|title=Ryan Gauld and John Souttar extend contracts|date=24 January 2013|publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=24 January 2013}} Later on in the 2012–13 season, on 1 April, he made his first start against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park and marked the occasion with his first senior goal to open a game which ended 1–1.{{cite news|last1=Campbell|first1=Andy|title=St Johnstone 1–1 Dundee United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21921175|access-date=8 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 April 2013}}{{cite news|last1=McLean|first1=Sarah|title=Generation Next: Ryan Gauld – Scotland's brightest young star|url=http://www.just-football.com/2014/10/generation-next-ryan-gauld-scotland-brightest-young-star/|access-date=14 December 2015|publisher=Just Football|date=8 October 2014}}

On 4 November 2013, during the 2013–14 season, Gauld's contract was further extended, to run until May 2016.{{cite web|title=Dundee Utd: Ryan Gauld and John Souttar extend their contracts|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24812193|publisher=BBC Sport|date=4 November 2013|access-date=7 November 2013}} Five days later, he scored twice in a 4–0 win against Motherwell at Fir Park.{{cite news|last1=Campbell|first1=Andy|title=Motherwell 0–4 Dundee Utd|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24783006|access-date=8 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 November 2013}} On 15 December 2013, the Daily Record reported that Manchester United's Scottish manager David Moyes wanted to personally "scout" Gauld, and take the opportunity to run the rule over the potential of other young Dundee United players such as defenders John Souttar and Andrew Robertson.{{cite web|title=Manchester United boss David Moyes to personally scout Dundee United starlet Ryan Gauld|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/manchester-united-boss-david-moyes-2928750|work=Daily Record |first=Mark |last=Guidi |date=15 December 2013|access-date=7 January 2014}} However, the following day, also his 18th birthday, Gauld's contract was further extended until May 2017.{{cite web|title=Dundee United prolong terms for Ryan Gauld|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25399659|publisher=BBC Sport|date=16 December 2013|access-date=7 January 2014}} Around the same time, he was being tracked by English Premier League pair Everton and Liverpool, Italy's Roma and Spain's Real Madrid.

On 12 April 2014, Gauld played in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Ibrox, as United defeated Rangers 3–1 to advance to the Final. He made the run into the penalty area from which Stuart Armstrong scored the opening goal, and assisted the second from Gary Mackay-Steven.{{cite web|title=Rangers 1–3 Dundee United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26898652|publisher=BBC Sport|last=Wilson|first=Richard|date=12 April 2014|access-date=24 April 2014}} Five days later, he was shortlisted for the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award,{{cite web|title=Three Celtic players make player of year shortlist|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27052382|publisher=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2014|access-date=24 April 2014}} which was eventually awarded to his teammate Robertson.{{cite news|title=Andrew Robertson: Dundee United defender wins PFA prize|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27183894|access-date=14 December 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=27 April 2014}} In the Cup Final on 17 May, Gauld replaced Mackay-Steven for the final 26 minutes as Dundee United lost 2–0 to St Johnstone at Celtic Park.{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Richard|title=St Johnstone 2–0 Dundee Utd|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/27354162|access-date=8 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 May 2014}} Gauld's season ended with eight goals in 38 games across all competitions, of which six were scored in his 31 league matches.

On 2 July 2014, Sporting CP announced the signing of Gauld from Dundee United, for an undisclosed fee rumoured to be in the region of £3 million.{{cite news|last=McArthur|first=Euan|title=Ryan Gauld completes Sporting Lisbon transfer|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/dundee-united/ryan-gauld-completes-sporting-lisbon-transfer-1-3462374|access-date=16 December 2015|work=The Scotsman|date=1 July 2014}} He signed a six-year contract with a €60 million buy-out clause.{{cite web |url=http://www.sporting.pt/Noticias/Futebol/Fut_Prof/notfutprof_ryangauld_020714_129478.asp |title=Ryan Gauld |work=www.sporting.pt |publisher=Sporting CP |date=2 July 2014 |access-date=2 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707024120/http://www.sporting.pt/Noticias/Futebol/Fut_Prof/notfutprof_ryangauld_020714_129478.asp |archive-date=7 July 2014 }} He credited Sporting's track record of developing players such as Luís Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani for his decision to join them.{{cite news|last1=Perrin|first1=Charles|title=Manchester United legend convinced me to SNUB three teams for Sporting – Ryan Gauld|url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/567442/Manchester-United-Ronaldo-Gauld-snub|access-date=24 November 2015|work=Daily Express|date=31 March 2015}} Despite being put into the club's B-team, Gauld was named in the 25-man squad to play in the UEFA Champions League after impressing manager Marco Silva during training sessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29052075|title=Ryan Gauld included in Sporting's Champions League squad|publisher=BBC Sport|date=3 September 2014|access-date=4 September 2014}}{{cite news|title=Ryan Gauld included in Sporting Lisbon's Champions League squad..despite being moved to the B team|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/ryan-gauld-included-sporting-lisbons-4158734|work=Daily Record|date=3 September 2014}}

He made his debut for Sporting B on 10 August 2014, replacing João Palhinha at half time in a 1–0 defeat away to Farense.{{cite web|title=Farense 1–0 Sporting B|url=http://www.ligaportugal.pt/oou/jogo/20142015/segundaliga/4/6|publisher=Segunda Liga|access-date=8 September 2014}}{{cite news|title=II Liga: Farense vence Sporting B, que falha penálti|trans-title=Farense defeat Sporting B, who miss penalty|url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/fabio-gomes/ryan-gauld/ii-liga-farense-vence-sporting-b-que-falha-penalti|access-date=14 December 2015|publisher=Mais Futebol|date=10 August 2014|language=pt}} Seventeen days later, in his fourth match for the club, he scored for the first time, netting the second in a 3–0 home victory over Aves.{{cite web|title=Sporting B 3–0 Aves|url=http://www.ligaportugal.pt/oou/jogo/20142015/segundaliga/4/6|publisher=Segunda Liga|access-date=8 September 2014}} On 7 December, he scored a second goal, opening a 4–3 win at Lisbon neighbours Oriental with a 20-yard volley.{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Andrew|title=VIDEO: Ryan Gauld nets stunning strike for Sporting Lisbon|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/sport-editors-picks/424839/video-ryan-gauld-nets-stunning-strike-sporting-lisbon/|access-date=14 December 2015|work=Press and Journal|date=8 December 2014}} On 21 December, he was sent off for two bookings in a 3–1 triumph at Vitória de Guimarães B.{{cite news|title=V. Guimarães B-Sporting B, 1–3: Terceira Vitória Seguida Para Os Leões|trans-title=V. Guimarães B-Sporting B, 1–3: Third Consecutive Victory for the Lions|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/2--liga/detalhe/v-guimaraes-b-sporting-b-1-3-terceira-vitoria-seguida-para-os-leoes-921447.html|access-date=14 December 2015|work=Record|date=21 December 2014|language=pt}} He finished the season with three goals from 26 games for the B-team, the third coming on 7 February 2015, when he equalised as the team came from behind to win 2–1 against Olhanense.{{cite news|title=Sporting B-Olhanense, 2–1: Gauld e Rubio Dão Vitória|trans-title=Sporting B-Olhanense, 2–1: Gauld and Rubio Give Victory|url=http://www.record.xl.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/2--liga/detalhe/sporting-b-olhanense-2-1-gauld-e-rubio-dao-vitoria-929909.html|access-date=14 December 2015|work=Record|date=7 February 2015|language=pt}}

Gauld made his debut for the first team on 29 December 2014 in a Taça da Liga game against Vitória de Guimarães, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 win.{{cite web|title=Ryan Gauld: Scot makes top team debut for Sporting Lisbon|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30630997|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=31 December 2014|date=30 December 2014}} On his second start for the Sporting first team on 14 January 2015, Gauld was named man of the match in a 1–0 win in the same competition, against Boavista. Having been fouled by goalkeeper Daniel Monllor, he won the penalty converted by Junya Tanaka for the only goal.{{cite web|title=Ryan Gauld named man of the match in Sporting Lisbon cup win|url=http://www.thecourier.co.uk/sport/football/dundee-united/ryan-gauld-named-man-of-the-match-in-sporting-lisbon-cup-win-1.788568|work=The Courier|access-date=18 January 2015|date=15 January 2015}} Four days later, he made his Primeira Liga debut, replacing André Martins for the last 25 minutes of a 4–2 win over Rio Ave at the Estádio José Alvalade.{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Andrew|title=Scots abroad: Ryan Gauld stars in league debut for Sporting Lisbon|url=https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/football/462577/scots-abroad-ryan-gauld-makes-league-debut-sporting-lisbon/|access-date=19 January 2015|work=The Press and Journal|date=19 January 2015}} Gauld scored twice for the first team in a 3–2 defeat away to neighbours Belenenses in a Taça da Liga group game on 21 January.{{cite news |title=Ryan Gauld nets his first and second goals for Sporting Lisbon in the Portuguese League Cup |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13198240.ryan-gauld-nets-first-second-goals-sporting-lisbon-portuguese-league-cup/ |access-date=20 July 2023 |work=The Herald |date=22 January 2015}}

In his second season in the Portuguese capital, Gauld scored his first goal of the B-team's campaign on 26 August 2015, the only one of the away match at Covilhã in the 84th minute.{{cite news|title=Sporting B vence na Covilhã (1–0) com golo de Gauld|trans-title=Sporting B defeat Covilhã (1–0) with goal from Gauld|url=http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=567579|access-date=14 December 2015|work=A Bola|date=26 August 2015|language=pt|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304211416/http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=567579|url-status=dead}} He followed this on 12 September with a strike in a 4–0 triumph at Oriental.{{cite news|title=Sporting B goleia Oriental (4–0)|trans-title=Sporting B thrash Oriental|url=http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=570608|access-date=14 December 2015|work=A Bola|date=12 September 2015|language=pt|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222143956/http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=570608|url-status=dead}} Gauld matched his goal tally in Segunda Liga from the previous season on 3 October, when he opened a 1–1 draw at Famalicão,{{cite news|title=Sporting B empata em Famalicão (1–1)|trans-title=Sporting B draw in Famalicão|url=http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=574650|access-date=14 December 2015|work=A Bola|date=3 October 2015|language=pt|archive-date=5 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305191814/http://www.abola.pt/nnh/ver.aspx?id=574650|url-status=dead}} and succeeded it on 28 November with his fourth goal of the campaign, assuring the same result at Gil Vicente{{cite news|title=Sporting B empatou em Barcelos com golo de Ryan Gauld|trans-title=Sporting B drew in Barcelos with goal from Ryan Gauld|url=http://www.maisfutebol.iol.pt/gil-vicente/direto/ii-liga-sporting-b-em-barcelos-com-labyad-e-viola-onze-inicial|access-date=14 December 2015|publisher=Mais Futebol|date=28 November 2015|language=pt}}

On 20 July 2016, amidst interest from England's Sheffield Wednesday, Gauld was loaned to Portuguese top-flight team Vitória de Setúbal for the upcoming season, alongside his teammate André Geraldes.{{cite news|title=Ryan Gauld joins Vitória Setúbal on loan from Sporting|url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/scotland/ryan-gauld-joins-vitoria-setubal-on-loan-from-sporting-1-4181946|access-date=20 July 2016|work=The Scotsman|date=20 July 2016}} He made his debut for Vitória on 26 October 2016 in a Taça da Liga tie against lower-league Santa Clara, playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 win.{{cite web|title='Segundas linhas' do Vitória eliminam Santa Clara|trans-title=Vitória's 'second string' eliminate Santa Clara|url=http://setubalnarede.pt/diario-da-regiao/segundas-linhas-do-vitoria-eliminam-santa-clara-18836/|website=Setúbal na Rede|access-date=7 November 2016|language=pt|date=27 October 2016}} He made his league debut three days later, coming on as a late substitute for Nenê Bonilha in a scoreless draw at home to Porto, his first game in Primeira Liga for 20 months.{{cite news|last1=Armstrong|first1=Gary|title=Ryan Gauld plays first game in 20 months as Scots starlet turns out for Vitoria Setubal against Porto|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/ryan-gauld-plays-first-game-9155707|access-date=7 November 2016|work=Daily Record|date=29 October 2016}}

On 5 January 2017, it was reported that Gauld had been recalled from loan to train with Sporting B, due to Sporting being eliminated from the Taça da Liga by Vitória in controversial circumstances.{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-gauld-recalled-sporting-lisbon-9569720|title=Ryan Gauld recalled to Sporting Lisbon as it's claimed they took revenge on Vitoria Setubal for cup shock|newspaper=Daily Record|date=5 January 2017|access-date=14 January 2017}} He played nine second-tier games for the B-team over the rest of the season, and was sent off on 14 May at the end of a 2–1 home loss to Académica de Coimbra.{{cite news|title=Sporting reserves substitute manages to give away penalty for handball|url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/sporting-reserves-substitute-manages-give-away-penalty-handball|access-date=19 November 2017|work=FourFourTwo|date=16 May 2017}}

On 24 July 2017, Gauld was loaned to Primeira Liga newcomers Aves.{{cite news|url=http://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-nos/sporting/detalhe/oficial-gauld-emprestado-ao-aves.html|title=Oficial: Gauld emprestado ao Aves|trans-title=Official: Gauld loaned to Aves|language=pt|newspaper=Record|date=24 July 2017|access-date=24 July 2017}} He was unable to play against his parent team on the first day of the season, however, he came on as an added-time substitute for Salvador Agra in the next game, a 2–2 draw with Paços de Ferreira on 13 August. In his fourth match on 11 September, he scored his first goal in Portugal's top flight, the winner in a 2–1 home win over Belenenses.{{cite news|title=Ryan Gauld nets first Primeira Liga goal as he helps loan side Aves beat Belenenses|url=http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-gauld-nets-first-primeira-11151906|access-date=19 November 2017|work=Daily Record|date=12 September 2017}}

On 31 August 2018, Gauld joined LigaPro side Farense on a season-long loan.{{cite web|title=Ryan Gauld é reforço

|url=http://sportingclubefarense.com/noticias/ryan-gauld-refor-o|publisher=S.C. Farense|date=31 August 2018|access-date=1 September 2018|language=pt}} He scored his only goals for the Algarve club on 30 December, in a 5–0 home win over Oliveirense.{{cite news |title=Farense goleia Oliveirense com 'bis' de Ryan Gauld|trans-title=Farense thrash Oliveirense with 'brace' from Ryan Gauld |url=https://www.dn.pt/lusa/farense-goleia-oliveirense-com-bis-de-ryan-gauld-10382770.html |access-date=20 July 2023 |work=Diário de Notícias |date=30 December 2018 |language=pt}} The loan was curtailed in January 2019 and he was then loaned to Scottish Premiership club Hibernian.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46798801 |title=Ryan Gauld: Sporting Lisbon midfielder joins Hibernian until end of the season |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 January 2019 |access-date=11 January 2019}} Gauld suffered a hamstring injury and consequently only collected 371 minutes of game time from six first team games in his half-season loan at Easter Road.

Gauld left Sporting to rejoin Farense on a permanent basis in July 2019, signing a two-year contract with an option for a third year and a €4 million release clause.{{cite news |url=https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/latest-hibs-news/former-hibs-midfielder-ryan-gauld-completes-move-to-new-club-1-4965347 |title=Former Hibs midfielder Ryan Gauld completes move to new club |first=Craig |last=Fowler |work=Edinburgh Evening News |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=16 July 2019}}{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49000675 |title=Ryan Gauld: Scot stays in Portugal with Farense after Sporting exit |publisher=BBC Sport |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=16 July 2019}} On 29 February 2020, he scored his first career hat-trick in a 3–1 win over Académico de Viseu to put his team top of the second division; this concluded a run of six goals from seven games.{{cite news |last1=Cooney |first1=Darren |title=Ryan Gauld makes history as former Dundee United prodigy helps Farense to the top of the table |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-gauld-makes-history-former-21603422 |access-date=2 March 2020 |work=Daily Record |date=29 February 2020}} Farense were granted promotion to the first division following the stoppage of the Portuguese second tier due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/sport/18427810.ex-dundee-united-hibs-ace-ryan-gauld-celebrates-promotion-portuguese-top-flight-liga-pro-called-early/|title=Ex-Dundee United and Hibs ace Ryan Gauld celebrates promotion to Portuguese top-flight after Liga Pro called early|first=Alan |last=Temple|date=5 May 2020|newspaper=Evening Glasgow Times|access-date=7 May 2020}} Gauld finished the season as the team's top scorer{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/may/07/ryan-gauld-mini-messi-dundee-united-farense-sporting-lisbon|title=Ryan Gauld: 'Being called Mini Messi didn't bother me but people expected more'|first=Ewan |last=Murray|newspaper=The Guardian|date=7 May 2020|access-date=7 May 2020}} and was voted as the top player in the Portuguese second tier.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-gaulds-farense-rise-yields-22595770|title=Ryan Gauld's Farense rise yields top honour as star's standout season recognised by rivals|date=28 August 2020|first=Liam|last=Bryce|newspaper=Daily Record|access-date=30 August 2020}} In the 2020–21 Primeira Liga, Farense were immediately relegated back, with Gauld their top scorer with another 9 goals.{{cite news |last1=Tolmich |first1=Ryan |title=Ryan Gauld: What happened to former wonderkid dubbed 'the Scottish Messi'? |url=https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/ryan-gauld-what-happened-wonderkid-scottish-messi/blt7e9da037f3dcd42a#cs2d2dc30bb91da5ca |access-date=20 July 2023 |work=Goal |date=23 March 2023}}

On 31 July 2021, Gauld signed with Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps on a three-and-a-half-year deal, becoming one of the club's Designated Players.{{cite web|url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/whitecaps-fc-acquire-scottish-attacking-midfielder-ryan-gauld|title=Whitecaps FC acquire Scottish attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld from SC Farense|publisher=Vancouver Whitecaps FC|access-date=2 August 2021}} He scored his first goal for the Whitecaps on 21 August 2021 against Los Angeles FC, an 89th-minute winner.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/recap-vancouver-whitecaps-2-lafc-1|title=Recap: Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2, LAFC 1|publisher=Major League Soccer|access-date=23 August 2021}} In July 2022, he helped the Whitecaps win the Canadian Championship and was awarded the George Gross Memorial Trophy as the tournament's MVP.{{cite web|url=https://canadasoccer.com/news/gauld-and-raposo-win-awards-at-2022-canadian-championship/|title=Gauld and Raposo win awards at 2022 Canadian Championship|website=canadasoccer.com|date=27 July 2022|access-date=18 August 2022}} His figures for the 2022 Major League Soccer season were eight goals and nine assists, while the Whitecaps missed the playoffs.

Vancouver retained the Canadian Championship in 2023, with Gauld scoring the decisive goal from the penalty spot in a 2–1 final win over Montréal at BC Place on 7 June 2023.{{cite news |last1=Wells |first1=Nick |title=Ryan Gauld nets winner as Vancouver Whitecaps beat Montreal to claim Canadian Championship |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9754772/vancouver-whitecaps-montreal-canadian-championship/ |access-date=20 July 2023 |work=Global News |date=8 June 2023}} Nineteen days later, Gauld was named MLS Player of the Matchday for Week 21 of the 2023 season, for recording a goal and two assists against Los Angeles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/vancouver-whitecaps-fc-s-ryan-gauld-named-player-of-the-matchday|title=Vancouver Whitecaps FC's Ryan Gauld named Player of the Matchday|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=26 June 2023|access-date=15 July 2023}} In November 2023, he was voted Whitecaps Player of the Season for the second consecutive year.{{Cite web |last=FC |first=Whitecaps |title=Whitecaps FC announce winners for 2023 Player Awards |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/whitecaps-fc-announce-winners-for-2023-player-awards |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=Whitecaps FC |language=en}}

On 25 January 2024, Gauld signed a three-year contract extension with the Whitecaps.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=25 January 2024 |title=Whitecaps FC sign leading playmaker Ryan Gauld to contract extension |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/whitecaps-fc-sign-ryan-gauld-to-contract-extension |access-date=25 January 2024 |website= |publisher=Vancouver Whitecaps FC |language=en}} On 23 February 2024, Gauld was named the 25th club captain in Whitecaps history, replacing Russell Teibert.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=23 February 2024 |title=Ryan Gauld named captain of Whitecaps FC |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2024-captain#:~:text=Gauld%20becomes%20the%2025th%20player,great%20history%2C%E2%80%9D%20said%20Gauld. |access-date=19 May 2024|website= |publisher=Vancouver Whitecaps FC |language=en}} On 23 October, Gauld scored a hat-trick and assisted another goal in a 5–0 win over Portland Timbers in the MLS playoffs wild card round.{{Cite web |last=Vallejo |first=Felipe |date=24 October 2024 |title=See you at BC Place |url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2024-wild-card-5-0-portland |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Vancouver Whitecaps}}

Gauld was capped 10 times for Scotland at under-19 level, scoring two goals.{{cite web |title=Ryan Gauld |url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/football_player_profile.cfm?page=1848&playerID=98838&squadID=9 |publisher=Scottish Football Association |access-date=22 December 2013 }} He made his debut on 9 October 2012 against Armenia, replacing Matty Kennedy after 66 minutes of an eventual 4–0 win in a European qualifier at New Douglas Park in Hamilton.{{cite web|title=Scotland 4–0 Armenia|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/international_fixture_details.cfm?page=1921&matchID=120259|publisher=Scottish FA|access-date=8 September 2014}} He scored his first goal on his fourth cap on 3 September 2013, against Iceland at the Forthbank Stadium in Stirling, a 20-yard free kick to equalise in a 1–1 draw.{{cite news|title=Scotland U19s draw with Iceland in Stirling|url=http://www.scottishfa.co.uk/scottish_fa_news.cfm?page=2986&newsCategoryID=1&newsID=12444|access-date=8 September 2014|publisher=Scottish FA|date=3 September 2013}}

Gauld scored two goals in 11 appearances for the under-21 team.{{cite web|title=Ryan Gauld U21 Squad|url=https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/players/?pid=98838&lid=5|website=scottishfa.co.uk|access-date=18 August 2022}} On 6 November 2013, he was called into the under-21 squad for the first time, for the match against Georgia later that month.{{cite web|title=Dundee United's Ryan Gauld called up to Scotland Under-21s|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24837739|publisher=BBC Sport|date=6 November 2013|access-date=7 November 2013}} He scored his first goals for the under-21 team on his third cap on 8 September 2014, a brace in a 3–0 win away to Luxembourg at the Stade Municipal de Differdange, at the end of a failed European qualification campaign.{{cite news|title=Gauld doubles up as Scotland Under-21s end campaign with win|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/football/gauld-doubles-up-as-scotland-under-21s-end-campaign-with-win.1410204121|access-date=8 September 2014|work=The Herald|date=8 September 2014}} On 30 September 2014, Gauld was called up to the senior Scotland national football team for Euro 2016 Group D qualifying matches against Georgia and Poland,{{cite news|title=Ryan Gauld and Stevie May called up for Scotland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/scotland/29427160|access-date=30 September 2014|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 September 2014}} but did not play.{{cite news|last1=Murray|first1=Keir|title=Scotland 1–0 Georgia|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29487138|access-date=14 December 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=11 October 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Lamont|first1=Alasdair|title=Poland 2–2 Scotland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29506571|access-date=14 December 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=14 October 2014}} On 10 October 2015, Gauld was sent off for a foul on Marcus Coco in a 2–1 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification loss to France at Pittodrie in his hometown.{{cite news|last1=Dowden|first1=Martin|title=European Under-21 Championship Qualifying: Scotland 1–2 France|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34495797|access-date=11 October 2015|date=10 October 2015|publisher=BBC Sport}}

In October 2022, Gauld admitted that he had pretty much given up hope of being called up to the Scotland squad again. "It's genuinely not something I think about now," he told MailSport. "A year or two ago, when I thought I was doing really well at Farense, I felt it might happen. But I'm at a stage now where it doesn't enter my mind. When there's an international break I'm looking at having a few days off and going somewhere nice in Canada with my missus."{{Cite web |last=McDermott |first=Scott |date=16 October 2022 |title=Ryan Gauld gives up Scotland hope as he opens up on Steve Clarke silence |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ryan-gauld-gives-up-scotland-28247391 |access-date=30 May 2023 |website=Daily Record}} He later claimed that he could instead play for Canada, for which he would qualify through residency rules.{{cite news |date=1 November 2022 |title=Ryan Gauld 'not looking to force Scotland call-up' as playing for Canada question comes up |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/international/ryan-gauld-not-looking-to-force-scotland-call-up-as-playing-for-canada-question-comes-up-3901022 |last=McLeish |first=Ross |access-date=30 May 2023 |website=The Scotsman}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/international/ryan-gauld-cites-rangers-example-as-mls-star-considers-switching-allegience-after-scotland-snub-4095339|title=Ryan Gauld cites Rangers example as MLS star considers switching allegience after Scotland snub|first=Matthew|last=Elder|date=6 April 2023|work=The Scotsman}}

In August 2024, it was announced that Gauld had been invited to join the Scotland squad for its upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Poland and Portugal in September 2024, for his first call-up in a decade.{{cite news|title='Different type' Gauld earns first Scotland call-up in 10 years|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cd9dz1ndv14o|access-date=27 August 2024|publisher=BBC|date=27 August 2024}} He made his debut on 5 September 2024 in a game against Poland at Hampden Park, coming on for Ryan Christie in the 71st minute as Poland won 3–2.{{cite web|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/698886/poland-scotland|title=Scotland v Poland game report|date=5 September 2024}} In the subsequent fixtures against Croatia and Portugal, Gauld again came on as a substitute, playing on the same team as childhood companion John Souttar for the first time since their Dundee United spell in 2014.[https://news.stv.tv/sport/its-amazing-john-souttar-loving-scotland-reunion-with-childhood-friend-ryan-gauld 'It's amazing': Souttar loving Scotland reunion with childhood friend Gauld], STV News, 16 October 2024

{{Quote box|width=40%|align=right|quoted=1|quote=In times of trouble, mediocre prospects are routinely heralded above their actual level of ability. Glasgow pubs, let alone Scotland's amateur leagues, are filled with individuals once tipped as the latter-day Denis Law or Kenny Dalglish. Yet in the case of Gauld, the hype seems justified. Time spent in the teenager's company illustrates that the level-headed young Scot is capable of dealing with it.|source=— Ewan Murray, of The Observer, on Gauld in December 2013 }}

Gauld's ability on the ball, and his small and slight stature, led him to be compared to Lionel Messi,{{cite news|last1=Wilson|first1=Richard|title=Lionel Messi and Ryan Gauld have more in common than their size|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/scotland/28138008|access-date=24 November 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2014}} a comparison made by the British press since 2013 which led to his nickname the Scottish Messi.{{cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Rory|title=A star is born: Baby Messi Ryan Gauld growing into his nickname|url=http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/scotland/article3970998.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140110082935/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/sport/football/scotland/article3970998.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 January 2014|access-date=14 December 2015|work=The Times|date=10 January 2014}}{{cite news|last1=Murray|first1=Ewan|title=Dundee United's Ryan Gauld handling the hype of 'baby Messi' label|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/07/dundee-united-ryan-gauld-messi|access-date=14 December 2015|work=The Observer|date=7 December 2013}}{{cite news|last1=Ruthven|first1=Graham|title=Ryan Gauld profile: Lowdown on the Manchester United target dubbed 'Baby Messi'|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ryan-gauld-profile-manchester-united-2804686|access-date=14 December 2015|work=Daily Mirror|date=1 December 2013}}{{cite news|title=United rumour mill: The Aberdeen Messi and Rooney stay|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aberdeen-messi-ryan-gauld-wayne-6312405|access-date=14 December 2015|work=Manchester Evening News|date=17 November 2013}} At Dundee United, he was tutored by Ian Cathro, who favoured creativity and passing over the physicality often expected in Scottish football. After his transfer to Sporting, BBC Sport columnist Richard Wilson predicted that Gauld would be better suited to the style of football in Portugal, due to its slower tempo and its concentration on a passing game. Gauld himself has spoken of his preference for Portuguese football over its Scottish equivalent, and expressed relief at the lower media interest in him at Sporting, opining that comparisons with Messi were exaggerated and premature.{{cite news|last1=Forsyth|first1=Roddy|title=Scotland's Ryan Gauld relieved to escape 'Mini Messi' tag|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/scotland/11150155/Scotlands-Ryan-Gauld-relieved-to-escape-Mini-Messi-tag.html|access-date=24 November 2015|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=8 October 2014|url-access=subscription}}

{{clear}}

{{updated|match played 8 March 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 18 November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=32828|title=Ryan Gauld|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=8 September 2024}}

Aves

• Taça de Portugal: 2017–18

Vancouver Whitecaps

• Canadian Championship: 2022, 2023, 2024{{cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/three-peat-vancouver-whitecaps-top-toronto-fc-to-win-canadian-championship|title=Three-peat! Vancouver Whitecaps top Toronto FC to win Canadian Championship|publisher=Major League Soccer|date=26 September 2024|access-date=26 September 2024}}

Individual

• George Gross Memorial Trophy: 2022
• Primeira Liga Goal of the Month: February 2021
• MLS All-Star: 2024

{{reflist}}

• {{Soccerway|ryan-gauld/244185}}
• {{Soccerbase}}
• [http://www.just-football.com/2014/10/generation-next-ryan-gauld-scotland-brightest-young-star/ Generation Next profile] at Just Football

{{good article}}

{{Vancouver Whitecaps FC squad}}

{{George Gross Memorial Trophy recipients}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Gauld, Ryan}}

Category:Living people

Category:Scottish men's footballers

Category:1995 births

Category:People educated at Mearns Academy

Category:Footballers from Aberdeenshire

Category:Footballers from Aberdeen

Category:People from Laurencekirk

Category:Men's association football midfielders

Category:Scottish Premier League players

Category:Scottish Professional Football League players

Category:Dundee United F.C. players

Category:Scotland men's youth international footballers

Category:Scotland men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Scotland men's international footballers

Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in Portugal

Category:Scottish expatriate men's footballers

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal

Category:Scottish expatriate sportspeople in Canada

Category:Expatriate men's soccer players in Canada

Category:Sporting CP footballers

Category:Sporting CP B players

Category:Vitória F.C. players

Category:C.D. Aves players

Category:S.C. Farense players

Category:Primeira Liga players

Category:Liga Portugal 2 players

Category:Hibernian F.C. players

Category:Vancouver Whitecaps FC players

Category:Designated Players (MLS)

Category:Major League Soccer players

Category:21st-century Scottish sportsmen