Goalkeeper Lea Palacio-Tellier named Canada Soccer’s 2025 Futsal Player of the Year

Canada players huddle up before their 7-0 loss to Spain in Group B play at the inaugural FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup, in Manila in a Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Canada Soccer (HO)

Goalkeeper Lea Palacio-Tellier has been named Canada Soccer’s 2025 Futsal Player of the Year after leading Canada to the inaugural FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup.

The 28-year-old from Montreal was named best goalkeeper at the inaugural 2025 CONCACAF W Futsal Championship in May. The Canadian captain conceded just four goals in the group stage.

Canada then dispatched Mexico via penalty shootout in the semifinal and Panama in the final.

Palacio-Tellier started all three of Canada’s games at the World Cup last month in the Philippines.

“Lea was a leader throughout our journey,” Canada futsal coach Alexandre Da Rocha said in a statement. ”After winning the Golden Gloves (Award) at CONCACAF (W Championship), she went on to be our most consistent player during the World Cup. She allowed us to stay in the first two matches in terms of results.

“Her presence was reassuring for the players in front of her, and her performances throughout the year fully reflect why she is deserving of this recognition.”

The winner was chosen by Canadian futsal team staff.

Canada Soccer Futsal Players of the Year

2025: Lea Palacio-Tellier.

2024: Loïc Kwemi.

2023: Safwane Mlah.

2022: Daniel Chamale.

2021: Joshua Lemos.

2020: Mohamed Farsi.

2019: Luis Rocha.

2018: Jacob Orellana.

2017: Nazim Belguendouz.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 15, 2025.