Efraín Juárez

A longtime Mexican Liga MX midfielder who played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup and spent two years in the FC Barcelona academy, Efraín Juárez joined Whitecaps FC in January 2018. Arriving with a lengthy and impressive resume with over 300 appearances for club and country, Juarez has scored goals in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Liga MX, Copa MX, La Liga, and CONCACAF Champions League.

WHITECAPS FC
2018: Juárez tallied two assists in 14 starts and 16 appearances in his first MLS season. He also made one substitute appearance in the Canadian Championship.

MEXICAN LIGA MX
2013-17: Prior to joining Whitecaps FC, Juárez spent five straight seasons with CF Monterrey, making 119 starts in 139 total appearances, and scoring seven goals. Most recently, he helped “Rayados” capture the 2017 Copa MX title with appearances in seven of their eight matches. Monterrey also finished second in the 2017 Apertura. 2012-13: Juárez played one season for Club América, making 11 starts in 16 total appearances, as he helped his side to the 2013 Clausura title. 2008-10: Juárez began his professional career with Pumas UNAM, starting 72 of his 73 appearances in his two seasons with the club, including one goal in CONCACAF Champions League play.

SPANISH LA LIGA
2011-12: While with Scottish Premiership side Celtic FC, Juárez spent one season on loan to Spanish La Liga club Real Zaragoza, scoring one goal in 16 starts and appearances, including Copa del Rey competition.

SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP
2010-11: After beginning his career in his native land of Mexico, Juárez moved to Celtic FC in July 2010 and played one season in the Scottish Premiership. Across all competitions, he made seven starts in 16 appearances, while helping Celtic FC hoist the FA Cup, as well as a runner-up finish in the Scottish League Cup.

INTERNATIONAL
Juárez has made 39 appearances with Mexico at the senior level, including three at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He also helped Mexico win the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2009 and 2011, as well as the 2005 U-17 FIFA World Cup.

INTERESTING FACTS
Juárez came through the Pumas UNAM youth system, before spending two seasons with the FC Barcelona Academy. He is also fluent in five languages.