VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Friday that Whitecaps FC 2 has signed Fortuna Düsseldorf youth product Darko Ilić. The 19-year-old fullback has agreed to an MLS NEXT Pro contract through 2024.
Whitecaps FC 2 fullback Darko Ilić
- 33 appearances with Fortuna Düsseldorf's youth teams from 2020 to 2023
- Spent time with the youth teams of Rot-Weiss Essen, Hombrucher SV, & Borussia Dortmund
“We are excited to welcome Darko to Vancouver as he enters the next step of his career,” said Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster. “After spending the early stages of his career developing in Germany, we’re looking forward to having Darko be part of our already talented WFC2 fullback group and helping him develop under our playing style.”
Ilić made 33 appearances for Fortuna Düsseldorf’s U-17 and U-19 sides across three seasons, scoring one goal.
Prior to joining Düsseldorf's U-17 side in 2020, the product of Haspe, Germany played for Rot-Weiss Essen’s U-17 side. Ilić also spent time in the youth systems of Hombrucher SV and Borussia Dortmund.
TRANSACTION: On May 26, 2023, Whitecaps FC 2 sign fullback Darko Ilić from Fortuna Düsseldorf’s youth team. Ilić agrees to a contract through 2024.
Darko Ilić
Position: Fullback
Height: 5-09
Weight: 140 pounds
Date of Birth: January 1, 2004, in Hagen, Germany
Hometown: Haspe, Germany
Citizenship: Germany/Serbia
Status: International
Youth Clubs: Fortuna Düsseldorf (2020-23), Rot-Weiss Essen (2018-20), Hombrucher SV (2017-18), Borussia Dortmund (2016-17)
Instagram: @ilic.46
