Teenage Talent Ralph Khoury Lands Multi-Year Atletico Ottawa Deal

There’s a new teenage talent in the nation’s capital, and they’ve just signed an Exceptional Young Talent contract with Atletico Ottawa.

The red-and-white have signed 18-year-old forward Ralph Khoury, who may be a fledgling professional but might clock in as a face some dedicated fans might already recognize. In fact, he’s already made six appearances off the bench for Ottleti through two previous developmental contracts which kept his amateur status intact, allowing him to play in Ligue1 Quebec when not needed with Atletico Ottawa.

Now, however, Khoury is stepping fully into the professional game.

“Ralph is a young local talent who has already shown he belongs at this level with the performances he’s put in this season,” says ATO Director of Sporting Development Drew Beckie, who once captained the first team. Beckie has a good eye for talent, and he believes the club’s latest signing has a strong left foot, good tactical awareness, and athletic abilities for beyond what is typically seen at his level.

“He represents exactly the type of player we want to develop and support, not only on the pitch as a professional, but off the pitch as a person. He’s come far this year, and in no small part to Atletico Ottawa Development Team Head Coach Stephen O’Kane. We’re excited to see Ralph continue to grow within our environment and take the next steps in his career here in Ottawa.”

Khoury describes the moment as a massive day for he and his family, saying he’s immensely proud to have turned professional with Atletico Ottawa.

“It’s a big step in my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to start my professional journey here. Ottawa is the right place for me; it’s home. The club demonstrates faith in young players and shows what’s possible for local players like me,” says Khoury. “I want to keep pushing to make an impact for the club and for our fans.”

The teenager calling Ottawa home is no small statement: while Khoury has spent the last three year’s in the nation’s capital, the youngster was actually born in Lebanon and previously featured for the country at the U-15 level. He is identified as a Canadian-Lebanese talent, making him domestic in terms of league roster rules.

He now makes history as just the second-ever player to land an Exceptional Young Talent contract with Atletico Ottawa, who brought in Canada U-17 international Sergei Kozloskiy on a similar multi-year deal. This season has seen Kozloskiy, 17, make eighteen appearances for Atletico Ottawa so far.

Khoury’s contract with Atletico Ottawa will run straight through to the end of 2027, with club options for 2028 and 2029.

Header Image Photo Credit: Denys Rudenko