Vancouver Whitecaps FC says centre back Belal Halbouni will take time away from football to focus on treatment and recovery after a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
The Story
Vancouver Whitecaps FC sporting director Axel Schuster said Belal Halbouni and his family have the full support of everyone at the club as the centre back begins treatment and recovery following his Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
The club said Halbouni will take time away from football to focus on his treatment. It also said he began that work in London, Ontario, last week, and that the team looks forward to welcoming him back when the time is right.
Halbouni, 26, said he is grateful for the support from the club. “Belal and his family have the full support of everyone at the club,” Schuster said, adding, “Belal will take time away from football to focus on his treatment and recovery. We will be here for him every step of the way, and we look forward to welcoming him back when the time is right.”
Halbouni also thanked the club, saying: “I want to express my gratitude to Vancouver Whitecaps FC,” and adding, “The way this club has stood by me goes far beyond football, and it has reminded me what it truly means to be part of a family. I’m proud to represent this badge, grateful to call Vancouver home, and thankful for the light at the end of the tunnel that they give me.”
The Whitecaps also confirmed Halbouni has signed a contract extension through the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season.
Halbouni joined the club in February 2024 and has since made 26 appearances across all competitions. The club said he is a two-time TELUS Canadian Championship winner, capturing titles in 2024 and 2025.
In 2025, the team said Halbouni started nine of Vancouver’s final 11 MLS regular season matches and made three appearances in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. The club’s transaction confirmation dated November 6, 2026 states it re-signed Halbouni to the extension through the 2027-28 MLS season.
← More stories