Toronto FC has strengthened its defensive lineup with the addition of Walker Zimmerman, a two-time MLS Defender of the Year, signing him as a free agent until the 2027-28 MLS season. The 32-year-old American player has had a successful 13-year career in Major League Soccer, playing for FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC, and most recently Nashville SC. Zimmerman, a native of Lawrenceville, Ga., has earned numerous accolades, including five-time MLS Best XI honours, four-time MLS all-star selections, and two-time MLS Defender of the Year titles in 2020 and 2021.
With Toronto parting ways with veteran defenders Kevin Long, Raoul Petretta, and Sigurd Rosted, there was a need for experience in the backline to complement younger players like Lazar Stefanović (19), Zane Monlouis (22), and Nicksoen Gomis (23). Additionally, the departure of veteran goalkeeper Sean Johnson, who joined D.C. United as a free agent, left a gap that needed to be filled.
Zimmerman’s signing follows Toronto’s recent acquisition of Brazilian left back Matheus Pereira from CD Santa Clara, signing him until the 2027-28 MLS season with a club option for 2028-29. Despite finishing outside of the playoffs for the fifth consecutive season in 2025, Toronto FC’s defense showed improvement under first-year head coach Robin Fraser, a former MLS Defender of the Year himself.
General manager Jason Hernandez is actively seeking a top-tier attacker as Toronto struggled offensively last season, ranking 27th in the league with an average of 1.9 goals per game.
Zimmerman’s arrival is a significant defensive move for Toronto FC, reminiscent of Drew Moor’s impact when he joined the club in 2015. Moor’s leadership at the back significantly improved Toronto’s defensive record, leading the team to the MLS Cup final in 2016 and winning the championship in 2017.
Zimmerman brings a wealth of experience, having appeared in 307 MLS regular-season and playoff games. He served as a key player for Nashville SC since its expansion season in 2020, playing 172 games across all competitions and scoring 16 goals. Despite his impressive track record, Zimmerman’s signing was made possible using targeted allocation money instead of designated player status, reflecting Toronto FC’s strategic financial approach.
Expressing his excitement about joining Toronto FC, Zimmerman acknowledged the club’s rich history and passionate fan base, emphasizing his commitment to competing and striving for success alongside his new teammates. He was initially selected by FC Dallas in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft and has since made significant contributions to various MLS teams, including FC Dallas, Los Angeles FC, and Nashville SC.