UMVA has learned that Macklin Celebrini, the 19‑year‑old center for the San Jose Sharks, is about to trade his hockey skates for soccer cleats in a once‑in‑a‑lifetime adventure.
Growing up in North Vancouver, Celebrini split his days between slick ice rinks and grass‑topped fields, guided by a soccer‑playing dad and a mother who kicked her own college goals. “I loved both sports, but hockey always stole the show,” he confides, now captaining Team Canada at the world championship in Switzerland.
On June 2, a select group of fans will have the chance to join the star on a whirlwind July 1‑3 trip to Toronto, courtesy of a partnership with Airbnb and the FIFA World Cup. Five coveted spots—each for a guest and a plus‑one—will be filled on a first‑come, first‑serve basis, with no cost to participants.
Guests will arrive in one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighborhoods for a Canada Day kickoff, complete with a celebratory dinner and dazzling waterfront fireworks that light up the skyline.
The next day, Celebrini will lead a soccer camp on the Ossington strip, where budding players will learn drills, tactics, and the joy of the beautiful game. “We’ll keep some surprises,” he smiles, hinting at playful challenges and classic snack breaks featuring cheese, crackers, apples, SunChips, and chocolate.
Later that evening, the group will head to BMO Field to witness the city’s final FIFA World Cup 2026 match, a headline‑making event that will leave everyone breathless.
On July 3, participants will check out of their accommodations and dive into a local Toronto foodie Airbnb experience, rounding out a weekend of sport, culture, and camaraderie.
Celebrini’s deep family ties to soccer—from a Croatian grandpa to a dad who played professionally and now directs sports medicine—made his involvement feel inevitable. “It’s a chance to share my heritage and teach others about the game,” he says.
In a bold move that few 19‑year‑olds can claim, Macklin Celebrini is not only an NHL prospect but also a budding ambassador for soccer, bridging two worlds in a way that leaves even the Maple Leafs players in awe.
