Toronto FC announced today that the club has acquired forward Emilio Aristizábal from Colombian side Atlético Nacional (First Division) on loan for the duration of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option to purchase. Aristizábal will occupy a U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position. The Colombian youth international will be added to the roster pending the receipt of his medicals and the International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“We are thrilled to have Emilio join us in anticipation of the 2026 season,” said Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez. “Emilio has established himself as one of Colombia’s top young attacking talents, and we are excited to begin our journey together. He is coming off a strong 2025 in his first full senior campaign, delivering an impressive offensive output at just 19 years old, and we look forward to his continued growth at our club."
The 20-year-old forward joins Toronto FC after spending the 2025 season with Fortaleza CEIF (Colombia, First Division) on loan, where he registered 12 goals and two assists through 36 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most promising young talents in Colombia. He made his debut with Fortaleza during the Apertura tournament against Envigado on January 28, 2025. The attacker scored his first professional goal against Rionegro Águilas Doradas on February 17, 2025.
The Medellin, Colombia native began his professional career with his hometown team, Atlético Nacional, and came through the youth ranks before signing his first professional contract with the First Team in May 2023. At the age of 18, Aristizábal made his professional debut with Los Verdolagas in a Copa Colombia match against Deportivo Pereira on November 2, 2023. During his time with Atlético Nacional, he made a combined 15 appearances in all competitions in his first season with the club and was part of the roster that won the Copa Colombia in 2023.
At the international level, Aristizábal has represented the Colombian National Team at the U-20 level, making his debut in a friendly match against Peru on June 30, 2024. In 2025, the forward participated in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile, featuring in five matches, including the third-place match, where Colombia secured the bronze medal after defeating France 1-0 on October 18, 2025.
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC acquire forward Emilio Aristizábal from Colombian side Atlético Nacional (First Division) on loan for the duration of the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, with an option to purchase. Aristizábal will occupy a U-22 initiative slot and an international roster position.
EMILIO ARISTIZÁBAL - #17
Position: Forward
Height: 6’2”
Weight:154 lbs.
Birthdate: August 5, 2005 (Age – 20)
Hometown: Medellin, Colombia
Nationality: Colombian
Pronounciation: eh-MEE-lee-oh ah-rees-tee-SAH-bahl
Last Club: Atlético Nacional
