With defensive stability at the forefront, the Vancouver Whitecaps went shopping, bringing in F.C.V. Dender captain Joedrick Pupe.
The 28-year-old Belgian centre-back has signed on through to the end of the 2027 MLS season, with a club option for 2028.
Pupe said playing for the Whitecaps “is an honour.”
“I’m proud to represent this club and city, and I can’t wait to give everything I have for our incredible fans. I’m ready to work hard and help bring more success to Vancouver,” he said.
Pupe was a part of Dender’s league-winning season in the 2023–24 season in the Challenger Pro League, securing promotion back to the Belgian Pro League. He was named to that season’s Team of the Season as one of the top players.
Dender solidified their position in the top flight last season, finishing 12th out of 16.
Pupe has started in all four of Dender’s matches for this new season.
A ball-moving defender
Being a left-footed centre-back is an asset for Pupe. Having a left foot that can move the ball is even better.
His versatility to play as a left back is also something highly coveted by the Whitecaps, given their current slate of long-term injuries to Sam Adekugbe and Rank Veselinović.
Seemingly average in his defensive abilities, what is missed is his ability to track the movements of opposing players. Pupe has the capability to deliver a crunching tackle, but he is more adept at positioning himself to isolate ball-carrying attackers.
Where Pupe flourishes is in getting forward.
The Belgian defender ranks at the top in progressive passing (passes forward over 10 metres). While his completion rate may suffer, this is a product of the difficulty of the pass he routinely attempts. He gets there more often than not.
Pupe likes getting into higher positions and excels in carrying the ball and take-ons. His forward, aggressive nature helped him to five assists last season, something normally unheard of for a centre-back.
The path to the Whitecaps
Pupe has spent the entirety of his career in Belgium. However, he has had to work his way up through the ranks.
Coming through the Almere City U21s, Pupe switched to KSV Oostkamp and then to Sint-Eloois Winkel. As a part-time footballer, Pupe paid his way working other jobs.
For the 2022–23 season, Pupe moved to Lierse S.K. He moved to Dender in the following season.
Pupe has played 121 matches at the professional level.
Note
It was a busy Thursday morning as Whitecaps’ fans woke up to the news of multiple player movements. Belgian defender Pupe joined from F.C.V. Dender, while German defender Sebastian Schonlau joined from Hamburger SV.
Bjørn Inge Utvik has returned to his previous club, Sarpsborg 08 FF, in Norway.
