Joel Waterman

In 2014, he began attending Trinity Western University, where he played for the men's soccer team, committing to them when he was in Grade 11. Ahead of his fifth season, he was named the team captain, and helped them win a Canada West silver medal and finished fourth at the National Championship. He was also named a Canada West First Team All Star that season.

Early career

In 2016, Waterman played in the US-based Premier Development League side Kitsap Pumas and made eleven league appearances, while also appearing in two US Open Cup matches. In 2017, Waterman played with Vancouver-based TSS FC Rovers in the PDL, where he made eleven appearances. In 2018, Waterman played for Calgary Foothills in the PDL, making fourteen league appearances and another three in the playoffs as Foothills won the PDL Championship.

Cavalry FC

At the 2018 CPL–U Sports Draft, Waterman was drafted in the second round by Cavalry FC on November 13, 2018. Initially, he had not planned on declaring for the draft, instead looking at potentially going to Europe or the United States, however, two days before the registration deadline, he decided to register. He officially signed with Cavalry on February 6, 2019. Waterman made his professional debut for Cavalry in their inaugural game against York9 FC on May 4. He scored his first goal for Cavalry on October 5 against HFX Wanderers FC. He helped Cavalry win the Spring and Fall championships and helped them reach the CPL finals, where they finished second, where he was unable to play in the second leg after being sent off in the first leg for a hand ball. In December 2019, Cavalry announced Waterman would return to the club for the 2020 season.

CF Montréal

On January 14, 2020, Waterman transferred to Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact. With this transfer, Waterman made history as…

He was called up to the Canadian senior national team for the first time for a national team camp in January 2021. He earned several more call-ups to the squad during 2021 and 2022. On November 11, 2022, he made his debut for Canada in a friendly against Bahrain. On November 13, Waterman was named to Canada's squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In June 2024, Waterman was named to Canada's squad for the 2024 Copa América, as an injury replacement for Junior Hoilett. In July 2025, he was called up to Canada's team for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. In May 2026, Waterman was named to Canada's 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Waterman began playing soccer at age five with Aldergrove Youth SC. At age 12, he joined Langley United. Afterwards, he played with Surrey United SC. When he was 13, he made the British Columbia provincial team. In 2013, he represented British Columbia at the 2013 Canada Summer Games and also had a brief trial with the Vancouver Whitecaps Academy, but did not make the squad.