Stars from Orlando City SC on connecting with the fans, embracing the community and more.

With the World Cup being hosted in the United States this summer, the interest in soccer is skyrocketing as fans across the country prepare for the international tournament. Of course, the sport is always top of mind here in Orlando thanks to the two professional teams in town who have become an integral part of the local community over the years. 

We had the chance to speak with some of the stars of Orlando City SC as they embark on what hopes to be an exciting season ahead. Read on to learn more about these players both on and off the field, from what inspired their love of the game to their favorite things about the Orlando area. 

Robin Jansson, Defender

This Swedish native first joined the Lions back in 2019 and holds the unique distinction of being Orlando City’s all-time appearance leader, playing in 238 matches heading into this season. Some of his other career highlights include winning the Swedish Championship with AIK Solna in 2018 and the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup with Orlando City. When looking back on what inspired his love for the game, he is quick to cite his father. “I grew up on a soccer field when he was playing. I was always around the locker room during games and training, so that’s how it happened,” Jansson says. 

A strong connection…

For me, the connection with the fans, since day one, has been amazing. They’ve always treated me with respect and supported me. They’ve cheered for me and the team in good times and bad, and I think that’s important. Even when we go through hard times, they’re still here. They’ve shown that through the years and they’ve always supported us and lifted us up.

A locked-in approach…

On game day, I wake up early and have a solid breakfast and start preparing with water, then have lunch about five hours before the game. I don’t try to do anything different depending on the game, I try to treat them all the same.

Advice for the next generation…

I would tell them, since I’ve been in that position myself, to never give up. Do everything you can to prepare in the best ways and give yourself the possibility of the best outcome. Be ready for when the time comes because you never know who is watching.

Career aspirations…

The short-term goal is to try and win the MLS Cup. I want to win something with Orlando. The long-term goal is too far away for me. The most important thing is that I stay healthy and have the motivation to keep going so I don’t lose the fire, because if I start to lose the fire I think it’s time to step away.

Colin Guske, Midfielder

Guske is a Florida native who came up through Orlando City’s academy program, signing a first-team contract in December 2024, the same year in which he was selected as an MLS NEXT All-Star. The homegrown player made his debut with the first team on April 5, 2025 after scoring one goal and adding three assists through 43 appearances with Orlando City B in the MLS Next Pro league. Since entering the MLS, Guske appreciates the camaraderie he enjoys with his teammates. “Just being around the guys; all of them are very welcoming and demanding. They want what’s best for you each and every day,” he says. 

Inspiring words for tomorrow’s soccer stars…

Keep going. You’ll get told both good and bad things, but stay levelheaded and always put in the work, both when people are watching and when they’re not, to get to that next level.

Pre-game rituals…

I have a lot of superstitions, but I like journaling and reading my journal, talking to my family before getting ready and praying to the Lord.

Finding time to unwind…

I just hang out by the pool, chill and think about life and what I can do better in soccer and off the field. … [I also like] Winter Park. It’s a great area and not many people outside of here know about it.

Setting goals…

Short-term is to give my best for this club and city to bring trophies and positive results. Long-term is to win the UEFA Champions League and FIFA World Cups.

If he wasn’t playing professional soccer…

I think I could have been like Amon-Ra St. Brown, the wide receiver [for the Detroit Lions].

Tyrese Spicer, Forward

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Spicer was chosen by Toronto FC with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. It’s been a long journey for Spicer, who recalls his father as one of his earliest influences that started his love affair with soccer. “I came from nothing in Trinidad and came here to do something, and I want to inspire kids to go after their dreams. You can accomplish anything. … Once you put your mind to it, you can achieve it.”

The best part about the Orlando community…

I think just being able to meet new cultures. For me, the Hispanic cultures have been really nice to learn more about. I was never really into tacos or different Hispanic cuisines, but now being able to experience them and taste them, I really enjoy that.

Favorite sport besides soccer…

Track and field, easy. I was a track athlete in Trinidad. I used to do long jump, javelin, hurdles, 100 and 200 meters. That was who I was as a track athlete.

The best thing about his teammates…

I would say everyone is a family, accepts new players and treats them like they’ve been here for years. That’s my favorite thing because it makes me comfortable, helps me focus more and makes me want to do as much as I can for the team. 

Feeling the love…

The fans are amazing here. I appreciate how they come to every game and support [us]. They are diehard fans, no matter if we win, draw or lose. They’re there, they’re passionate and they always want us to win. It puts pressure on us to go out there and give our all, and we need that from the fans.

Hopes for the future…

I want to go to Europe, that’s my dream. I would also love to play in the FIFA World Cup in the next four years.

Zakaria Taifi, Defender

Born and raised in Orlando, Taifi first became entrenched with Orlando City when he joined the club’s academy at the U9 level. Having grown up sitting in the stands rooting for the team to now being one of the players fans are watching is a special feeling for him. “Going from a fan to a player in our stadium is just different for me. I feel that it’s very rewarding because I was sitting in those seats where they are now. And now being down on the pitch instead of up there is a full-circle moment.”

An underrated aspect of living in Orlando…

I think it’s that you’re around everything. You have Downtown, I-Drive, Winter Park, Disney Springs; you have so many different things right there.

His father’s influence…

He was the one who taught me everything. I remember spending hours with him when I was 5 or 6. I was with him all the time at this field by my house, and with him growing up in Morocco, he brought a different aspect with his attitude and he brought that to me.

A little-known fact…

My great-great-grandfather in Germany invented the Stahl elevator.

Inspiring the next generation…

Always give 100%, no matter where you’re playing or what you’re doing. Because if you never give up, you’ll always have a chance and that’s how I kept my thought process growing up.

Chasing dreams…

My short-term goal is to establish myself here as a main guy. Long-term, I want to achieve all those big dreams I had when I was a kid, [to play in] the UEFA Champions League and the FIFA World Cup.