Ottawa soccer fans, it's time to pay attention — Atlético Ottawa is making noise, and Ballou Tabla wants you to know this is just the beginning.
The Ottawa-based Canadian Premier League side turned heads recently with a victory over Toronto FC, one of Canada's most storied soccer clubs, and midfielder Ballou Tabla isn't shy about what that win means for the team's ambitions.
A Win That Means More Than Three Points
Beating TFC is never a small feat. Toronto FC has long been the marquee name in Canadian soccer, with MLS pedigree, big-budget rosters, and a passionate fanbase behind them. For Atlético Ottawa to come out on top isn't just a feel-good result — it's a statement.
Tabla, who has a notable soccer pedigree of his own having spent time in Barcelona's youth system and played at the professional level in Europe, told CBC that the victory was a reflection of how far this club has come and where it's headed.
Who Is Ballou Tabla?
For those not yet familiar, Ballou Tabla is one of the more intriguing stories in Canadian soccer. Born in Côte d'Ivoire and raised in Montreal, Tabla burst onto the scene as a teenager when FC Barcelona signed him to their B squad — a rare and remarkable achievement for a Canadian player. After stints in Europe and a stint with CF Montréal in MLS, he's now channelling that experience and ambition into the CPL with Atlético Ottawa.
His presence on the pitch brings a level of technical quality and international experience that elevates the entire squad, and his leadership off the ball appears to be just as valuable.
Making History in the Nation's Capital
Atlético Ottawa has been working to build a genuine soccer culture in the capital since joining the Canadian Premier League, and results like this one against TFC help cement the club's credibility. Tabla made clear that the team isn't content to simply participate — they want to win, and they want to do something this city will remember.
For Ottawa fans who have long lived in the shadow of Toronto's sports dominance, there's something deeply satisfying about watching an Ottawa club go toe-to-toe with TFC and come out on top.
Why This Season Feels Different
The CPL has grown steadily since its 2019 launch, and Atlético Ottawa — backed by the global Atlético de Madrid brand — has the resources and now, it seems, the talent to seriously contend. With players like Tabla bringing elite pedigree to TD Place, the question is no longer whether Ottawa can compete. It's whether they can go all the way.
If Tabla has anything to say about it, the answer is yes.
Keep an eye on Atlético Ottawa this season. The capital's soccer club might just be writing the first chapters of something historic.
Source: CBC Ottawa via Google News
