GISOO
WHAT’S IT TO YA?
July 28, 2026
Gisoo Kim is the co-owner of Sushi Bar Kim, one of Montreal’s best-known and cherished neighborhood restaurants; a journalist for DARBY Magazine and The Northern Pitch Newsletter; and a true football pilgrim. A beloved figure in the Canadian football scene, his love for the game goes far beyond the final whistle. He’s drawn to football’s unconventional stories, the people behind the performances, and the moments that rarely make the highlight reels. A stylish player in his own right, Gisoo can recall virtually every defining moment in Montreal football history. Simply put: he’s a baller who knows ball.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Before we jump into Montreal/Quebec’s football scene, what’s been the pivotal football moment that’s shaped you into the person you are today?
In 2002, Korea and Japan were the first Asian nations to host the World Cup. As a Korean, this was a huge deal for me. It was the first time I watched other Koreans perform at the highest level on an international stage.
At that time, there were perhaps fewer than a 1000 Koreans in Montreal, and we were seen as an obscure community. This was a moment where, as Koreans, we felt seen. For my parents, especially my dad, this was a moment of national pride. It was the first time I watched my dad jump for joy and express himself in a way I’ve never seen. I was 10 years old, all I knew was that I wanted to make him celebrate that same way through football. He passed away in 2011, but I know he cherished the fact that I fell in love with football. Korea made it to the semi-finals, and ever since then, I realized that Korea was a legitimate footballing nation.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Before we jump into Montreal/Quebec’s football scene, what’s been the pivotal football moment that’s shaped you into the person you are today?
In 2002, Korea and Japan were the first Asian nations to host the World Cup. As a Korean, this was a huge deal for me. It was the first time I watched other Koreans perform at the highest level on an international stage.
At that time, there were perhaps fewer than a 1000 Koreans in Montreal, and we were seen as an obscure community. This was a moment where, as Koreans, we felt seen. For my parents, especially my dad, this was a moment of national pride. It was the first time I watched my dad jump for joy and express himself in a way I’ve never seen. I was 10 years old, all I knew was that I wanted to make him celebrate that same way through football. He passed away in 2011, but I know he cherished the fact that I fell in love with football. Korea made it to the semi-finals, and ever since then, I realized that Korea was a legitimate footballing nation.
You studied religion and culture at Concordia University. How has that shaped your perception of football culture?
Comparing sports to religion is a cliché, but there are a lot of similarities. A single religion can look the same in two different countries, but in practice there will be variations that adapt to local cultures. They are often nuanced. In the study of religion, that is called syncretism. For football, it’s the same. How the game is played in Argentina is not the same in neighbouring Brazil. Even the supporters’ culture will vary. You’d find drums being used among French clubs, but in England it’ll be with minimal, if not, no instruments. At the end of the day, it is all the same game but expressed differently. I find that fascinating the same way religions fascinate me.
Who is The Soccer Pilgrim, and how was he created?
I suppose I’m the pilgrim, but really it is anyone who is devoted to travelling to places and meeting people that is related to their passion. I came up with Soccer Pilgrim initially as a podcast during COVID. If I couldn’t physically visit places, let me visit ideas and people via the podcast. I became interested in stories and people’s personal journeys with football. It became much more than going to visit iconic stadiums and historic DARBY matches, but exploring stories that make football special.
Why is Quebec so important to Canadian football from a grassroots and national level?
Players from Quebec make up about a third or a quarter of both the CanMNT and CanWNT. There are so many Québécois talents that are playing in the CPL, NSL and in the MLS. We have produced a lot of talent that have not taken the typical path towards professionalism. Moise Bombito is the prime example, and L1 Quebec clubs like CS Saint-Laurent is another example of showcasing local talents that are not pro. Saint-Laurent always has a strong performance at the CanChamps and displays what Quebecois football has to offer. Now with clubs like FC Supra du Quebec and Roses de Montreal, players now have a clear path to professionalism within Quebec.
Comparing sports to religion is a cliché, but there are a lot of similarities. A single religion can look the same in two different countries, but in practice there will be variations that adapt to local cultures. They are often nuanced. In the study of religion, that is called syncretism. For football, it’s the same. How the game is played in Argentina is not the same in neighbouring Brazil. Even the supporters’ culture will vary. You’d find drums being used among French clubs, but in England it’ll be with minimal, if not, no instruments. At the end of the day, it is all the same game but expressed differently. I find that fascinating the same way religions fascinate me.
Who is The Soccer Pilgrim, and how was he created?
I suppose I’m the pilgrim, but really it is anyone who is devoted to travelling to places and meeting people that is related to their passion. I came up with Soccer Pilgrim initially as a podcast during COVID. If I couldn’t physically visit places, let me visit ideas and people via the podcast. I became interested in stories and people’s personal journeys with football. It became much more than going to visit iconic stadiums and historic DARBY matches, but exploring stories that make football special.
Why is Quebec so important to Canadian football from a grassroots and national level?
Players from Quebec make up about a third or a quarter of both the CanMNT and CanWNT. There are so many Québécois talents that are playing in the CPL, NSL and in the MLS. We have produced a lot of talent that have not taken the typical path towards professionalism. Moise Bombito is the prime example, and L1 Quebec clubs like CS Saint-Laurent is another example of showcasing local talents that are not pro. Saint-Laurent always has a strong performance at the CanChamps and displays what Quebecois football has to offer. Now with clubs like FC Supra du Quebec and Roses de Montreal, players now have a clear path to professionalism within Quebec.
How do you compare the football scene in Quebec/Montreal to the rest of Canada?
There’s a different expectation on how people like to play in Montreal. There’s an appreciation for one's technical ability on the ball. The majority of Quebecois players spend half the year playing futsal during the winter, 11-aside in the summers and 7-aside all year round. As a result, well rounded players emerge from this province. Moreover, playing pick-up soccer throughout Montreal in various parks is very accessible. The memories of my youth were playing pick-up soccer in various boroughs and neighbourhoods such as Verdun, Côte-des-Neiges, le Plateau and Quartier Sainte-Marie. Also, recreational leagues are often affordable and can last 3-4 months. There’s a lot of football being played in Montreal and most players are informed on how the game is played in France, Italy and Spain.
In BC, it feels like there’s a greater focus on 11-aside over any other style. Club football feels very refined, structured and disciplined in BC. In Ontario, it feels like it is greatly influenced from the British style of play. There’s a lot of physicality, grit and hard-work. But now it’s interesting because each immigrant group is adding their own spices into the soup. It’s ever-evolving.
I could be wrong, and I’d like to one day further explore the nuances of how the game is played from province to province. If I can, to both play and watch on each province’s philosophy and approach to the game. One day, I’d like to properly explain each style of Canadian football from province to province. Either as a TV show or as a book.
What made you fall in love with the Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal)? What moments best capture your experience as a lifelong supporter?
I started supporting the Impact when I realized that, despite my love for Liverpool, I do not have any cultural connection with that club. I see how scousers cherish and have a profound love for Liverpool, and I wanted the same. My support for the Montreal Impact is really an expression of my love for the city and the game. That club represents that for me.
As for the top three moments, the 2015 Concacaf Champions League final against Club America at the Stade Olympique was an incredible moment. We were the first Canadian club to have made it that far in the competition.
This is not a single moment, but the Didier Drogba and Ignacio Piatti era was riveting to watch. That was magic. Especially Piatti, he’s one of my favourite players of all time.
The Wilfried Nancy era was something I’ll never forget. Nancy played a style of football that was exciting and fielded a lot of Canadian talents that now currently feature or have featured for the CanMNT. Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman, Samuel Piette, Ismaël Koné, Mathieu Choinière and James Pantemis, to name a few. That was an incredible team. A real lightning-in-a-bottle moment.
There’s a different expectation on how people like to play in Montreal. There’s an appreciation for one's technical ability on the ball. The majority of Quebecois players spend half the year playing futsal during the winter, 11-aside in the summers and 7-aside all year round. As a result, well rounded players emerge from this province. Moreover, playing pick-up soccer throughout Montreal in various parks is very accessible. The memories of my youth were playing pick-up soccer in various boroughs and neighbourhoods such as Verdun, Côte-des-Neiges, le Plateau and Quartier Sainte-Marie. Also, recreational leagues are often affordable and can last 3-4 months. There’s a lot of football being played in Montreal and most players are informed on how the game is played in France, Italy and Spain.
In BC, it feels like there’s a greater focus on 11-aside over any other style. Club football feels very refined, structured and disciplined in BC. In Ontario, it feels like it is greatly influenced from the British style of play. There’s a lot of physicality, grit and hard-work. But now it’s interesting because each immigrant group is adding their own spices into the soup. It’s ever-evolving.
I could be wrong, and I’d like to one day further explore the nuances of how the game is played from province to province. If I can, to both play and watch on each province’s philosophy and approach to the game. One day, I’d like to properly explain each style of Canadian football from province to province. Either as a TV show or as a book.
What made you fall in love with the Montreal Impact (now CF Montréal)? What moments best capture your experience as a lifelong supporter?
I started supporting the Impact when I realized that, despite my love for Liverpool, I do not have any cultural connection with that club. I see how scousers cherish and have a profound love for Liverpool, and I wanted the same. My support for the Montreal Impact is really an expression of my love for the city and the game. That club represents that for me.
As for the top three moments, the 2015 Concacaf Champions League final against Club America at the Stade Olympique was an incredible moment. We were the first Canadian club to have made it that far in the competition.
This is not a single moment, but the Didier Drogba and Ignacio Piatti era was riveting to watch. That was magic. Especially Piatti, he’s one of my favourite players of all time.
The Wilfried Nancy era was something I’ll never forget. Nancy played a style of football that was exciting and fielded a lot of Canadian talents that now currently feature or have featured for the CanMNT. Alistair Johnston, Kamal Miller, Joel Waterman, Samuel Piette, Ismaël Koné, Mathieu Choinière and James Pantemis, to name a few. That was an incredible team. A real lightning-in-a-bottle moment.
Is CF Montréal’s current situation unique, or does it reflect a larger challenge facing Canadian teams in MLS?
CF Montreal’s issue is oddly the same problem as Toronto FC’s: being stuck in their ways. The former doesn’t spend enough on talent and the other spends too much. However, it looks like both clubs are adapting and changing their recruitment method. Montreal seems to be a little more savvy in their transfers and tries to find a middle ground between talent and value. So far, on paper, this is a good squad, but there are two things I’d like to see: a charismatic, big-name player that can change a game on a dime. Someone like Drogba and Pitatti. Also, a local lad that the supporters can rally behind. Mathieu Choiniere and Nathan Saliba were those guys for us.
However, the club is clearly focused on producing and selling talent for profit. If this is the sole focus, I’m afraid the odds of winning MLS will continue to diminish. Selling is easy but winning is hard. Anyone who loves sports, understands that winning is everything. At the end of the day, I’m an optimist, I think things could be headed in the right direction, but we shall see.
Another problem: rumours of the Saputos wanting to sell the franchise never seem to dissipate. This makes everyone uncomfortable, and that needs to be effectively addressed through action. When I mean action, I mean winning games and keeping coaches longer than two seasons. Also making marquee signings to show intent and that the ownership is still interested in investing into the club’s future.
Post World Cup, where do you see the national programs going for both the men’s and women’s teams?
Only up. There’s too much momentum and attention towards both teams. With more money coming into grassroots, Premier League Canada, CPL and NSL, we will see an increase in talented players coming through the ranks. Above all, the footballing standard will increase, and new players will meet those criteria. We have to be diligent and keep this going.
CF Montreal’s issue is oddly the same problem as Toronto FC’s: being stuck in their ways. The former doesn’t spend enough on talent and the other spends too much. However, it looks like both clubs are adapting and changing their recruitment method. Montreal seems to be a little more savvy in their transfers and tries to find a middle ground between talent and value. So far, on paper, this is a good squad, but there are two things I’d like to see: a charismatic, big-name player that can change a game on a dime. Someone like Drogba and Pitatti. Also, a local lad that the supporters can rally behind. Mathieu Choiniere and Nathan Saliba were those guys for us.
However, the club is clearly focused on producing and selling talent for profit. If this is the sole focus, I’m afraid the odds of winning MLS will continue to diminish. Selling is easy but winning is hard. Anyone who loves sports, understands that winning is everything. At the end of the day, I’m an optimist, I think things could be headed in the right direction, but we shall see.
Another problem: rumours of the Saputos wanting to sell the franchise never seem to dissipate. This makes everyone uncomfortable, and that needs to be effectively addressed through action. When I mean action, I mean winning games and keeping coaches longer than two seasons. Also making marquee signings to show intent and that the ownership is still interested in investing into the club’s future.
Post World Cup, where do you see the national programs going for both the men’s and women’s teams?
Only up. There’s too much momentum and attention towards both teams. With more money coming into grassroots, Premier League Canada, CPL and NSL, we will see an increase in talented players coming through the ranks. Above all, the footballing standard will increase, and new players will meet those criteria. We have to be diligent and keep this going.
What do you think is the biggest gap in Canadian football culture today?
Before the World Cup, I would’ve said investment. Now, I would say time and patience. We have to treat Canadian football culture as a garden. It takes time. Let it grow and flourish and find its own voice. Don’t give up on it, think long-term, and I believe every generation will add something special to the culture. Also, give greater voice to those within the culture. This is why DARBY Magazine is important. We need to be that voice. Others have also contributed. I love what Panenka Football, Box2Box, Rabona TV, and On S’en Foot are doing on YouTube and Social media. They’re all Canadian creators, based in Montreal, who have a deep love for the game. They are also the voice of the community.
Of all the matches you’ve attended, which one stands above the rest—and why?
That’s a tough one. To this date, CS Saint-Laurent vs Toronto FC at Claude Robillard will forever be my favourite footballing experience. There was something pure that night. It felt like a genuine cultural movement where everyone who attended cared about both CS Saint-Laurent and the Montreal footballing community. Those boys represented us that day, and we felt seen across Canada.
If you want a big European game, I watched Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen during Oktoberfest (I hope you understand what that entails), Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo in Zidane’s first game back as manager in 2019. Canada vs Bosnia at Toronto for the 2026 World Cup was special, especially earning our first point at the WC was incredible.
This one is a little out of the ordinary. In 2013, I was in Chad with a mission group from my church, and we participated in a local tournament in a small rural village. Hundreds of people came to watch, mainly to watch three Korean dudes play with them. Some wore cleats, others were barefoot. The pitch was mostly dirt but the football was incredible.
Before the World Cup, I would’ve said investment. Now, I would say time and patience. We have to treat Canadian football culture as a garden. It takes time. Let it grow and flourish and find its own voice. Don’t give up on it, think long-term, and I believe every generation will add something special to the culture. Also, give greater voice to those within the culture. This is why DARBY Magazine is important. We need to be that voice. Others have also contributed. I love what Panenka Football, Box2Box, Rabona TV, and On S’en Foot are doing on YouTube and Social media. They’re all Canadian creators, based in Montreal, who have a deep love for the game. They are also the voice of the community.
Of all the matches you’ve attended, which one stands above the rest—and why?
That’s a tough one. To this date, CS Saint-Laurent vs Toronto FC at Claude Robillard will forever be my favourite footballing experience. There was something pure that night. It felt like a genuine cultural movement where everyone who attended cared about both CS Saint-Laurent and the Montreal footballing community. Those boys represented us that day, and we felt seen across Canada.
If you want a big European game, I watched Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen during Oktoberfest (I hope you understand what that entails), Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo in Zidane’s first game back as manager in 2019. Canada vs Bosnia at Toronto for the 2026 World Cup was special, especially earning our first point at the WC was incredible.
This one is a little out of the ordinary. In 2013, I was in Chad with a mission group from my church, and we participated in a local tournament in a small rural village. Hundreds of people came to watch, mainly to watch three Korean dudes play with them. Some wore cleats, others were barefoot. The pitch was mostly dirt but the football was incredible.
Photos & Interview: Ararsa Kitaba
