Theo Bair:
DIALLED IN
Interview: Tagwa Moyo
Photos: Danny Astefan
If I had to describe Theo Bair’s mindset heading into one of the biggest years of his career so far, it’s dialled in.
Like many Canadian ballers, he’s made countless sacrifices to get to where he is today; he moved from Ottawa to Vancouver to join the Whitecaps as a teenager before even larger moves to ply his craft, Scotland, France and now Switzerland. Each relocation has brought new challenges to overcome but every trial has taught the lesson that have shaped him into the player he is today.
As we stand midway through the 2025-26 season with Lausanne-Sport, Bair has carved out his place in the teams starting XI week in week out with ten goals accross all competion. On the national team front, he’s proven to be yet another indispensable option in Jesse Marsch’s already deep toolbox. If our interview is anything to stand by Bair is doing everything to build on this momentum.
DARBY: We’re about halfway through what’s been a successful and positive season for you. What was your mindset going into this season?
Theo Bair: My mindset going into this season was simple and clear: score goals and play as much as possible. I know I’m capable, and my goals are big but very attainable. I worked very hard last off season to prepare.
We’re seeing more and more Canadians taking the leap overseas and excelling. What advice would you give to younger ballers who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
TB: My advice for any young ballers aspiring to play overseas is to trust yourself mentally first. Most of the hardships of football are encountered because of self esteem. If you believe in yourself and work hard toward progression, you can really make it far.
Like many Canadian ballers, he’s made countless sacrifices to get to where he is today; he moved from Ottawa to Vancouver to join the Whitecaps as a teenager before even larger moves to ply his craft, Scotland, France and now Switzerland. Each relocation has brought new challenges to overcome but every trial has taught the lesson that have shaped him into the player he is today.
As we stand midway through the 2025-26 season with Lausanne-Sport, Bair has carved out his place in the teams starting XI week in week out with ten goals accross all competion. On the national team front, he’s proven to be yet another indispensable option in Jesse Marsch’s already deep toolbox. If our interview is anything to stand by Bair is doing everything to build on this momentum.
DARBY: We’re about halfway through what’s been a successful and positive season for you. What was your mindset going into this season?
Theo Bair: My mindset going into this season was simple and clear: score goals and play as much as possible. I know I’m capable, and my goals are big but very attainable. I worked very hard last off season to prepare.
We’re seeing more and more Canadians taking the leap overseas and excelling. What advice would you give to younger ballers who are looking to follow in your footsteps?
TB: My advice for any young ballers aspiring to play overseas is to trust yourself mentally first. Most of the hardships of football are encountered because of self esteem. If you believe in yourself and work hard toward progression, you can really make it far.
“My mindset going into this season was simple and clear: score goals and play as much as possible.”
You’re clearly into fashion. Is this something you’ve always enjoyed, or is it a more recent interest?
TB: Yea fashion has always been part of my life. I’m not obsessed, but I do appreciate a good fit. I try and incorporate new things, just like football. It’s a good way to get away sometimes, somewhat of a hobby.
Aside from fashion, what else do you enjoy doing away from the pitch?
TB: I also am really into parfumerie. Ever since I’ve lived in France, I really started to learn more and more about it and appreciate really sophisticated scents.
Do you think it’s important for footballers to have interests and passions outside of football?
TB: I thinks it’s extremely important to have some kind of hobby away from football. Like I said, most of the battles fought in football are mental, so if you can find something to ease that constant pressure, it helps a lot. I always say football is a 24/7 sport. You can’t really turn it off, but you can definitely find something to take your mind off it.
TB: Yea fashion has always been part of my life. I’m not obsessed, but I do appreciate a good fit. I try and incorporate new things, just like football. It’s a good way to get away sometimes, somewhat of a hobby.
Aside from fashion, what else do you enjoy doing away from the pitch?
TB: I also am really into parfumerie. Ever since I’ve lived in France, I really started to learn more and more about it and appreciate really sophisticated scents.
Do you think it’s important for footballers to have interests and passions outside of football?
TB: I thinks it’s extremely important to have some kind of hobby away from football. Like I said, most of the battles fought in football are mental, so if you can find something to ease that constant pressure, it helps a lot. I always say football is a 24/7 sport. You can’t really turn it off, but you can definitely find something to take your mind off it.
“Most of the battles fought in football are mental, so if you can find something to ease that constant pressure, it helps a lot.”
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned about yourself this season, either as a footballer or as a person?
TB: This season, the biggest thing I’ve learnt about myself is that I need to trust my instincts. I think outside noise and social media can disrupt your perception of yourself. Everyone’s journey is different, so trusting my path was really something I had to embrace.
Wrapping things up, we’re about six months away from the World Cup coming to Canada. What would it mean to you to represent Canada next June?
TB: It would mean everything to me to be at that World Cup. Like a lot of my peers, I’ve been away from family since 15, all over Europe alone. Living the dream for sure, but at the cost of many missed weddings and birthdays. Being able to play in front of my family, in my country, with all my brothers would be a dream come true, and would make every sacrifice worthwhile.
TB: This season, the biggest thing I’ve learnt about myself is that I need to trust my instincts. I think outside noise and social media can disrupt your perception of yourself. Everyone’s journey is different, so trusting my path was really something I had to embrace.
Wrapping things up, we’re about six months away from the World Cup coming to Canada. What would it mean to you to represent Canada next June?
TB: It would mean everything to me to be at that World Cup. Like a lot of my peers, I’ve been away from family since 15, all over Europe alone. Living the dream for sure, but at the cost of many missed weddings and birthdays. Being able to play in front of my family, in my country, with all my brothers would be a dream come true, and would make every sacrifice worthwhile.
“Everyone’s journey is different, so trusting my path was really something I had to embrace.”
