On Thursday, Atlético Ottawa has confirmed the signing of Canadian midfielder Diego Gutiérrez through the 2026 Canadian Premier League (CPL) season, with an option for 2027.
Gutiérrez, 28, brings a wealth of Canadian Premier League experience with over 130 appearances in Canadian soccer across six seasons. Gutiérrez had spells with former CPL side Valour FC (82 appearances) and Cavalry FC (49 appearances), scoring five goals and providing four assists. He also featured 12 times in Chile’s Second Tier (Campeonato Nacional Primera B) and most recently played for Phnom Penh Crown FC in Cambodia’s First Tier.
“Diego is a great addition to the team, especially in an area of the pitch we have been targeting,” said J.D. Ulanowski, General Manager, Atlético Ottawa. “He’s an experienced professional who knows the Canadian Premier League really well as a domestic player. He knows what it takes to win games, to pick up points in difficult situations. We’re confident Diego can help us push to reach our goals for this season.”
Gutiérrez is a Canada-Chile dual national and represented Canada at the youth level, including two appearances with the Canada men’s U20 national team. Last season, Gutiérrez featured in the 2025 Canadian Premier League Final against Atlético as David Rodríguez scored the world-famous ‘Icicle Kick’.
“I felt like this was the right time to come back to Canada, and when Atlético called I knew this was a good opportunity for me,” said Gutiérrez. “Everyone in this team has the same goal, advance in the Telus Canadian Championship, make the playoffs and fight for the North Star Cup again. There’s a lot of talent here, a lot of young guys and plenty of people speaking multiple languages, including Spanish, which is my first language. I’m very excited to be here and can’t wait to get on the pitch.”
Born in Montréal, QC, the right-footed midfield player made his professional debut as an 18-year-old for Club Deportivo Palestino in Chile’s First Tier. Gutiérrez returned to Canada in 2020 and won the North Star Cup in 2024 with Cavalry, and represented the club in the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024 and 2025.
Atlético Ottawa and Norwegian forward Erling Myklebust agree to termination
Atlético Ottawa also confirmed that forward Erling Myklebust has left the club following a Mutual Termination Agreement.
Myklebust, 30, joined the club ahead of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and featured 11 times, providing one assist. Atlético thanks Myklebust for his contributions and professionalism during his time in Ottawa.