The account also quotes Altidore saying: “Hoje temos muitos jogadores incríveis chegando à MLS. Mas acho que poucos vão cativar uma cidade e fazer uma torcida acreditar como ele fez”.
That was Giovinco’s defining quality. His move from Juventus to Toronto was a major statement for MLS, but his impact went beyond reputation. The Italian’s close control, creativity and personality made him a natural connection point between the team and its supporters.
He did not simply arrive as a designated star. He became the face of a footballing project and helped change expectations around what an elite European player could mean to an MLS club.
Toronto’s rise was never only about one player. Michael Bradley provided authority and control in midfield, while Altidore offered power and presence in attack. Around them, the wider squad supplied the depth and resilience required to compete for major honours.
Altidore and Giovinco reportedly joined Toronto in 2015, during a period of rebuilding. That core then helped the club reach consecutive MLS Cup finals, winning one, while also competing successfully for Canadian silverware.
The stars created the headlines, but the team’s success gave those headlines meaning.
Giovinco has also been careful to share the credit. “Não era só sobre mim, era sobre todos. Quando você junta todo mundo, foi isso que criou a diferença”, the Italian said.
That humility is part of the legacy. Giovinco’s Toronto spell appears to have left an impression because supporters did not see only a spectacular player; they saw someone who embraced the city.
The next generation of MLS signings will be judged against that standard. Toronto’s next big era will need more than talent - it will need another player capable of making an entire fanbase believe.