Cavalry FC announced Thursday that defender Daan Klomp has returned to the club, signing a new deal to remain in Calgary through the 2027 season.
Klomp, 27, established himself as one the top players in the CPL over 121 appearances for Cavalry in all competitions between 2021 and 2024. He earned Player of the Year and Defender of the Year accolades in Cavalry’s CPL Shield-winning season in 2023 and picked up another Defender of the Year award in 2024 on the club’s way to lifting the North Star Cup.
He remains the only player in CPL history to win the same award in back-to-back years.
Klomp rejoins Cavalry following a stint with Belgian club RAAL La Louvière to bolster the club's back line as it hunts for more silverware in 2025.
“Daan’s return is perfect for our run-in and longer term planning,” said Cavalry head coach and GM Tommy Wheeldon Jr.
“Not only is he a big presence in the locker room, but he also carries a big presence out on the pitch. He’s been a pivotal part of our successes in recent years and has shown to have been one of the league’s best players. I am delighted to have him back and I’m sure our fans will be too.”
The native of Wissenkerke, Netherlands has been a crucial figure in Cavalry's success at both ends of the pitch over the past few years. Last year, Klomp led the CPL in blocks (23) and completed the third-most passes in the league with 1,412, playing 90 minutes in all but one of the Cavs' matches as they allowed just 27 goals in 28 CPL games.
Klomp's aerial presence has also helped him contribute on the scoresheet for Cavalry, with a career-high six goals in 2025.
“I’m excited to be back home, where I’ve had a lot of success and achieved great things with my teammates,” said Klomp. “I can’t wait to wear the crest and play in front of the fans on ATCO Field again.”
Klomp will now be classified as a domestic player following the CPL’s change to its Domestic Player Designation in April 2025. Any player who has been signed to an active Standard Player Contract (SPC) with a CPL Club during any three league seasons, or any player who has resided in Canada for at least three (3) years, is now considered a domestic player.
Cavalry's next match is this Sunday, Aug. 17 against Vancouver FC, and Klomp will be available for selection.