- Nationality
Canada- Most Recent Club
- FC Nantes
- Former Clubs
- Dijon FCO, AS Saint-Étienne
- National Team Appearances
- Canada's 2025 Sr. Women's National team
- Post-Secondary Teams
- MacEwan University Griffins
- Birthplace
- Sherwood Park, Alberta
Emily Burns was born in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Growing up in the Edmonton area, she honed her skills through local clubs before emerging as a standout goalkeeper for MacEwan University Griffins in USPORTS. Between 2015 and 2019, Emily anchored the Griffins’ back line, earning Canada West all-star honors and a reputation for sharp reflexes and leadership.
During 2017 and 2018, she sharpened her craft in the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) league with Calgary Foothills WFC, where reports praised her for “another clean sheet… one goal in 450 minutes,” underscoring her consistency. In 2021 she suited up for St. Albert Impact, helping the Alberta side notch its first UWS win. That same year, she seized a European opportunity, signing with AS Saint-Étienne in France’s Arkema D1. Facing world-class opponents, Emily impressed, including a standout performance versus Olympique Lyonnais that caught the attention of rival clubs.
In 2022, Dijon FCO secured her signature. Local press described her “remarkable display against Lyon” as a key reason for the move. After a season in Burgundy, Emily joined FC Nantes Féminines in 2023, stepping initially into D2 Féminine. Her impact was immediate: she was named D2 Féminine Goalkeeper of the Year for 2023–24, earning promotion with Nantes to France’s Arkema D1 and solidifying her place among the country’s elite shot-stoppers. Nantes fan media has celebrated her acrobatic saves; one viral clip captioned “La vue de derrière le but d’Emily Burns face au Paris FC” (“the view behind the goal of Emily Burns vs Paris FC”) showcased her agility and positioning.
Emily has also represented Canada in the university arena, selected for Team Canada’s futsal squad at the 2018 FISU World University Championships. Though not a CSA outdoor national-team member, this experience reflected her versatility and competitive drive. In October of 2025, she was called up to play for Canada Soccer’s Senior Women’s National Team.
Now an established presence in France’s top flight, Emily continues to inspire younger Canadian keepers. Her journey from Sherwood Park community pitches to USPORTS success, to Foothills and UWS clean-sheet streaks, and to pro soccer and national teams proves that dedication and bold decisions can open doors on the world stage.