Alphonso Davies meets fans, creates Phonzy Burger to raise money for Edmonton children’s hospital

Fans of Alphonso Davies in Edmonton can get their hands on a burger created by the international soccer star himself.

On Saturday fans lined up in front of Burger Daddy in northeast Edmonton for a chance to meet the Bayern Munich defender and Canadian soccer international – and get a taste of his namesake burger.

Fans showed up wearing jerseys from club and country for a chance to get their merchandise signed – and even share a few words with the Edmonton-raised soccer hero himself.

“I love Alphonso because he’s very fast, and he’s amazing,” said one young fan waiting in line. “He’s very good at dribbling and defending.”

A young girl who plays soccer in the same school league as Davies once did said he gives her hope.

“I’ve been playing soccer my entire life, I love the game and Alphonso Davies has inspired me to go places even though I’m from Edmonton,” she said.

And another young fan had his whole meet-and-greet session planned out. “When I meet him, I’m going to make him sign my ball, shake hands with him, take a selfie and a video.”

Davies said he appreciated fans coming out to the restaurant to meet him.

“I was once in their shoes playing in Edmonton and being a kid myself, so I’m happy that they could come out here and spend the day with me,” said a smiling Davies.

Proceeds benefit Stollery Children’s Hospital

The former MLS star played three seasons with the Vancouver Whitecaps from 2016 to 2018 before moving to Germany’s top league.

Taking a bit of time off from the game, he helped create the Phonzy Burger – double patties, cheese, onions, lettuce, mayo and ketchup on burger buns.

Half the proceeds from the Phonzy Burger sales starting Saturday go toward the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

It’s a cause the soccer player says is close to his heart.

“I’m able to help so I try to do it in a way that I know how to,” said Davies. “Just trying to help as many families and kids as possible.”

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Davies also donated $2,000 to the Stollery, and wants to raise more beyond Saturday’s event.

That’s something the Stollery is pleased about.

“As Edmontonians see someone who was raised in Edmonton and is now on the international stage, really rally around a local charity and supporting his community, that will just encourage Edmontonians to hopefully do the same,” said Melinda Elgot, the community initiatives coordinator at the Stollery.

Davies’ fans also expressed their glee at seeing the star in person and getting their merch signed.

“Really special,” said a young fan. “It’s definitely more rare now because he’s probably going to get even more famous, and it’s probably going to be worth even more.”

His father, who got a jersey signed, was also glad to be there.

“It’s nice that we have the opportunity to call someone from Edmonton a soccer hero, someone with a lot of success,” he said.

All Saturday afternoon fans happily munched on the Phonzy Burger outside the restaurant, with one fan remarking: “Burgers are good, Alphonso is good.”