At the professional level, his remarkable career took him to France, Germany, Spain, USA, Greece and of course his native Canada, where he fittingly concluded his career. He was most notably the first Canadian to star in Spain's La Liga, starring as a midfielder for Deportivo La Coruña. It was during that stint that de Guzman won Canadian Player of the Year honors (2008) for his play at both the club and international levels. That same year he was also named Player of the Year for Deportivo La Coruña.

In his first foray playing in Canada, de Guzman became the first–ever Designated Player in MLS history and helped Toronto FC come within a win of reaching the 2009 MLS Cup Playoffs. He then helped the club win three consecutive Canadian Championships from 2010 to 2012.

The midfielder from Scarborough concluded his professional career in Ottawa where he helped Fury FC claim the Fall Season Championship in 2015 and was named the second captain in club history for the 2016 season.

The Fury FC and Canada's Men's National Team captain won't be leaving the game however, as de Guzman and the club announced that one of Canada's pioneers of the sport will remain with the club serving as Assistant Coach and Assistant GM.

"In my opinion, he is the greatest Canadian player ever," said Fury FC GM and Head Coach Paul Dalglish. "To achieve what he achieved, on the international stage and in La Liga, one of the best leagues in the world, is truly incredible. And for us to have the greatest Canadian player joining our staff and being a source of knowledge to players that are trying to follow his footsteps is extremely valuable. We're very lucky."

The decision to step behind Ottawa's bench and assist Dalglish instead of pushing for one more year came after a long reflection for de Guzman.

"I've been thinking about retiring since I finished my time in MLS,” said de Guzman. “That's the first time it really hit me, but I wasn't convinced and felt like I could play longer.

"But now, I feel like it's the right time. I feel like I can bring much more off the pitch than on the pitch. I want to continue to help grow and improve the game in Canada. I feel very grateful for the opportunity Fury FC is giving me."

Fury FC will honor de Guzman and his career at a game this season. Further details will be unveiled at a later date.