TORONTO

He’s the greatest athlete to never win a Lou Marsh Trophy.

Perhaps he has never even been nominated for the honour bestowed annually on Canada’s top athlete.

It’s hardly surprising. Most Canadians wouldn’t recognize midfielder Atiba Hutchinson from your Average Joe.

Christine Sinclair might be the only Canadian soccer player they know.

“At times, it’s kind of strange,” Hutchinson told the Toronto Sun ahead of Canada’s international friendly against Jamaica on Saturday night at BMO Field.

“I’m a national team player, playing in (UEFA) Champions League, playing to win championships,” he continued. “It’s so strange. I come back (to Canada) with my family. My wife is so surprised that I’m never recognized.”

In Canada, our trampolinists and bobsledders are held in higher regard.

Hutchinson said it’s like living in “two worlds.”

The 34-year-old is adored in Turkey, where he plays for Besiktas, one of the biggest clubs in the region.

He has played against big sides in the UEFA Europa League. He has competed in Champions League qualifiers against Premier League teams. Hutchinson “impressed” the hell out of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger when they met three years ago.

Yet, here we are, hours from what could be one of Hutchinson’s final few appearances for Les Rouges — the completion of a journey that has been largely ignored by mainstream media for more than a decade.

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“(Atiba) has done it all levels,” ex-Canadian captain Julian de Guzman told the Sun. “He’s scored goals against Manchester United ... He’s been the best passer in Europe. This is a Canadian we are talking about.”

Hutchinson ponders being the last of a generation of solid Canadian footballers who fell short more often than not. While the United States, Mexico and Costa Rica are playing big World Cup qualifiers this weekend, Canada is in rebuild mode -- again.

“(Retiring from international duty) has crossed my mind a number of times,” Hutchinson said. “Just the thought of going through another cycle isn’t realistic. I spoke to the coach and he didn’t mind if I came in for this game ... and maybe again in the future.”

For now, coach Octavio Zambrano wants Hutchinson to act as something of a mentor. Having been eliminated last year from 2018 World Cup contention, Canada won’t play another meaningful match until 2019. The next World Cup Canada is eligible for is five years off.

“What Atiba will leave behind is a standard,” de Guzman said of his former teammate and friend. “Hopefully these young players coming up are well aware of him and can start comparing their goals to what he has done throughout his career.”

Hutchinson reflects back a decade when asked to recall his happiest moment while wearing Canadian red. He says the boys still joke about getting “robbed” at the 2007 Gold Cup, where his late equalizer in a semifinal meeting with the U.S. was incorrectly ruled offside.

“We speak about it quite often,” Hutchinson said with a laugh. “The highlight (of my international career) was a loss. That’s crazy. That’s my biggest achievement with the national team — that Gold Cup.”

It’s also the reason Hutchinson, despite earning 77 caps for his country, is largely anonymous compared to Olympic medallists and NHLers. His achievements only matter to those who follow the game closely.

“He’s one of a kind,” de Guzman added. “This is somebody that Canada probably won’t see again. I don’t recall anyone doing what Atiba has done for himself and his country.”

As his role begins to diminish, Hutchinson is hopeful given what he has witnessed during a year on hiatus from Canada’s national team. He’s far more positive than most onlookers given Canada’s struggles.

“Over the years the performances have been getting better,” Hutchinson explained, adding Canada’s brand of soccer is better than it was a decade ago. “We’re creating chances now and playing with confidence.”

Still, it hasn’t been enough to sway public interest. There will be more people at BMO Field on Saturday night to see Jamaica than Canada or Hutchinson or any other Canadian footballers.

“For him to go unrecognized, it brings disappointment to myself and other players who I know believe Atiba deserves more,” de Guzman finished.

Hutchinson is poised to be the greatest Canadian athlete nobody knew.

klarson@postmedia.com