Ryan Porteous: From Dalkeith Dreams to LA Glory
Ryan Porteous is back in the Scottish national team fold and ready to seize his moment.
His journey has been nothing short of remarkable, both in terms of distance and personal growth. Starting in Dalkeith, he progressed through the Hibernian youth ranks before making a name for himself with over 150 appearances for Hibs and 80 at Watford after his move to England.
Now, the Midlothian native finds himself in Los Angeles, playing for LAFC, the city's other MLS club. It’s a path that often brings a smile to his face, especially when he reflects on where it all began. "Dalkeith, I know man. I could be the first ever, actually, to be fair," he chuckled when discussing his journey to the West Coast.
Settled in Pasadena, Porteous strategically chose to live outside the heart of the city, which he humorously refers to as the 'temptation zone.' He enjoys a short commute to training, avoiding the notorious LA traffic that can be a hassle for players.
With a sun-kissed complexion and a grin that suggests he’s thriving, Porteous is making the most of his time in the States. His last cap for Scotland was in March 2025 against Greece, and now at 27, he's determined to add more appearances to his international tally after being recalled by manager Sebastien Pocognoli, who is filling in for an injured Stephen Welsh.
"It’s the same for everyone," he remarked about the selection process. "The manager is still figuring things out, but he’s giving opportunities to a lot of players. For me, it’s about showcasing my professionalism and performance."
Since relocating to MLS in August last year, Porteous has faced a steep learning curve, particularly with the high-caliber forwards in the league, including a certain Argentine legend who recently hung up his international boots.
"I’m really enjoying it," he said, reflecting on the rigors of a packed schedule. "I didn’t fully grasp how many games there would be, plus all the travel and recovery. It was a bit of a shock, but once you adapt, it’s great."
Porteous believes he’s enjoying one of his most consistent seasons in years. Yet, he acknowledges that the competition is fierce, especially given that many top players in the league are attacking talents.
"I’m lucky and unlucky in that most of the best players on my team are number 10s, strikers, or wingers, which makes every game a challenge. The league is evolving, with more investment and higher-profile signings, making it a great environment for me."
He even had the chance to face Lionel Messi, a matchup he admits was daunting. "I don’t know if I enjoy being up against Messi, but we had a good night that match. You can never really settle against players like that. Thankfully, we managed to secure the win."
For Porteous, it’s about consistently testing himself against world-class talent. "Even without Messi, I’m up against forwards who have played in the Premier League, so it’s about rising to that level every week."
Now, with his club form flourishing in Los Angeles, Porteous is eager to reignite his Scotland career as the team gears up to face North Macedonia in Glasgow. If he can secure his spot, the Dalkeith native will be hard to dislodge.
