Overview:

Brooklyn FC on Thursday announced that defender Samantha Rosette will retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2025-26 Gainbridge Super League season.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Brooklyn FC on Thursday announced that defender Samantha Rosette will retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2025-26 Gainbridge Super League season.

A founding member of BKFC’s inaugural 2024-25 team, Rosette played a pivotal role in establishing the club during its first two seasons. The team will honor her career and contributions at its final home match on Saturday, April 25.

A native of the Bronx, Rosette, 28, returned home to help build Brooklyn FC after spending much of her professional career abroad, with stops in Kazakhstan, Lithuania and France.

“We can’t thank Sam enough for everything she’s brought to this club, both on and off the pitch, over the past two years,” sporting director Kevin Tenjo said in a statement. “Her professionalism, leadership, and international experience have been invaluable, especially for our younger players. She’s left a lasting mark on this team, and we wish her nothing but the best in her next chapter.”

Entering Saturday’s fixture vs. Dallas Trinity FC, Rosette has appeared in 25 matches in her two seasons with Brooklyn FC, totaling 857 minutes and 10 starts. From the back line, she has recorded 11 tackles won, 19 clearances, 10 interceptions, and two blocks, and completing 197 passes. She also contributed one goal this season and has been a steady presence in the squad throughout the club’s first two campaigns.

Before joining Brooklyn FC, Rosette built a global professional career following her collegiate years at the University of Virginia and Villanova University. She began her pro journey with NJ/NY Gotham FC’s reserve side before gaining international experience across Europe and Asia, including stints with BIIK Kazygurt, FC Gintra, and RC Strasbourg Alsace, competing in domestic leagues and UEFA Women’s Champions League play along the way.

“Being a part of Brooklyn FC from the beginning and helping to build a legacy of women’s football here in NYC, my home, has been such a gift and something I dreamt of as a little girl,” Rosette said. “On top of that, serving as a Captain and getting to lead this team for the last two years has been the greatest honor and an experience I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am so lucky to have had the chance to finish my career at home, in front of my family, friends, and community. I know how rare and special this is, and I’m so grateful to have gotten to experience this.”

In her professional career across all competitions, Rosette has played in 71 matches, having recorded 21 goals and 18 assists. She has participated in two UEFA Champions League campaigns with BIIK and Gintra, won the Lithuanian A Lyga and Baltic Cup with Gintra, won the French second division title and achieved promotion to D1 Arkema with RCSA, and participated in two Gainbridge Super League campaigns with Brooklyn FC.

“Samantha Rosette is the example of a captain every team should have,” said BKFC Women’s Head Coach Tomás Tengarrinha. “Her commitment to the team, her work ethic, her heart, and the way she fights for the group are some of the characteristics that I truly admire. It has been an honour to work side by side with her as captain, knowing the fundamental contribution she has given the team, not only this year but also in Brooklyn FC’s debut season.”

Rosette also co-founded The Players Network (TPN). The organization was created by and for players to provide community and tap into their collective power to help advocate for themselves and advance their careers.

Following its final home match, the BKFC Women end their season at Sporting Jax on May 3rd at 5 p.m. ET, Lexington SC on May 10 at 2 p.m. ET, and Spokane Zephyr FC on May 16 at 4 p.m. ET. All matches are on Peacock.