Shamit Shome joins Pele and Beckenbauer's New York Cosmos

Bangladesh national team midfielder Shamit Shome has completed a move to New York Cosmos, the storied American club once home to Brazilian great Pele, the USL League One side confirmed on August 12, 2026.

Announcing the deal on its official website, the club said Shome had signed for the remainder of the current USL League One season, with the option to extend further.

"Shamit gives us another experienced player who can step into our midfield and contribute immediately. He plays at a high level and has the leadership ability to help elevate the team as a whole," said Giuseppe Rossi, the club's head of soccer.

Shome also addressed supporters directly in a video shared by the club. "Hey Cosmos Country, I'm Shamit Shome, centre midfielder, number 12, Canadian-Bangladeshi, and I'm excited to be here," he said.

New York Cosmos carry one of football's most storied legacies. Pele turned out for the club between 1975 and 1976, alongside West German icon Franz Beckenbauer and Italian forward Giorgio Chinaglia, as the side won five North American Soccer League titles through the 1970s. The club now competes in the third tier of American football.

The 28 year old arrives at Cosmos after ending a three-year association with Canadian Premier League outfit Cavalry FC, who confirmed his departure in January ahead of the 2026 season. Shome made 62 appearances in the Canadian Premier League during his spell there.

His professional career spans nearly a decade and includes four seasons in Major League Soccer with Montreal Impact, giving him considerable experience before his switch to Cosmos.

Born and raised in Canada, Shome represented the Canadian national side in two friendly matches before taking up Bangladeshi citizenship in 2025, opting to represent the country of his family's roots.

He made his Bangladesh debut on 10 June 2025, featuring in a 2-1 defeat to Singapore during the third round of AFC Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers in Dhaka. He struck his first international goal four months later, in a 4-3 defeat to Hong Kong in the same qualifying group on 9 October 2025.

Shome has now made six appearances for Bangladesh since switching allegiances, and his move to a club synonymous with football royalty marks a significant step in his career.

Cosmos are next in action against AV Alta FC on Sunday, with kick-off at 5:00am Bangladesh time.