Dwayne De Rosario: Canada’s Soccer Goat | OneFootball

Today we celebrate the 47th birthday of one of Canada’s greatest ever — the legendary Dwayne De Rosario, born May 15, 1978, in Scarborough, Ontario

A trailblazer, leader, and cultural icon in Canadian soccer, DeRo’s impact on the game runs deep — not just with his goals and trophies, but in the way he inspired a generation to believe that greatness was possible right here at home.

A Champion in Every Sense

De Rosario’s pro career kicked off in the late 1990s with teams like the Toronto Lynx (Canadian A-League), FSV Zwickau (German fourth tier), and the Richmond Kickers (NASL). But it was in MLS where he built his legacy. He won four MLS Cups — twice with San Jose Earthquakes (2001, 2003) and twice with Houston Dynamo (2006, 2007). In 2001 he scored the Golden Goal to clinch both the Cup and earn him MLS Cup MVP.

In 2011, he was named MLS MVP and finished his career with 104 goals, becoming one of the league’s all-time top scorers.

From his unforgettable free kicks at Toronto FC, to stints with New York Red Bulls and D.C. United, DeRo’s passion for the game was unmatched. TFC fans will always remember him as a club legend — a local hero who carried the city’s dreams on his shoulders.

A Canadian Hero

On the international stage, De Rosario represented Canada 81 times. He won the male Canada Player of the Year award three years straight from 2005-2007. With his 20th goal scored in 2012 against Panama, he became the national team record holder. He retired with a total goal tally of 22, a record that stood until 2022.

More Than Just a Player

Off the pitch, DeRo continues to give back. Through his DeRo United Futbol Academy, he’s helping develop the next generation of Canadian talent, especially in underserved communities.

We’re not just celebrating a player. We’re honoring a legacy. A man who showed that Canadian soccer has always had world-class talent. A man who built something lasting, from the streets of Scarborough to the biggest stages in North American soccer.