Japanese midfield ace leaves Brisbane Roar after two seasons

Japanese midfielder Momo Hayashi will leave Brisbane Roar after two seasons, bringing an end to her time in orange. She joined the club ahead of the 2024/25 Ninja A-League campaign and quickly became a fan favourite with her flair and fearlessness in midfield.

Impact and accolades

Hayashi’s eye for the spectacular produced some of Brisbane’s most memorable moments over the past two seasons, and her performances earned her recognition among the competition’s best players.

Her impact was rewarded when she was named the Fans’ Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season, underscoring her popularity with supporters.

Speaking on her departure, Hayashi said: “Brisbane has been home for me, and this club and its fans will always have a piece of my heart. I’ve given everything I have in this orange shirt, and I’ll never forget the moments we shared together. To the fans who sang for me every week, thank you for your support over the years it has meant so much to me.”

Brisbane Roar thanked Hayashi for her contribution and wished her success in the next stage of her career.

Roar’s transition and upcoming campaign

Hayashi becomes the 10th player from last season’s squad to depart, following Dutch attacker Bente Jansen and Matildas icon Tameka Yallop. The Transfer CENTRE listed Hayashi among the departures, noting Your club’s moves this window.

The club had done all it could to persuade her to remain in Queensland, but respected her desire to pursue a new challenge.

After former head coach Alex Smith left, Roar appointed Johnathan Clemente as his successor ahead of the 2026/27 Ninja A-League campaign.

Queenslanders also reinforced the squad by signing former Adelaide United captain Isabel Hodgson to bolster the defence, and re‑signing promising young players Grace Kuilamu, Sharn Freier, midfielder Zara Kruger and defender Josie Studer.

Brisbane will kick off the 2026/27 Ninja A-League season at home to Central Coast Mariners on Saturday, October 17.