COLUMBUS, Ohio — The upcoming Major League Soccer postseason will be the last act for one of the most decorated players in league and Columbus Crew history.
Columbus Crew captain and midfielder Darlington Nagbe announced today he will retire following the club’s competition in the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, ending a distinguished 15-year professional career that includes four MLS Cup championships.
An alum of St. Edward and Akron, the 34-year-old Ohio native has served as the Crew’s leader since joining the team in 2020 after previous stints with Portland Timbers (2011-2017) and Atlanta United FC (2018-2019). During his tenure with Columbus, Nagbe helped guide the team to two MLS Cups in 2020 and 2023, the 2024 Leagues Cup, the 2021 Campeones Cup, and the organization’s first Concacaf Champions Cup Final appearance in 2024.
“After years of incredible memories, I’ll be finishing my career at the end of this season. I’m more than grateful for my family, for all my teammates, coaches, teams, staff members, supporters and friends that have helped me along this journey,” Nagbe shared via social media.
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In his retirement message, Nagbe thanked each of his three professional clubs. “Thank you, Portland, for giving me the first opportunity to play this game professionally, and I’ll never forget lifting the MLS Cup together. Thank you, Atlanta, for a short but incredible two years, filled with trophies, an MLS Cup and an opportunity to be part of an amazing atmosphere. Columbus: Thank you for welcoming an Ohio kid home and the opportunity to represent you for the past six seasons!”
Haslam Sports Group CEO and Chairman Dee and Jimmy Haslam praised Nagbe’s impact both on and off the field. “Darlington is one of the best people to represent the Crew and Major League Soccer over our 30-year history, both as a player and a person. His talent, leadership, work ethic and toughness are only matched by his team-first mindset, endearing personality and passion for his family and giving back to the community,” they said in a statement.
Crew Investor-Operator Dr. Pete Edwards highlighted Nagbe’s character beyond soccer achievements. “Darlington has consistently been an exceptional player on the pitch, but most importantly, he’s an even better person,” Edwards said in a statement. “Within and beyond soccer, Darlington is an incredible role model for everyone through his professionalism, the way he prioritizes the team and others above himself and how he keeps family first in everything he does.”
Nagbe’s career accomplishments place him among MLS elite. He is one of only five MLS players to claim championships with three or more teams and one of only 10 players to win four league titles. His 444 regular season appearances rank fifth-most in MLS history, while his 37,145 minutes played rank seventh-most in league history.
The three-time MLS All-Star earned recognition beyond team success, winning the 2024 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award for dedication to fostering equity and inclusion. He also received multiple MLS Fair Play Awards throughout his career.
Before his professional career, Nagbe starred at the University of Akron, winning the 2010 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer championship and earning the Hermann Trophy. He was selected second overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft by Portland.
Nagbe also represented the United States Men’s National Team, earning 25 caps and helping capture the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup championship.
The Crew will honor Nagbe during their Decision Day match against New York Red Bulls on Saturday at Lower.com Field. The team will host an official retirement press conference after the 2025 postseason.