Columbus Crew Captain and Midfielder Darlington Nagbe announces retirement following 2025 postseason
Columbus Crew Captain and Midfielder Darlington Nagbe announced that he will retire following the Club’s competition in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Nagbe – a four-time MLS Cup champion, 15-year veteran and three-time MLS All-Star Game selection – has served as the Black & Gold’s leader on and off the pitch since 2020 after tenures with the Portland Timbers (2011-2017) and Atlanta United FC (2018-2019). He helped inspire the Crew’s journey to winning two MLS Cups (2020 and 2023), Leagues Cup 2024 and the 2021 Campeones Cup, as well as guided the organization to its 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. “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! Winning two MLS Cups, lifting trophies and playing in front of you, friends and family has been a dream come true! I’ll have more to share and more people to thank later. Looking forward to finishing the season strong and what’s ahead of us!”
“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,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam, Haslam Sports Group CEO and Chairman, Managing Partners. “It’s truly special for Darlington to end his career in Ohio, where he’s created so many lasting memories for our Club and fans. He’s one of the greatest players to wear the Black & Gold, and he’ll always be an important member of our Crew family.”
“Darlington has consistently been an exceptional player on the pitch, but most importantly, he’s an even better person,” said Crew Investor-Operator Dr. Pete Edwards. “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. He has made a lasting impact on our Club and league that can’t simply be measured by trophies, and he’s earned an impressive number of those. We’re fortunate that his legendary career includes six extraordinary seasons in Columbus, where we know he’ll continue to serve as a leader in our community.”
The Crew will honor Nagbe’s dedication to the Club, league and community during their Decision Day match against New York Red Bulls on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Lower.com Field [6 p.m. ET / MLS Season Pass on Apple TV / Alt 105.7 FM / iHeartRadio app (English); La Mega 103.1 FM, 107.1 FM / La Mega app (Spanish)].
After the 2025 postseason, the Crew will host Nagbe’s official retirement press conference.