Columbus Crew midfielder and four-time MLS Cup champion Darlington Nagbe will retire at the end of the season, the player and club announced Tuesday.
Nagbe, 35, ranks fifth in MLS history with 444 regular-season matches and has tallied 38 goals and 48 assists since being drafted No. 2 overall by the Portland Timbers in 2011.
“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,” the Crew captain shared on social media.
A native of Liberia who played collegiately at Akron, Nagbe won MLS championships with three teams: Portland in 2015, Atlanta United in 2018 and Columbus in 2020 and 2023. The three-time MLS All-Star’s trophy haul also includes the 2019 U.S. Open Cup, two Campeones Cups (2019, 2021) and the 2024 Leagues Cup. Competing for the U.S. internationally, he won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2017.
“Thank you, Portland, for giving me the first opportunity to play this game professionally, and I’ll never forget lifting the MLS Cup together,” Nagbe posted. “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!”
The Crew (13-8-12, 51 points) have clinched an Eastern Conference playoff berth, currently holding the ninth and final seed entering Saturday’s regular-season finale against the visiting New York Red Bulls.
“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,” owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said.
“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.”
–Field Level Media
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