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.
Night, 35 years old, skating rinks fifth in MLS History with 444 regular season appearances and has tallied 38 goals and 48 assists since drafting No. 2 in 2011.
“After many years of incredible memories, I will retire at the end of this season. I am more than grateful for my family, all my teammates, coaches, teams, staff, supporters and friends who have helped me on this journey,” the crew captain shared on social media.
Nagbe was born in Liberia and played in college in Akron. He has 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 trophy car also includes a 2019 US Open Cup, two Stone Cups (2019, 2021) and a 2024 Leagues Cup. Competing for the US internationally, he won the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2017.
“Thank you Portland for giving me my first opportunity to play this game professionally and I will never forget lifting the MLS Cup together,” Nagbe wrote. “Thank you Atlanta for a short but incredible two years filled with trophies, an MLS Cup and the opportunity to be part of an amazing atmosphere. Columbus: Thank you for welcoming home to Ohio 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 was a dream come true!
“I'll have more to share and more people to thank later. Looking forward to finishing the season and what’s ahead of us!”
Crew has taken a berth in the Eastern Conference playoffs, which now holds 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 crew and major league football in our 30-year history, both as a player and as a person. His talent, leadership, work ethic and toughness are matched only by his team, first, charming personality and passion for his family and giving back to the community,” said owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam.
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“It is truly special for Darlington to finish his career in Ohio, where he created so many lasting memories for our club and fans. He is one of the greatest players to wear the Black & Gold and will always be an important member of our team family.”
