On Monday afternoon, veteran MLS reporter Tom Bogert confirmed what fans across the league have long suspected: Darlington Nagbe, the midfield maestro of Columbus Crew and one of Major League Soccer��...
On Monday afternoon, veteran MLS reporter Tom Bogert confirmed what fans across the league have long suspected: Darlington Nagbe, the midfield maestro of Columbus Crew and one of Major League Soccer’s most influential players, will retire at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
A Letter From The Captain ✍️
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) October 7, 2025
Darlington Nagbe has announced he will retire at the end of the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/GOHNeyzOS0
The Portland Foundation: Crafting a Midfield Icon
At 35, Nagbe’s career reads like a masterclass in consistency and positional intelligence. Drafted second overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Akron, he became the first-ever player selected by the Portland Timbers in their modern MLS era. Over seven seasons and more than 200 appearances, Nagbe steadily transformed from a promising rookie into a club legend.
Role Model. Leader. LE6END 💎 pic.twitter.com/UXSfJ976vR
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) October 7, 2025
His crowning achievement in Portland came in 2015, when he helped lead the club to its first MLS Cup title—a triumph that solidified his place among the league’s elite. Nagbe’s ability to retain possession under pressure and control the game’s tempo gave Portland a tactical edge few midfielders could replicate.
Atlanta United: Elevating the Game
BREAKING: Columbus Crew midfielder and MLS legend Darlington Nagbe is retiring after the 2025 MLS season, per sources.
— Tom Bogert (@tombogert) October 6, 2025
Nagbe, 35, is a four-time MLS Cup winner (2015, 2018, 2020, 2023) with three clubs (Portland, Atlanta, Columbus).
One of MLS's best-ever midfielders 👏 pic.twitter.com/g6DE8ZAYhq
In 2018, Nagbe joined an ambitious Atlanta United side and seamlessly integrated into one of the most electrifying squads in league history. Across three seasons and 74 appearances, he linked up with stars like Miguel Almirón and Josef Martínez to capture the 2018 MLS Cup—ironically defeating his former team, Portland, in the final.
Nagbe’s contribution went beyond stats. His composure, crisp distribution, and ability to dictate rhythm embodied the classical midfielder archetype. The following year, he added a U.S. Open Cup title to his growing trophy collection, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s most quietly dominant players.
Columbus Crew: Leadership, Legacy, and Silverware
At 30, Nagbe returned to his home state to join Columbus Crew—ushering in what would become perhaps the most defining chapter of his career. Over five seasons and 212 matches, he became the club’s beating heart, helping deliver MLS Cup titles in 2020 and 2023, and the 2024 Leagues Cup.
Darlington Nagbe (Columbus Crew / X)
But it wasn’t just about silverware. Nagbe became a locker room leader, a mentor to younger teammates, and the cultural backbone of the Crew. His presence was felt not only in midfield but across the club—on the field, in training sessions, and throughout the Columbus community.
A Midfield Titan Across Three Clubs
Nagbe may not top the charts for goals or flashiest highlights, but few players have ever matched his consistency, influence, and tactical intelligence. To have anchored three separate MLS clubs—each of them lifting major trophies during his tenure—is a rare feat.
As the 2025 season winds down, Darlington Nagbe walks toward retirement not just as a champion, but as a standard-bearer of what elite midfield play can look like in MLS. His legacy, built on calm in chaos and unshakable control, will endure long after his final match.
Category: General Sports
