Darlington Nagbe signs multiyear contract extension with Columbus Crew
Colin Gay
Crew captain Darlington Nagbe signed a guaranteed extension through the 2025 season with a club option for the 2026 season.
“Playing in my home state the past four years and winning an MLS Cup with the Crew has been really special, and it’s a blessing to continue my career in Columbus, both for me and my family,” Nagbe, a midfielder, said in a statement. “We have more work to do, but I’m excited about what we’ve accomplished together this season and the future direction of our club. I’m proud to represent the Black & Gold, alongside my great teammates, and I’m thankful for the ongoing support from the Haslam, Johnson and Edwards families, Tim Bezbatchenko, Wilfried Nancy, the entire Crew staff and of course, our fans.”
Nagbe, 33, joined the Crew in 2020 via a November 2019 trade with Atlanta United and helped the team win its second MLS Cup in 2020 along with the 2021 Campeones Cup. In 116 regular-season games with the Crew, Nagbe has nine goals and eight assists on 53 shots, 19 of which were on target.
Nagbe was named to the 2022 MLS All Star Game.
“It’s hard to put into words what Darlington means to this club," Bezbatchenko, the team's president and general manager, said in a statement. "He is a proven winner and difference maker who has consistently shown why he is one of the most highly respected players in MLS for his leadership, character, and his performance on the pitch and how he carries himself off it. Darlington embodies the essence of a truly elite midfielder – smooth in possession with an uncanny ability to get out of very difficult situations on the field. He is revered by his teammates and opponents alike, and it was a priority for us to secure his long-term future in Columbus. We are excited that he and his family will remain members of the Crew and our city as we strive to win more championships.”
In 386 MLS matches with the Crew, Atlanta United and Portland Timbers, Nagbe has 38 goals and 46 assists.
Nagbe scored one of four goals for the Crew against Atlanta United to help the team advance to the 2023 Eastern Conference semifinals against Orlando City SC.
Nagbe has earned 25 caps for the U.S. Men's National Team. He's scored one goal and two assists in national team play.
Nagbe played three seasons at Akron, recording 19 goals and 19 assiss in 73 games. He won the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Men's Soccer championship and was the recipient of the 2010 Hermann Trophy, given to the National Player of the Year.