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MLS Star Darlington Nagbe to Retire After 2025

10/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Darlington Nagbe of the Columbus Crew will retire after the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs.
He won four MLS Cups with Portland, Atlanta United, and Columbus, and has captained the Crew since 2020.
Nagbe has 444 regular-season appearances (fifth in MLS history) and three MLS All-Star selections. The Crew will honor him on October 18.

History

Historical Context

Major League Soccer (MLS) was established in 1993 as part of the U.S. bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, succeeding the North American Soccer League, which folded in 1984. The league began play in 1996 with ten teams and has since expanded to 30, reflecting soccer's growing popularity in the U.S., highlighted by players like Darlington Nagbe, who won four championships before retiring in 2025.

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Story summary

Darlington Nagbe of the Columbus Crew will retire after the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup Playoffs.
He won four MLS Cups with Portland, Atlanta United, and Columbus, and has captained the Crew since 2020.
Nagbe has 444 regular-season appearances (fifth in MLS history) and three MLS All-Star selections. The Crew will honor him on October 18.

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