The Columbus Crew announced Friday morning that the club has signed captain Darlington Nagbe to a multi-year contract extension. The three-time MLS Cup champion now has a deal that will keep him with the team through the 2025 season, with a club option in 2026.

Nagbe, in his fourth season with the Black & Gold, is one of two players to play in all 37 regular season and postseason matches Columbus has played this season. Nagbe has four goals and one assist in 2023 and was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday three times during the year.

“It’s hard to put into words what Darlington means to this club,” Crew president and general manager Tim Bebatchenko said in the press release announcing Nagbe’s extention. “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.

“He embodies the essence of a true 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.” 

Nagbe began his MLS career with the Portland Timbers after he was selected second overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. During his rookie season, Nagbe tallied two goals and three assists in 28 matches, including the 2011 Goal of the Year.

The Lakewood, Ohio native has appeared in 386 regular season matches, making 371 starts, in his MLS. This ranks Nagbe ninth and tied for sixth, respectively, in MLS history. The midfielder has scored 38 career MLS goals and recorded 45 assists while sustaining the second-most fouls in the league (710).

Nagbe joined the Crew on November 13, 2019, after a trade from Atlanta United. Nagbe has appeared in 116 regular season appearances for the Black & Gold, registering nine goals and eight assists. In his four seasons in Columbus, Nagbe has won the 2020 MLS Cup, the 2021 Campeones Cup and was named to the 2022 MLS All-Star Game. He was also named a finalist for the 2023 Impact Award presented by MLS Works.

“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 said in the release. “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.”