The Columbus Crew announced Friday afternoon that the club has signed homegrown midfielder Sean Zawadzki to a multi-year contract extension through 2027. In his third season with the Black and Gold, Zawadzki is one of the recent success stories of the Crew Academy. His journey has taken him from the club ranks to featuring with the first team and contributing key minutes.

“After nearly 10 years with the Club, from the Academy to the first team, Sean has embodied the values of our Club with his commitment to continually better himself and his willingness to always put the team first,” said Tim Bezbatchenko, Crew President and General Manager.

“We are immensely proud of the soccer player and person Sean has become. his ability to adapt to different circumstances was a key part of our success in 2023 in winning MLS Cup, and it was a special moment for our Club to see him earn his first senior cap for the U.S. Men’s National Team.”

Zawadzki, 23, made 30 regular season appearances in 2023, both as a midfielder and defender tallying three goals, including two equalizing goals in stoppage time during the Crew’s match against the New England Revolution and New York City FC.

Zawadzki joined Columbus as a homegrown back in January of 2022, making his MLS debut on June 25 against Real Salt Lake playing a full 90 minutes. The midfielder got his first MLS goal in the road win against Toronto FC four days later.

To further his development, Zawadzki spent time with Columbus Crew 2, the Club’s MLS Next Pro team appearing in 21 games (19 starts), adding one goal and two assists, while playing the full 90 minutes to help Crew 2 claim the inaugural MLS Next Pro Cup against St. Louis CITY II.

“It’s an amazing feeling to have signed my second contract with the Crew. It’s the team I’ve supported my whole life, and from a young age, the team I grew up playing for,” said Zawadzki. “I’m just thankful for all the support I’ve gotten from my teammates, the coaches, front office and the staff, and the continued belief they have in me.”

“I’m also thankful for everything my family has done for me, the continued support they’ve shown me and the sacrifice they’ve made since I was young to drive me to Columbus and help me get to this point in my career, and I’m glad to be staying closer to home so they can continue to come to games and support.”

Zawadzki also featured for the USMNT in the national team’s annual January training camp, earning his first cap against Slovenia, playing the entire 90 minutes.

Zawadzki and the Columbus Crew take on Atlanta United to kick off the 2024 campaign at Lower.com Field February 24. You can watch the match on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.