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Why Darlington Nagbe is ready for MLS retirement despite being able to play '2 more years'
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- Why Darlington Nagbe is ready for MLS retirement despite being able to play '2 more years'
Darlington Nagbe was sitting on the Crew's team plane going to Seattle when he decided the 2025 season would be his last.
Columbus' game against the Seattle Sounders was scheduled for July 6, leaving Nagbe little time with his family – wife, Felicia and three kids – to celebrate youngest son Isaiah's birthday on July 3 and the Fourth of July holiday.
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"I didn't get to enjoy both days," Nagbe said, "and then had to hop on a plane and travel all the way across the country. I thought about it hard in that moment, and I just landed and texted my wife and told her."
On Oct. 7, Nagbe publicly announced he'd be ending his 15-year MLS career at the end of the season.
Nagbe considered keeping the news to himself until the season was over, but his family encouraged him to make the announcement beforehand.
"They said so I could feel appreciated, so I could feel the love," Nabe said. "I was fine saying it after the season was done, but I'm actually glad I did it this way."
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The 35-year-old will be leaving the league with 445 regular-season games played, which is fifth all-time in MLS history. He's won at least four MLS Cup titles.
Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe signs a banner after defeating D.C. United at Lower.com Field on July 19.
Nagbe, who was drafted second overall by the Portland Timbers out of the University of Akron, started his MLS career in 2011. Seven seasons later, he was traded to Atlanta United.
With both the Timbers and United, Nagbe won an MLS Cup, giving him two league titles by the time he joined the Crew in 2020.
Nagbe has doubled that number during his six seasons in Columbus with titles in 2020 and 2023. He also contributed to the 2024 Leagues Cup title.
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In 2023, Nagbe solidified his importance to the Crew on the leadership side, being named team captain.
More: Darlington Nagbe still the center of the Columbus Crew universe | Michael Arace
Columbus Crew general manager Issa Tall 'tried to change' Darlington Nagbe 's mind about retirement
The day before making the announcement public, Nagbe informed his teammates of his retirement. Maybe most in disbelief was defender Steven Moreira , who spent over four seasons alongside Nagbe.
Midfielder Darlington Nagbe has won two MLS Cups with the Crew and four overall during his career.
According to Nagbe, Moreira wanted to convince him to change his mind. The same could be said for Crew general manager Issa Tall after Nagbe informed the front office of his decision in August.
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"I wanted them to be aware and to understand that this could be it," Nagbe said. "We met again a couple weeks ago to confirm it with them, just let them know that it was for sure happening, that I thought about it more, and Issa tried to change my mind. He values me, obviously, as a player, and it's weird that a player and a GM also have a friendship … but Issa's been great to me."
Crew coach Wilfried Nancy also approached Nagbe to confirm that retirement was a step he was truly ready to make.
"I know, physically, I can still play a year or two more years," Nagbe said. "I'm a little bit upset that I'm not able to get through that mental block that I'm feeling of wanting to be home, and wanting to be present with my family. Everyone has a family, and everyone is able to balance that.
"But I just feel like I'm at a point where I can't balance that anymore."
Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe hugs and kisses family members after a 2-2 tie against the New England Revolution in 2021.
Darlington Nagbe retires feeling confident in his legacy
After Nagbe shared his retirement post, he left his phone behind and went out to his backyard as dozens of messages started to pour in.
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Teammates of Nagbe, both current and former, and opponents took to social media, sharing their thoughts on the veteran's career. Many referred to Nagbe as "a legend" or "one of the best midfielders in MLS history."
"Hearing it from your teammates, I think that's the biggest compliment," Nagbe said. "They're with you every day. They see you in training and in games. … They really have a full understanding of the game, and what you're trying to accomplish, not just individually, but as a team. So, hearing it from them, some of them have told me privately before, but for them to say it publicly, it's flattering, a little bit overwhelming."
Looking into the future, Nagbe is keeping an open mind, mentioning how he could see himself involved with the Crew in some capacity, and maybe get into coaching his children's soccer teams.
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But when it comes to looking back on his 15 years, there is no uncertainty.
"I'm confident in what I've done," Nagbe said. "Happy with what I've done, and I do believe I've been one of the best players to play in this league."
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Darlington Nagbe reflects on MLS retirement, having more family time
