When Darlington Nagbe was drafted by the Portland Timbers as the second overall pick in 2011, not many had envisioned the Ohio native to be a future MLS legend. Fourteen years and four MLS Cups later, here we are. Not only has Nagbe carved out a name for himself with all three clubs he’s played for (Portland, Atlanta, and Columbus), but he’s also won the hearts of soccer fans across the United States. Obviously, when news of Nagbe’s imminent future came, lovers of the sport couldn’t help but feel the blues.

MLS insider Tom Bogert took to X (formerly Twitter) on October 6 to share the Columbus Crew captain’s decision to hang up his boots for good. “BREAKING: Columbus Crew midfielder and MLS legend Darlington Nagbe is retiring after the 2025 MLS season, per sources,” reads the caption of the post, as Bogert sums up his feelings by concluding, “One of MLS’s best-ever midfielders.”

With 38 goals in 444 MLS appearances, Nagbe might not seem like the biggest scorer of our time. However, individual honors like the Hermann Trophy (2010) AND MLS Fair Play Awards (2013, 2015, and 2019) highlight how the 35-year-old impacted the game beyond the numbers. A CONCACAF Gold Cup title further solidifies Nagbe’s status as a soccer star who has honed his skills on the highest levels.

Along with numerous international and MLS accolades, Nagbe also won the 2010 NCAA D1 title as a member of the Akron Zips. With so many achievements across various levels, it’s easy to understand that Nagbe’s fans span from the collegiate scene all the way to the international stage.

While Nagbe did forego his senior year in college to play professionally, the decision turned out to be more than a successful one. In his first pro season, Nagbe’s first-ever goal for the Tinbers against Kansas City was awarded the MLS Goal of the Year (2011). Quite the way to kick off your journey with the big boys! Then, in 2020, his first goal for the Columbus Crew once again earned him the MLS Goal of the Year honor, further cementing his skills on the soccer pitch.

Naturally, with him deciding to call it quits, fans were equal parts nostalgic and sad.

MLS fans join hands to gun salute the icon

Over the years, fiery debates have ensued over the MLS being labeled as the “retirement league”. Thankfully, with the arrival of legends like Leo Messi, Son Heung-Min, and Thomas Müller to the US, that discussion has toned down quite a lot. And yet, when one of the legends of the sport, who has made a name for himself for years before these European stalwarts’ arrival, decides to retire, the MLS fans are obviously feeling gutted.

“Fell to my knees at a Walmart,” one fan couldn’t stop noting the sinking feeling they had when learning about Nagbe’s decision. Darlington won the 2024 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award, bestowed on the MLS player who strives to bring quality and inclusion in the game. This once again shows how Nagbe was dedicated to making the sport grow beyond the pitch, and the fans’ teary thoughts aren’t difficult to comprehend.

“NOOOOOOOOOO,” wailed another fan. Another was having just as difficult a time coming to terms with the news, and was even making life miserable for their other family members. “Woke the dog up screaming no, Tom. Say it ain’t so,” read another heartbroken fan’s comment. “Honestly can’t believe it,” the disbelief just couldn’t be dealt with.

The Crew currently sits in ninth place in the Eastern Conference. With Nagbe’s retirement being slated for the end of the season, we would like to believe he will lace up one last time to go out with a bang, deservingly like a legend. And yet, even if that does happen, sending him off into the sunset will be a tough day for the fans. “Really hard to imagine MLS without him in it,” one fan is already having difficulties conceiving the thought in their head. How about you? How do you feel about the MLS carrying on with Darlington Nagbe? Share your thoughts in a comment!