The 2025 MLS season has kicked off with a bang, and few clubs are turning heads quite like Columbus Crew. With a dynamic squad, strategic offseason signings, and the tactical leadership of Head Coach Wilfried Nancy, the Crew are gunning for glory and building on the momentum of recent seasons.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2025 Columbus Crew squad—its stars, its structure, and its ambitions.
🚨 Squad Refresh: Departures & New Arrivals
The 2024–25 offseason saw the Crew go through a mini-revolution. Several familiar faces moved on, opening the door for exciting new talent to arrive.
🔁 Key Departures:
Cucho Hernández: Sold to Real Betis for a whopping $16M. A big loss in firepower.
Christian Ramirez: Traded to LA Galaxy for up to $500K in GAM.
Yaw Yeboah: Departed for LAFC after contract option declined.
Alexandru Mățan: Signed with UAE side Dibba Al-Hisn.
Marino Hinestroza: Returned to Colombia with Atlético Nacional.
✅ Notable Arrivals:
Dániel Gazdag (Philadelphia Union): The Hungarian playmaker joined for up to $4.5M. He’s expected to be the creative engine.
Lassi Lappalainen (CF Montréal): Signed as a free agent to boost width and speed.
Amar Sejdić (Nashville SC): Adds reliable depth in midfield.
Stanislav Lapkes: Promoted from Crew 2—an exciting homegrown keeper.
Cesar Ruvalcaba: Draft pick from SMU, already impressing in training camp.
📋 Squad Breakdown: Columbus Crew 2025
Here’s a position-by-position look at the full squad:
| Position | Player Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Evan Bush | Veteran presence, locker room leader |
| Nicholas Hagen | Strong shot-stopper, Guatemala international | |
| Stanislav Lapkes | Homegrown talent from Crew 2 | |
| Defenders | Steven Moreira | Versatile fullback with attacking flair |
| Rudy Camacho | Experienced center-back, defensive anchor | |
| Cesar Ruvalcaba | Rookie defender with high upside | |
| Midfielders | Dániel Gazdag | Star signing, creative force |
| Darlington Nagbe | Calm, classy, veteran leadership | |
| Aidan Morris | Local hero, box-to-box engine | |
| Lassi Lappalainen | Speedy winger with MLS experience | |
| Amar Sejdić | Reliable backup with solid work rate | |
| Forwards | Jacen Russell-Rowe | Young striker ready to lead the line |
| Drew Kerr | Drafted from Duke, promising talent |
🎯 Tactical Identity: Wilfried Nancy’s Crew 3.0
Under Wilfried Nancy, now in his third season, Columbus Crew has evolved into a slick, possession-based side that values high pressing, intricate passing, and fluid movement. The team builds from the back, commands the midfield, and looks to unlock defenses through coordinated interplay.
With Gazdag now pulling the strings, Nancy has even more tactical flexibility. Expect the Crew to use a 3-4-2-1 or 4-2-3-1, leveraging width, pace, and central creativity.
📈 Key Players to Watch in 2025
⭐ Dániel Gazdag
The headline signing from Philadelphia Union, Gazdag brings elite MLS experience with 59 goals and 20 assists in 125 games. He replaces the creativity lost with Cucho’s departure and assumes the role of primary playmaker.
🧠 Darlington Nagbe
The ever-consistent captain, Nagbe provides control and calmness. His leadership and vision are vital in midfield transitions.
🔥 Jacen Russell-Rowe
This is the season for Russell-Rowe to shine. With Cucho and Ramirez gone, the 21-year-old forward has a chance to become a breakout star.
🧱 Rudy Camacho
The defensive general. With a youthful backline around him, Camacho’s experience will be crucial in anchoring the defense.
🌍 Champions Cup Experience & 2025 Goals
The Crew began the year participating in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, but bowed out in the Round of 16. While disappointing, this early exit could prove beneficial: the team can now focus entirely on domestic objectives.
Columbus remains unbeaten in MLS as of April 2025, standing toe-to-toe with giants like Inter Miami. Their upcoming April 19 showdown with Messi’s Miami side is being billed as an early season classic—and potential Eastern Conference decider.
🏆 What Can They Achieve in 2025?
The Crew has the pieces in place for a title run. The Supporters’ Shield is within reach, but the real target is the MLS Cup. With their squad depth, strategic signings, and tactical clarity, Columbus is better positioned than ever.
Strengths:
Depth in midfield
Experienced leaders (Nagbe, Camacho, Moreira)
A clear tactical identity under Nancy
Youth integration from Crew 2 (Lapkes, Ruvalcaba)
Challenges:
Replacing Cucho’s goal output
Adapting Gazdag quickly into the system
Navigating a tightly contested Eastern Conference
⚽ Fan Expectations & Atmosphere
The Columbus faithful are buzzing with optimism. Lower.com Field is already a fortress, and season ticket sales are at an all-time high. Fans believe this squad has the DNA to replicate—and even surpass—the highs of 2020’s MLS Cup triumph.
🧩 Final Thoughts
Columbus Crew’s 2025 squad represents smart planning, a forward-thinking coaching philosophy, and a blend of youthful exuberance and veteran savvy. The departure of stars like Cucho Hernández might have stung, but the reinforcements have brought fresh energy and versatility to the team.
If all the pieces come together, 2025 could be a golden year for the Black & Gold.
Prediction: Top 3 finish in the East and a serious MLS Cup contender.
