Columbus Crew midfielder and former Akron Zips soccer star Darlington Nagbe — a 15-year MLS veteran — announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025 season.

Nagbe, who grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, played college soccer at Akron from 2008 to 2010.

Nagbe was named a Soccer America All-Freshman first team honoree and All-MAC Newcomer of the Year during his first season with the Zips in 2008. He earned a slew of accolades as a sophomore in 2009 — a trend that continued during his junior season in 2010 .

That year, Nagbe was the winner of the Missouri Athletics Club Hermann Trophy, NSCAA All-America First Team, MAC Player of the Year, All-MAC First Team, College Cup All-Tournament Team and earned a variety of Player of the Week honors as well.

The Zips won a national championship

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