Crew Names Ohio Native Sean Zawadzki as New Captain

25-year-old midfielder takes over leadership role from retiring Darlington Nagbe

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Columbus Crew have named 25-year-old midfielder Sean Zawadzki as the team's new captain, replacing the recently retired Darlington Nagbe. Zawadzki, an Ohio native who joined the Crew's academy in 2015, has been with the club since 2022 and made 89 regular-season appearances. The Crew coaching staff and players cited Zawadzki's versatility, leadership qualities, and humble approach as key factors in selecting him as the team's new on-field leader.

Why it matters

The Crew's decision to name Zawadzki as captain highlights the importance of developing local talent and promoting from within the organization. As the team transitions from the Nagbe era, Zawadzki's familiarity with the club and community will be crucial in maintaining continuity and stability for the Crew.

The details

Zawadzki, who hails from Olmstead Falls, Ohio, joined the Crew's academy at age 15 and spent three years developing in Columbus before playing four seasons at Georgetown. He made his Crew first-team debut in 2022 and has since become known for his versatility, playing both in central midfield and as a defensive back. Crew coach Henrik Rydstrom praised Zawadzki's self-awareness and humility, noting that his "leads-by-example" approach will set the standard for the team, though the coaching staff wants him to be more vocal on the field.

  • Zawadzki signed his first contract with the Crew in 2022.
  • Zawadzki made his first-team debut for the Crew in 2022, less than seven months after returning to the club.
  • Darlington Nagbe announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season, paving the way for Zawadzki to become the Crew's new captain.
  • The Crew officially named Zawadzki as their team captain five days before the 2026 season opener against the Portland Timbers on February 21.

The players

Sean Zawadzki

A 25-year-old midfielder who has been with the Columbus Crew since 2022 and is now the team's new captain, replacing the recently retired Darlington Nagbe.

Darlington Nagbe

The former Columbus Crew captain who announced his retirement at the end of the 2025 season, paving the way for Sean Zawadzki to take over the leadership role.

Henrik Rydstrom

The head coach of the Columbus Crew, who praised Zawadzki's versatility, self-awareness, and humility as key factors in selecting him as the team's new captain.

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What they’re saying

“To hear that, and to have those attributes that everyone looks for, and that the team views me in that way, it means so much to me. Being able to be captain of this historic club is special.”

— Sean Zawadzki (The Dispatch)

“A person that is so self-aware, humble, it makes it very easy for me as a coach if the captain always looks at himself first. ... It sets the standard in the group. He is also an amazing player.”

— Henrik Rydstrom, Crew Coach (The Dispatch)

What’s next

The Crew will face the Portland Timbers in their season opener on February 21, with Sean Zawadzki leading the team as their new captain.

The takeaway

The Crew's decision to promote homegrown talent Sean Zawadzki to captain reflects the organization's commitment to developing local players and maintaining continuity within the club. Zawadzki's versatility, leadership qualities, and humble approach make him well-suited to guide the Crew through the post-Nagbe era.