Best & Most Famous Columbus Crew Players of All Time
The Columbus Crew were Major League Soccer’s first official team, and while others may have more trophies, few clubs can match their legacy.
From foundational figures to modern-day stars, Columbus Crew players have shaped the club’s identity and left a lasting mark on MLS history.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best and most famous Columbus Crew players of all time, those who defined eras, lifted trophies, and became fan favorites across generations.
Brian McBride – The Original Icon
Position: Forward
Years Active with Crew: 1996–2003
Legacy: First overall MLS draft pick, 77 goals, 195 appearances
Brian McBride wasn’t just one of the first Columbus Crew players, he was Columbus Crew in the early years. As the club’s first superstar, he combined physical strength with aerial dominance and smart movement in the box.
McBride’s 77-goal tally still stands as a club record. He earned five MLS All-Star selections and was the 1998 All-Star MVP. Though the Crew didn’t win the MLS Cup during his time, he helped secure a U.S. Open Cup and paved the way for future success.
Why he’s famous: McBride was the face of the franchise and a pioneer for American soccer, later going on to star in the English Premier League.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto – The Maestro
Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Years Active with Crew: 2007–2010
Legacy: 2008 MLS MVP, MLS Cup winner, 38 goals, 3-time All-Star
If you’re searching for the best Columbus Crew player, Guillermo Barros Schelotto is in the conversation. As the club’s first designated player, he completely transformed the team’s attack. Known for his vision, passing, and free-kick mastery, Schelotto was the engine behind the Crew’s 2008 MLS Cup victory, where he assisted all three goals in the final.
Why he’s famous: Fans still chant his name. His style, leadership, and winning mentality made him a legend in just four seasons.
Chad Marshall – The Defensive Rock
Position: Center Back
Years Active with Crew: 2004–2013
Legacy: 3-time MLS Defender of the Year, 272 appearances
No list of Columbus Crew best players is complete without Chad Marshall. Calm, composed, and dominant in the air, Marshall anchored the defense for nearly a decade. He was part of the team’s most successful period, winning the 2008 MLS Cup and three Supporters’ Shields.
Why he’s famous: He brought consistency and leadership to the backline, helping define the Crew’s reputation as a tough team to beat.
Frankie Hejduk – The Fan Favorite
Position: Right Back
Years Active with Crew: 2003–2010
Legacy: 2008 MLS Cup winner, 4-time All-Star, 85 USMNT caps
Frankie Hejduk was a relentless force on the right flank. His energy, determination, and connection with fans made him a Crew icon. He captained the 2008 championship-winning squad and scored in the final. Hejduk was a natural leader on and off the pitch and continues to serve the club as an ambassador.
Why he’s famous: His passion for the game and loyalty to Columbus Crew made him one of the most beloved figures in club history.
Eddie Gaven – The Unsung Hero
Position: Midfielder
Years Active with Crew: 2006–2013
Legacy: 200+ appearances, MLS Cup and 2x Supporters’ Shield winner
Eddie Gaven wasn’t flashy, but he was essential. Versatile, hardworking, and technically strong, Gaven embodied the team-first mentality. He was a key piece of the Crew’s 2008 golden era before injuries ended his career prematurely at age 27.
Why he’s famous: Gaven was the type of player who made others better. Always reliable, he became a quiet cornerstone of the club during its most successful years.
Darlington Nagbe – The Modern-Day Leader
Position: Midfielder
Years Active with Crew: 2020–Present
Legacy: 4x MLS Cup winner, 3-time MLS All-Star
Darlington Nagbe might be the Columbus Crew’s best player in recent memory. He’s one of only 10 players in MLS history to win four league titles and played a critical role in Columbus’ 2020 and 2023 championship runs. Known for his elite ball retention and composure, Nagbe leads by example and currently captains the squad.
Why he’s famous: A modern legend, Nagbe represents excellence and consistency at the highest level of MLS.
Cucho Hernández – The New Star
Position: Forward
Years Active with Crew: 2022–Present
Legacy: 2023 MLS Cup MVP, 2024 MLS All-Star
Juan “Cucho” Hernández has quickly become one of the most impactful Columbus Crew players in recent years. With back-to-back double-digit goal seasons and standout playoff performances, he’s established himself as an elite striker in MLS.
Why he’s famous: Cucho brings flair, precision, and goals. If he stays with the Crew, he could go down as one of their all-time greats.
Honorable Mentions
These Columbus Crew famous players also deserve a shout:
- Lucas Zelarayán – The creative force behind the 2020 MLS Cup win.
- Stern John – The club’s most efficient scorer (0.79 goals/game), but with only two seasons, he falls just short of legend status.
- Mike Clark – A steady presence from day one, over 160 appearances between 1996–2003.
- Diego Rossi – Already racking up goals and assists, a future Crew great in the making.
- Steven Moreira & Rudy Camacho – Key pieces in the Crew’s dominant 2023 and 2024 campaigns.
Final Thoughts: Who is the Best Columbus Crew Player of All Time?
It depends on what you value—longevity, peak performance, or cultural impact.
- McBride was the club’s first icon.
- Schelotto brought silverware and flair.
- Nagbe is the modern standard-bearer.
What’s clear is that Columbus Crew has had no shortage of incredible talent over the years. From defensive giants to attacking maestros, the Black & Gold’s legacy lives on through these legends.
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