Some thoughts on Darlington Nagbe’s retirement

An Atlanta United legend is hanging up his cleats.

Atlanta United had a good team in their inaugural season of 2017. Atlanta United became a great team capable of winning multiple trophies and one of the most fun teams to watch in MLS history the day they traded for Darlington Nagbe.

One of the most important cogs in the Five-striped machine that lifted MLS Cup in 2018 is calling time on a legendary career. Nagbe is set to announce his retirement imminently according to Tom Bogert, wrapping up possibly the most successful career anyone has ever had in MLS.

Winning multiple MLS Cups is a rare list to be on. To do it with three different clubs and being one of the most influential driving forces behind all of them is something we may never see again. He didn’t luck into playing for a consistent dynasty, whichever club he ended up at became their own dynasty in large part because of Nagbe’s immense class.

Atlanta supporters love a nostalgia trip. We may even sensationalize aspects of the past because of how special of a time it was. However, there’s no doubt that Nagbe arriving ahead of the 2018 season altered the course of history. His calming influence mixing into the absolute chaos that was Tata Martino’s inaugural squad created something truly special. There’s no telling what other alternate realities with no Nagbe in Atlanta look like, but there’s a very strong chance that this club doesn’t win in 2018 and 2019 without his presence in midfield.

A full five years after his departure and the club are still struggling to fill the void he left. That’s how big of an impact he made just at this one club. Multiply that influence over three clubs all with the same dependence on his class and you can’t really argue that he’s one of the best players this league has ever seen.

Darlington has been one of my favorite soccer players long before he came to Atlanta or joined the U.S. national team. Ever since he took the league by storm in his rookie year with Portland it was obvious that he was head and shoulders above most players. His immense and unique talents in midfield were often scrutinized and misunderstood. He was never a player that stood out on the stat sheet, but has always been someone that you just know is special as soon as you watch him play.

As Atlanta United found out the hard way, there will never be another Darlington Nagbe. He was simply a gift given to anyone who loves watching good soccer players. I will miss watching him turn a defender with ease, glide past four more, and hit the most simple but effective pass possible about 75 times per game.

Thank you for sharing your talent with us. Thank you for bringing trophies and joy to Atlanta. You are a Five Stripes legend, Darlington Nagbe.