D. Rossi Columbus Crew Forward #10: Key Player Analysis and Season Highlights

Alright, folks, if you’ve been watching Major League Soccer lately, you can’t miss Diego Rossi lighting it up for the Columbus Crew. The Uruguayan forward wears that iconic number 10 and, wow, he’s turned into a key player since coming over from Fenerbahçe.

Rossi’s knack for both creating and finishing chances? That’s really set the Crew’s attack on fire this season. He’s quickly become one of the most crucial names on the roster.

You’re getting a player who brings a sharp mix of skill, vision, and experience. Every week, Rossi’s making his mark—not just by scoring, but by setting up his teammates too.

His recent nod to the 2025 MLS All-Star team says it all. Wondering why the Crew’s attack looks so much sharper and what makes Rossi stand out? Stick with me.

Here’s a quick look at his latest season stats:

Season	Team	Games Played	Goals	Assists
2023	Columbus Crew	10	3	3

Player Profile: D. Rossi

Diego Rossi’s a dynamic forward, no question, wearing that number 10 for Columbus Crew. If you know his journey, his skills, and his international résumé, you see a player who keeps delivering at a high level.

Background and Early Career

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, back in 1998, Rossi started his climb at Club Atlético Peñarol—one of South America’s true soccer hotbeds.

He joined Peñarol’s youth system early on, and by 2016, he broke into the first team.

Rossi’s time at Peñarol? Full of early highlights. He helped them win the Uruguayan Primera División title and got noticed for his quick feet and smart play, even as a young guy.

After catching plenty of eyes at Peñarol, Rossi jumped to MLS with Los Angeles FC. He helped power up their attack before heading to Europe, then made the move to Columbus Crew.

Honestly, that’s the path so many Uruguayan talents dream about—growing and shining beyond South America.

Playing Position and Style

Rossi lines up mainly as a forward, usually out on the left wing. You can’t help but notice his burst of speed and those sharp, off-the-ball runs.

He’s totally comfortable in tight spots, always finding ways to create scoring chances even when defenders close in.

Scoring and assisting? That’s his bread and butter. With the Crew, he led the club in goals for a season—17 of them—and added 10 assists. That’s a real impact in the attack.

Here’s a quick stats snapshot:

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2021-23	Fenerbahçe	48	6	10
2023-25	Columbus Crew	34	17	10

You see his work ethic in every phase—he pushes forward, tracks back, and just keeps moving. He takes on defenders, makes clever runs, and never shies away from the dirty work.

That drive and directness? Coaches love it.

Uruguayan International Career

Rossi’s story includes plenty of time with Uruguay’s national teams. He’s played for his country at youth levels, showing off his skills in international tournaments.

His speed and technique put him in the spotlight as a possible senior team pick.

He hasn’t stacked up a ton of senior caps yet, but he’s still in the mix for Uruguay’s national squad. If he keeps performing in MLS, you’d expect that role to grow.

Uruguay’s always looking to MLS for fresh talent, and Rossi keeps himself fit and ready.

His roots in Uruguayan soccer run deep. He brings that classic Montevideo blend of flair and discipline, just like so many of the country’s top attacking players.

D. Rossi at Columbus Crew

When Diego Rossi stepped into the Crew’s forward line, Columbus found a dynamic attacker who really lifts the team’s attacking ceiling. His journey from transfer to center stage? That’s why he’s now a cornerstone of the Crew’s MLS dreams.

Signing and Transfer Details

Back in August 2023, the Crew pulled off a big move by bringing in Diego Rossi from Fenerbahçe S.K. over in Turkey. He came to Lower.com Field with a lot of buzz, ready to make an impact as a Designated Player.

The Crew paid an undisclosed fee to bring him back to MLS. With his European experience, Rossi’s arrival sent a clear message: Columbus means business.

Fans expected quality and leadership from a signing like this, especially with the club aiming high.

Rossi slotted right in, grabbing the #10 jersey. That move told everyone—Columbus wanted to build their attack around him.

Word spread fast among fans about what this could mean for the team’s style and results.

Role as Forward #10

As Crew’s #10, you see Rossi acting as both a creative spark and a serious goal threat. He moves between central and wide roles, giving the team options in the attack.

Watch him off the ball—he opens up space for others. He’s not just hunting goals; he loves linking up play, too.

Rossi creates chances for teammates and finds dangerous spots for himself. At Lower.com Field, he’s always in the thick of it, especially when the pressure’s on.

His quick feet and vision keep defenders guessing, and the Crew’s attack runs right through him.

Performance and Statistics

Rossi delivered as the Crew’s top scorer in all competitions for 2024-2025. He finished with 17 goals and 10 assists—a stat line that puts him among the league’s elite.

That kind of season? It landed him a spot on the 2025 MLS All-Star team.

In one memorable game, Rossi dropped a five-point performance—the first in MLS since 2008—leading the Crew to a 5-1 win at Real Salt Lake.

Key Stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	MLS Player of the Week	All-Star
2024-2025	34	17	10	Yes	Yes

Rossi’s double-threat as a scorer and creator makes him the heartbeat of the Crew’s attack. Fans at Lower.com Field see him step up again and again in the big moments.

MLS Career Achievements

Diego Rossi has racked up some of Major League Soccer’s top individual honors during his time in the league. His steady scoring, leadership in Columbus, and those clutch moments really set him apart as one of the best forwards around.

Golden Boot and Individual Honors

Rossi snagged the MLS Golden Boot, topping the league in goals during a standout season. He led the Crew with 17 goals and chipped in 10 assists, showing he’s just as happy setting up teammates as finishing.

This run cemented him among MLS’s elite strikers.

He’s picked up several individual honors along the way. Rossi made MLS’s ‘22 Under 22,’ finishing in the Top 3, and he’s got four MLS All-Star appearances—more than anyone else on the 2025 roster.

That’s respect from coaches, peers, and fans alike. For a deeper dive into his top-scoring season, check his Columbus Crew profile.

Season highlights? Here you go:

Season	Goals	Assists	All-Star Selections	Major Honors
2024	17	10	4	MLS Golden Boot
2025	—	—	4	MLS All-Star

MLS Best XI and Player of the Week

Rossi’s impact shows up in regular season awards and on matchdays. He’s made the MLS Best XI, a clear sign he’s one of the league’s top players year after year.

He pulled off a historic five-point game in a 5-1 win over Real Salt Lake, a feat MLS hadn’t seen since 2008. That got him MLS Player of the Week.

His knack for changing games makes him a regular for weekly and season-long honors.

Want more details? Check out his recent seasons with the Crew at Columbus Crew.

Notable Matches and Impact

Diego Rossi played a massive role for the Crew as they pushed for MLS Cup in 2023. His performances in the playoffs and the big final showed he’s the guy you want when the stakes are highest.

MLS Cup Playoffs Performances

You saw Rossi step up in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. He played 34 MLS matches in 2024, starting 30, and chipped in 12 goals and 7 assists.

His sharp movement off the ball kept defenses on their toes and led to plenty of scoring chances.

During the playoffs, Rossi’s involvement was obvious. He averaged almost 2.7 shots per game, and his pressing up front made the Crew tough to play against.

Some of his goals came at just the right time, giving the team the momentum they needed in those tense knockout games.

Playoffs Stats	Matches	Goals	Assists	Shots per Game	Minutes Played
2023-24	5	3	2	2.7	420

His work rate and ability to deliver under pressure really stood out as the Crew made their run.

Contribution to MLS Cup Victory

When Columbus lifted the MLS Cup, Rossi stood at the heart of that success. In the final, his attacking play and defensive pressure helped shape the game.

He connected well with teammates, turned defense into attack, and kept his cool in the biggest moments.

Rossi’s knack for finding space behind defenders led to one of the Crew’s most important goals in the championship. His quick decisions and smart passing created strong chances, while his movement opened up lanes for other attackers.

The impact he had in the MLS Cup showed the constant threat he brings. For more on his season stats and playoff performances, check the Columbus Crew official page and his playoff highlights.

MLS All-Star Involvement

Diego Rossi keeps making waves for the Columbus Crew. His consistent performances have put him right in the league spotlight.

As an MLS All-Star, Rossi’s record stands out among the league’s top forwards.

MLS All-Star Game Appearances

You spot Rossi’s name all over the MLS All-Star rosters. He grabbed his first All-Star nod pretty early on, and the league just kept calling his number. By 2025, he’d racked up four selections—clearly, fans and coaches both see something special in his game.

Those appearances? They stretch over multiple seasons, showing the league really trusts his attacking chops. Each All-Star pick just underlines his creativity and his knack for scoring when the lights are brightest. Not many players in MLS history can say they’ve been chosen this often.

Rossi’s MLS All-Star Appearances

Year	Club	Selection Number
2022	Columbus Crew	1
2023	Columbus Crew	2
2024	Columbus Crew	3
2025	Columbus Crew	4

2025 MLS All-Star Game

In 2025, you watched Diego Rossi once again lead the charge for the Columbus Crew. His fourth All-Star selection put him at the top of the roster that year—nobody else had more.

The league set the showdown for July 23, 2025, at Q2 Stadium, Austin FC’s home turf. Out of the entire league, only 26 players got the call. Rossi’s work in earlier seasons set a benchmark for other forwards, and folks around the league took notice.

He shared the spotlight with his teammate Max Arfsten, giving Columbus Crew a big presence in the lineup. Rossi’s spot in the All-Star squad? It just cements his place among MLS’s best, year after year.

Club Career Beyond Columbus

If you know Diego Rossi just for his Columbus Crew heroics, you’re missing the backstory. His earlier club journey made him into a top forward. He’s tasted success in MLS and also battled through tough matches over in Turkey’s top league.

Los Angeles Football Club Achievements

Rossi started making waves in North America with Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC). He joined up as one of their first big signings, and right away, you could see he belonged. LAFC’s attacking front exploded onto the MLS scene, and Rossi was right in the middle of it.

• In 2020, Rossi snagged the MLS Golden Boot as the league’s top scorer.
• He played a key role in LAFC’s 2019 Supporters’ Shield run, helping them lock down the best regular season record.
• At LAFC, people knew him for his pace, quick decisions, and that rare ability to finish with both feet.

Here’s a quick look at his LAFC stats:

Season	MLS Goals	MLS Assists	Supporters’ Shield Year	Golden Boot
2018	12	9	No	No
2019	16	7	Yes	No
2020	14	4	No	Yes

He caught eyes all over MLS and even in Europe. His LAFC stint set up his jump to the European game.

Transfer to Fenerbahçe S.K.

After making his mark at LAFC, Rossi sealed a move to Fenerbahçe S.K., one of Turkey’s heavy hitters. The transfer came with a hefty fee, and suddenly, you’re watching him in one of Europe’s top leagues.

He jumped into Fenerbahçe mid-season, right as things got serious. The club’s always in the mix for Süper Lig titles and makes regular trips to the UEFA Europa League. Rossi arrived with serious expectations—fans wanted goals and creativity.

Adjusting to Europe isn’t easy. Rossi had to deal with tighter defenses, new tactical wrinkles, and the pace—wow, it’s quick. Still, you could see him making a difference, especially with his off-ball movement and his ability to play wherever the team needed him.

Experience in the Turkish Süper Lig

Rossi’s spell in the Turkish Süper Lig with Fenerbahçe let you watch him test himself at a higher level. The league’s famous for its wild crowds and a physical style. Every Fenerbahçe match felt like it mattered, whether it was for the title or in the Türkiye Kupası.

He played in both the Süper Lig and UEFA Europa League, where tactics get trickier and defenders are no joke. Using the skills he honed in MLS, Rossi found ways to carve out space and link up play, whether out wide or drifting inside.

Maybe the goals didn’t always come in bunches, but Rossi’s work ethic and willingness to take on defenders made him a valuable piece for Fenerbahçe. He helped keep them right in the thick of the title race.

Key Opponents and Rivals

Rossi’s time with the Columbus Crew has put him right in the center of some of MLS’s best rivalries and toughest matchups. Every game matters, but certain clashes just have a little extra heat.

Matches Against FC Cincinnati

When Columbus Crew faces FC Cincinnati, you get one of MLS’s best rivalries—“Hell Is Real.” These games are about way more than bragging rights. Lately, playoff spots and crucial points are always up for grabs.

Rossi usually finds himself battling Cincinnati’s backline, which is known for playing physical and pressing hard.

Check out some numbers from recent derbies:

Match Date	Rossi Goals	Crew Result	Rival Intensity
Mar 9, 2024	1	1-1 Draw	High
Aug 20, 2023	0	3-0 Win	Very High

These games aren’t just about scoring. They’re about grit, focus, and handling pressure.

Encounters with Inter Miami and Lionel Messi

When Columbus meets Inter Miami, you’re watching Rossi go up against Lionel Messi. Messi’s arrival turned every Miami match into must-see TV—especially when top attackers like Rossi are on the other side.

It’s not just about star power. The tactical chess match between Miami’s attack and the Crew’s offense, with Rossi leading the way, is fascinating. One big moment? That Leagues Cup clash where Rossi kept Miami’s defense, including Sergio Busquets, on their toes.

You notice Rossi has to tweak his runs and finishing when Miami’s backline and Messi’s tempo control are in play.

Games Versus Philadelphia Union, Austin FC, and Real Salt Lake

Columbus Crew faces tough tests from clubs with unique styles. Philadelphia Union’s defense forces Rossi into tight spots, so he’s got to make quick decisions and find space fast. These games are real tactical battles.

Austin FC brings speed and energy, challenging Rossi with young, relentless players. When it’s Real Salt Lake, you get showdowns with creative talents like Diego Luna. Rossi has to match Luna’s vision and flair, making these matchups especially fun to watch.

Against all these teams, you see Rossi adapt—sometimes grinding out results, other times cranking up the offense. His performances highlight just how important he is to the Crew.

Teammates and Coaching Staff

Great forwards need strong partnerships and smart coaching. For Diego Rossi, his connection with Max Arfsten and the influence of head coach Nico Estevez have shaped his role on the Crew.

Collaboration with Max Arfsten

Rossi and Max Arfsten? They’ve built real chemistry. Every match, you see them create chances with their movement and passing, often switching spots to keep defenders guessing.

Rossi’s knack for finding space fits perfectly with Arfsten’s runs. When Arfsten drags defenders wide, Rossi finds the gaps. They set each other up, and Arfsten’s assisted several of Rossi’s goals this year.

Here are their combined stats from recent games:

Player	Matches Played	Goals	Assists	Key Passes per Game
Diego Rossi	10	5	3	2.4
Max Arfsten	12	4	5	2.7

Their numbers show a balanced partnership that fits the team’s style and keeps defenses off balance. Both made the 2025 MLS All-Star team, which says a lot about their impact.

Relationship with Nico Estevez

Nico Estevez, the Crew’s head coach, brings structure and expects discipline. Under Estevez, Rossi’s become more than just a scorer—he drops deeper, helps build up play, and presses from the front.

Estevez pushes for teamwork, and he’s helped Rossi improve in shot creation and defensive effort. The coaching staff’s focus on attacking moves has let Rossi settle into MLS and boost his numbers.

Estevez showed his trust by picking both Rossi and Arfsten for the 2025 MLS All-Star team. That support gives Rossi a clear role and lifts the whole squad, making the Crew a tough out every week.

Recognition and Legacy

Diego Rossi’s consistency and technical skill have earned him plenty of respect. He’s pushed Columbus Crew deeper into the heart of each MLS season, and teams across North and Central America have had to plan for him.

Impact on MLS and Soccer

You really see Rossi’s influence in the big games—think Western Conference Finals or showdowns with Seattle and Toronto. He’s delivered some wild performances, like that five-point game against Real Salt Lake. Not many have done that since 2008.

In 2024-25, he led the Crew in both goals and assists, finishing with 17 goals and 10 helpers.

Columbus put their trust in him during the biggest moments, whether at Q2 Stadium or in Leagues Cup matches. With his knack for scoring and setting up teammates, Rossi kept showing up on highlight reels. Defenders had to stay on their toes whenever he was on the pitch.

Here’s a snapshot of his recent numbers:

Season	Goals	Assists	MLS Player of the Week Awards
2024-25	17	10	2
2023-24	12	7	1

He’s regularly ranked among MLS’s top young players, landing in the Top 3 for “22 Under 22” per Columbus Crew. That kind of recognition has helped raise the bar for attackers all across the league.

Influence on Future Generations

Young players in Columbus—and honestly, all over—see Rossi as the blueprint for making it in modern soccer. He mixes disciplined movement with sharp decision-making, and that technical edge? It’s inspired youth systems all across Ohio.

Clubs that go up against Columbus, like Toronto FC and New England Revolution, have noticed too. You’ll catch academy programs running drills based on Rossi’s moves on the pitch.

Coaches pull up his game footage to show kids how to anticipate and finish, especially when it comes to breaking down tough defensive lines. Even when he’s up against Liga MX teams, Rossi finds ways to shine, and that’s got MLS prospects thinking, “Why not me?”

Aspiring strikers watch how he adjusts in the box—quick feet, cool under pressure. As the Crew’s #10, Rossi set the bar for what the next wave of stars should chase, whether it’s in the MLS or across the border.