I. Aliyu Columbus Crew Forward #11: Player Profile and 2025 Season Highlights

Folks, if you’re tuning into Columbus Crew games this season, you just can’t overlook the impact of I. Aliyu, the Nigerian forward rocking the #11 jersey. He’s become a key cog in the Crew’s attack since coming over from Houston Dynamo in a trade that really put his name on the MLS map.

Aliyu brings this relentless energy, sharp movement, and a real knack for finishing—he’s the kind of player who keeps you on the edge of your seat as Columbus chases more wins.

If you’re following his journey, you’ll see Aliyu’s got both MLS and international experience. He’s got a nice blend of speed and composure, and honestly, it just fits with how the Crew want to play.

Watch him race defenders or bury a chance—he’s starting to show exactly why Columbus went out and got him. You can catch more on his journey and stats over at his official Crew profile.

Aliyu’s arrival gives Columbus a fresh attacking option. For fans, that means you’re in for a wild ride this season.

Maybe you watched him in Houston, maybe you’re just now noticing him—either way, there’s a lot to like about what Aliyu brings to the Crew and how he could shape the team’s future.

Profile of I. Aliyu: Columbus Crew Forward #11

Ibrahim Aliyu brings a real edge to the Crew’s attack. You’re looking at a player with youth, experience, and that extra something that lets him break through defenses.

Personal Background

Born January 16, 2002, in Kano, Nigeria, Aliyu grew up surrounded by the kind of soccer passion you just can’t fake. That atmosphere fired him up from a young age.

He stood out early on in Nigeria, showing off talent that set him apart from the pack. Overseas clubs took notice, opening doors for him outside his home country.

In 2024, he made the leap to the U.S. and joined Major League Soccer. Now, at just 23, you’re seeing a forward who’s got the hopes of his hometown on his shoulders and is building a name in a tough league like MLS.

His journey from Kano to Columbus? Pure determination and focus.

Playing Position and Jersey Number

Aliyu lines up mostly as a forward. That puts him right at the center of the Crew’s offense.

He’s wearing number 11, so you’ll spot him leading the line or drifting out wide to pull defenders around and open up space.

Heading into the 2025 season, Aliyu needs to score goals and create chances for his teammates. Columbus picked him up from Houston Dynamo, counting on his MLS experience and his ability to give the attack some extra punch.

You’ll see him in big moments—sometimes starting, sometimes coming off the bench. The Crew value his mix of youth and experience, and honestly, he’s getting the spotlight as a player who could really grow in the next few years.

The number 11? That’s for players who make things happen, and Aliyu fits the bill.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Aliyu stands 6 feet tall, and he’s got a frame that combines size, speed, and agility. You’ll notice him out there—he’s hard to miss when he’s muscling past defenders or sprinting onto a ball from midfield.

Key Stats (2024 Season, All Competitions):

Attribute	Statistic
Height	6’0″ (183 cm)
Age	23
Goals	6
Matches Played	31
Position	Forward

Aliyu plays with a direct, energetic style. He’ll use his speed to get behind defenders and isn’t shy about taking them on one-on-one.

His movement opens up lanes for his teammates, making the Crew attack more dangerous. If you watch closely, you’ll spot his knack for finishing in tight spaces and his drive to press high up the field when Crew lose the ball.

Coach Wilfried Nancy loves these traits, and they keep opposing defenses guessing. For more about his background and numbers, check out the official Crew site or his Transfermarkt profile.

Columbus Crew Overview

The Columbus Crew—what a staple in Major League Soccer. This club’s got a real tradition of winning and a fan base that’s as passionate as they come.

From the early days to now, the Crew have balanced on-field growth with smart investments in players, coaches, and youth.

Club History and Achievements

Columbus Crew helped launch Major League Soccer back in 1996. They’ve played a big part in shaping the league and have seen their share of ups and downs.

The Crew have lifted some serious silverware—MLS Cup titles and Supporters’ Shields. They grabbed their first MLS Cup in 2008 and another in 2020.

Supporters’ Shield wins in 2004, 2008, and 2009 show just how consistent they’ve been. A huge moment for the club came when they moved to Lower.com Field in downtown Columbus in 2021.

That stadium? It’s state-of-the-art and has totally changed the matchday vibe. Crew supporters are famous across MLS for turning every home game into something special.

Roster Structure

Like every MLS team, Crew’s roster follows league rules on international slots, salary caps, and things like the Designated Player and U22 Initiative.

The squad mixes veterans, international guys, and young talent from the Crew Academy.

Bringing in players like Ibrahim Aliyu, now wearing #11, shows the Crew want to win now but also build for the future. They promote from the academy, too, giving young players a shot at the first team.

Issa Tall’s a good example of that. The Crew’s depth lets them juggle league matches and other competitions without missing a beat.

Here’s a quick look at the roster:

Player	Position	Nationality	Year Joined
Ibrahim Aliyu	Forward	Nigeria	2025
Cucho Hernández	Forward	Colombia	2022
Issa Tall	Defender	USA	2024
Darlington Nagbe	Midfielder	USA	2020

Key Personnel and Management

Coaching and management really matter in Columbus. The Crew have a strong technical staff and a plan for recruiting and building the squad.

The head coach sets the team’s tactical direction. Presidents and general managers handle contracts and look at the long-term, making sure the Crew stay competitive.

The academy director’s job is to bring through new talent and keep things connected with the first team. When you head to Lower.com Field, you’ll see those loyal supporters—always loud, always behind the team.

Off the field, business staff work hard to grow the Crew’s footprint in Columbus and across MLS. You can find more about the organization at the Columbus Crew official website.

Career Journey and Transfers

Ibrahim Aliyu’s road to Columbus Crew took him through Nigeria, Croatia, and the U.S. He’s played in top leagues, worked his way through youth systems, and battled in the grind of MLS.

Early Years in Nigeria

Aliyu grew up in Kano, Nigeria—a city where football is a way of life. He joined youth training academies early, building his technical and tactical skills.

Young Nigerian players really fight for a shot to get noticed by African and European scouts. Aliyu stood out with his speed, sharp decision-making, and nose for goal.

His performances in youth games caught the eyes of scouts looking for the next big thing out of Nigeria.

Here’s a quick snapshot of his youth strengths:

Attribute	Marked Strength
Pace	Excellent
Finishing	Above average
Dribbling	Quick, effective
Tactical Sense	Developing

After proving himself in Nigeria, Aliyu started looking for new challenges abroad.

NK Lokomotiva Zagreb Experience

Heading to Europe is a huge step for any Nigerian player. Aliyu joined NK Lokomotiva Zagreb, a respected club in Croatia’s top league.

Croatia’s a great place for young players to get high-level training and regular competitive matches. Aliyu adapted quickly.

He faced older, more experienced opponents and learned tactical discipline. Still, he grabbed a spot as a regular forward, getting minutes and contributing goals and assists.

Transfermarkt shows his steady growth. He built a reputation as a reliable attacking player and left Croatia as a more complete forward—able to read the game and make things happen under pressure.

Houston Dynamo Tenure

Next up, Aliyu took his talents to the Houston Dynamo in MLS. He signed a full transfer out of Croatia, and Houston counted on him to boost their attack.

Aliyu debuted on May 5, 2023, against Sporting Kansas City. He went at defenders with confidence and showed he could play multiple roles up front.

His job involved leading the line, stretching defenses, and setting up chances—sometimes starting, sometimes as a sub. Aliyu had to adjust to the MLS pace and physical style.

He settled in, becoming a U22 Initiative signing. That move let Houston bring in young, international talent at a good price, and it gave Aliyu valuable minutes in the U.S.

Move to Columbus Crew

Aliyu’s latest move took him to the Columbus Crew in April 2025. The Crew brought him in from Houston with a cash-for-player deal worth $450,000, plus up to $750,000 in performance incentives.

Houston kept a sell-on percentage for any future transfer, which says a lot about Aliyu’s value in MLS. This trade used the league’s updated rules, showing how both teams are thinking ahead.

For Columbus, Aliyu’s youth, MLS experience, and international background make him a perfect fit to strengthen their attack for the 2025 season. He’s expected to play a dynamic role and give the Crew more firepower as they aim for the top of the table.

You can read more on his move in this Columbus Crew trade summary.

Stats and On-Field Performance

Ibrahim Aliyu has brought efficiency and flair to the forward position. His numbers, his consistency, and his role in the league’s developmental system tell the story.

Stay tuned—this kid’s just getting started.

MLS Statistics

Aliyu’s 2024 Major League Soccer stats? Oh, they tell the story of a player who wasted no time settling in. In 2024, he logged 28 appearances for Columbus Crew, starting in 21 matches.

He knocked in 8 goals and chipped in 5 assists. That’s a guy who can finish and set up teammates—pretty impressive.

Aliyu keeps his passing sharp, sitting at 82% accuracy. He averages 1.7 key passes a match.

His quickness and dribbling? Those open up the pitch, giving the Crew width and a real threat down the flanks.

2024 Columbus Crew (MLS) – I. Aliyu Regular Season

Category	Value
Appearances	28
Starts	21
Goals	8
Assists	5
Passing Accuracy	82%
Key Passes/Game	1.7
Shots on Target	23

These numbers put him right up there among Crew’s most dangerous attackers. He’s really earned that #11 shirt.

Match Log and Accolades

Aliyu’s match log? It’s packed with game-changing moments.

In a June clash against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, he bagged a crucial early goal. That one sparked a Crew comeback and snapped a winless run. You can find more about that turning point and its impact on Crew’s season at footballrover.com.

He’s picked up two MLS Team of the Matchday honors this year. Both analysts and coaches have praised his pressing and his knack for getting involved in attack.

The club structured his contract with performance-based incentives. Goals, assists, minutes played—they all factor into his bonuses.

A bunch of his best games came when the Crew needed him most, with points on the line late in the year.

U22 Initiative Milestones

Aliyu joined Columbus Crew through Major League Soccer’s U22 Initiative. He was just 22 at the start of 2024.

This initiative lets clubs sign young players under special budget rules, aiming to find future stars and build long-term squad value.

Columbus Crew saw Aliyu as a perfect fit. His transfer fee and salary fell right under the U22 rules.

The club set up his contract to be cap-friendly, but with plenty of incentives if he keeps getting better.

This approach protects the Crew’s roster flexibility and gives them upside if Aliyu keeps progressing.

He’s already passed 2,000 league minutes as an under-23 player and hit double digits in combined goals and assists.

That puts him among the top U22 signings in the league, according to stats from Transfermarkt and the club’s own Columbus Crew profile.

Impact in Major Competitions

Ibrahim Aliyu arrived in Columbus and immediately brought speed and scoring power.

He’s delivered highlights and big moments in all the major competitions—playoffs, cup games, you name it.

MLS Cup Playoffs

When the pressure’s on, Aliyu just seems to find another gear. In the MLS Cup Playoffs, he’s given Columbus a new weapon on the counterattack.

He keeps beating defenders with pace, opening up chances for himself and his teammates.

You especially notice it in the big games—his quick decisions lead to quality looks at goal.

Aliyu’s off-ball movement stretches defenses, letting Columbus capitalize on set pieces and transitions.

Check out these playoff numbers:

Year	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Shots on Target
2024	5	2	1	7

He’s scored early, including one of the fastest goals in Crew playoff history. That puts instant pressure on the other side.

Aliyu’s work rate jumps off the screen, with relentless pressing and smart positioning, especially late in matches.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

Cup games come fast and furious, and squad rotation is the name of the game. Aliyu has used these matches to flash his versatility and finishing.

He gives the Crew a spark in knockout settings.

Even when the lineup changes, Aliyu keeps making aggressive runs and tests the keeper from every angle.

He’s chipped in with goals and assists that helped Columbus survive tough matchups.

Opposing defenders have struggled with his dynamic play, often getting forced into mistakes or fouls.

Aliyu has played a key role in multiple scoring sequences during these cup runs.

U.S. Open Cup highlight stats:

Year	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Key Passes
2025	3	1	1	5

He really thrives in these moments—using his speed and skill to find space, even against deep-lying defenses.

Western Conference Final

Columbus usually plays in the East, but playoff paths sometimes throw you up against Western Conference rivals.

Aliyu’s job? Take on those slower defenders and use his burst to create problems.

We saw it in those high-stakes playoff rounds—Aliyu matched up against the league’s best center backs.

He times his runs perfectly, always threatening behind the backline.

Once he hits top speed, defenders just can’t keep up.

In these games, his pressing and work rate disrupt the opponent’s buildup.

He finishes well under pressure and keeps Columbus right in the thick of things.

But honestly, it’s his movement—drawing defenders out and making space for others—that really sets him apart when the pressure’s on.

Performance Snapshot:

• Minutes played: 90+ in every big match
• Chances created: Multiple each game
• Fouls won: Several, often in dangerous spots

Aliyu’s impact in these do-or-die moments shows why he’s so important for Columbus Crew in every competition.

Media, News, and Community

When Ibrahim Aliyu came to Columbus, you could feel the buzz—new headlines, highlight reels, and fans getting involved every week.

There’s always something happening, whether it’s a transfer update, a top play, or the Crew community rallying around their new star.

Latest News and Transfers

Columbus Crew made it official in April 2025, signing Ibrahim Aliyu from Houston Dynamo for $450,000 plus up to $750,000 in incentives.

The deal went down on the last day of the MLS primary transfer window, giving the Crew instant attacking depth.

You can dig into the full trade details here.

Aliyu’s already making noise with his energy and finishing touch. He’s scored some big goals and quickly claimed a starting spot.

You’ll find regular news on the official Columbus Crew site and in local and national sports coverage.

Those updates cover everything from roster moves to match previews, postgame breakdowns, and the latest transfer buzz.

Here’s a quick look at the transaction:

Date Signed	Previous Club	Transfer Fee	Incentives
April 2025	Houston Dynamo	$450,000	Up to $750,000

Videos and Highlights

Fans have plenty of ways to catch Aliyu’s best moments—goals, assists, and those big celebrations.

You can watch official MLS highlights, behind-the-scenes clips, and special features on the Crew’s website and social channels.

TV stations usually post quick video recaps after every match.

Aliyu’s first big highlight in Columbus? That goal against Vancouver Whitecaps, all caught in game footage and match reports.

If you’re looking for images or editorial videos, outlets like Getty Images and AP Images have you covered with high-res downloads.

Videos usually come with captions and player info, making it easy for fans and reporters to follow Aliyu’s rise in Columbus.

Fan Engagement and Community Involvement

Crew supporters are buzzing these days. You’ll find fans organizing meetups, throwing viewing parties, and putting together those wild fan section displays—just to celebrate Aliyu’s impact.

The Crew keeps getting out in the community, hosting community outreach events where players join local causes. Lately, Aliyu’s showing up more and more at autograph sessions and youth clinics. Kids light up when he walks in. It’s a cool sight.

Ticket demand’s definitely jumped for those big matches. Supporters want to see new signings like Aliyu get out there and make some noise.

Social media’s popping off too. Instagram reels, X threads—fans are right there with matchday chatter, photo dumps, and those in-the-moment reactions.

The Crew’s official site keeps fans in the loop with community spotlights and free upcoming events. If you want to meet players or just get involved, you’ll find something every week.