L. Lappalainen Colu

Lassi Lappalainen steps into the Columbus Crew midfield for 2025, rocking the #26 jersey and bringing a real punch of international flair from Finland. At 26, he’s a steady force on the left wing—quick, skillful, and always scanning for the right pass. Columbus needs that spark to keep pace in Major League Soccer. You’ll catch him working side-by-side with coach Wilfried Nancy, who already knows what Lappalainen can do from their earlier days together. That connection should make his Crew debut a smooth one.

If you’re a Crew fan, you know this club churns out results by molding talent into something special. Lappalainen’s arrival just adds fuel to that fire. With a 6’0″ frame and 168 pounds behind him, he’s tough to shove off the ball and recovers it in a flash. That’s the kind of grit MLS demands. For anyone itching to see new faces light up Lower.com Field, keep your eyes on Lappalainen.

Name	Club	Position	Number	Height	Weight	Nationality	Birthdate
Lassi Lappalainen	Columbus Crew	Midfielder	26	6’0″	168 lbs	Finland	Aug 24, 1998

For a deeper dive into his background and what he brings to the Crew, check out the Columbus Crew official player profile.

Profile of L. Lappalainen

Lassi Lappalainen’s path stands out—he blends international experience with a knack for getting things done at home. His story and style give you a sense of why he’s the right fit as a midfielder and winger for Columbus Crew.

Personal Background

Lappalainen was born August 24, 1998, in Espoo, Finland. He grew up in Espoo, sharpening his football skills in a country that really values hard work.

He stands 6’0″ and weighs 168 lbs—ideal numbers for a midfielder or winger.

He’s Finnish through and through and suits up for Finland on the international stage. He jumped into pro football young, after turning heads in local youth leagues.

His Finnish roots really show in his disciplined, team-first playing style.

Quick Facts Table

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Lassi Lappalainen
Date of Birth	August 24, 1998
Birthplace	Espoo, Finland
Height	6’0″
Weight	168 lbs
Position	Midfielder, Winger

Career Path and Early Clubs

Lappalainen launched his pro career at HJK Helsinki, Finland’s top club in the Veikkausliiga. He picked up technical skills and tactical awareness there.

He spent time on loan at Rovaniemen Palloseura, grabbing more minutes and showing what he could do.

After making noise in Finland, he secured a move to Serie A with Bologna FC 1909. He didn’t always get minutes in Italy, but training at that level pushed his game forward.

He then made an impression in Major League Soccer, especially with CF Montréal, before Columbus Crew came calling. Each stop has helped him grow, mixing domestic and international experience.

Style of Play

Lappalainen’s game jumps off the screen—pace, directness, and a real willingness to adapt. He’s just as comfortable on the wing as he is in the middle.

He attacks from wide spots or drifts inside, giving coaches options.

You’ll spot him making aggressive runs, dribbling at defenders, and timing his moves in the final third. Sometimes he finishes the play; sometimes he sets up a teammate.

He fits right into possession-based systems, but he’s also deadly on the break.

Here’s what his MLS numbers look like so far:

Club	Matches (Starts)	Goals	Assists
CF Montréal	99 (62)	15	15
Columbus Crew	Data ongoing	—	—

He brings adaptability and a high work rate—exactly what Columbus needs to strengthen their options on the wing and in midfield.

Columbus Crew Career

Lappalainen, wearing #26, brings a ton of European and international experience to the Crew. The front office clearly planned this move carefully, signaling they wanted more energy and versatility in the midfield for 2025.

Joining the Team

You saw Columbus Crew boost their squad by picking up Lappalainen as a free agent before the 2025 season. He already looked familiar to MLS fans after his stint with CF Montréal.

General Manager Issa Tall really zeroed in on Lappalainen, praising his quality and work ethic.

Columbus didn’t need to trade for him—just smart free agency work. That’s a front office thinking ahead. Lappalainen, who hails from Espoo, Finland, brings a boatload of experience.

With the Crew, you get a player who’s proven and hungry for a new challenge.

The club announced Lappalainen’s deal runs through 2025, with an option for 2026 (Club announcement). You can see his arrival is all about adding depth and flexibility for what’s sure to be a wild campaign.

Role and Position

Lappalainen’s main gig is in midfield, but he’s a real Swiss army knife. You’ll catch him on the left wing most of the time, using his speed and direct play to stretch defenses.

The Crew lean on his experience to control the ball and open up attacks from wide spots.

His past clubs saw him balance attacking moves with defensive hustle. Columbus coaches love his pressing and quick transitions.

Wearing #26, he slides right into a squad built for tactical flexibility.

Here’s a snapshot of his Crew stats so far:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2025	TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD

As the season unfolds, expect Lappalainen to pop up in both starting lineups and rotation roles, depending on the matchup. His skill set fits perfectly with the Crew’s attacking plans and high-press style.

MLS and International Experience

Lappalainen has left his mark in Major League Soccer and on the international stage for Finland. He’s versatile, steps up in big moments, and brings a ton of commitment—whether it’s club or country.

MLS Journey

Lappalainen first turned heads in MLS when he joined CF Montréal, back when they were still called the Montreal Impact. Over six seasons, he racked up 99 regular season appearances, notching 15 goals and 15 assists.

The 2025 season handed him a fresh start with Columbus Crew, who valued his know-how and versatility.

He’s played all over—left wing, right wing, even wingback at times. That’s made him a go-to guy, no matter if the Crew are up against Inter Miami or Philly.

MLS Statistics Table

Club	Seasons	Matches	Goals	Assists
CF Montréal	2019-2024	99	15	15
Columbus Crew	2025	Ongoing	—	—

Get the full scoop on his Crew signing at Columbus Crew.

International Career with Finland

Lappalainen suits up for Finland’s senior squad and has earned nine caps. He got his national team call-up after impressing at club level.

He’s not always a starter, but his call-ups show the coaches trust his experience.

For Finland, he usually lines up as a wide midfielder or winger. You’ll spot him in UEFA Nations League games and European qualifiers.

Taking on top European teams has only sharpened his game. You can find more on his international career at Spectrum News.

Performance in Key Competitions

Lappalainen has played in some big matches, both club and international. In MLS, he’s been there for playoff pushes and Eastern Conference battles.

He’s scored some key goals in the Canadian Championship’s knockout rounds.

Internationally, he’s logged minutes in friendlies, qualifiers, and Nations League showdowns. When called, he brings tactical awareness and gives Finland steady depth on the wings.

He’s not a headline scorer for the national team, but his work rate and ability to slot into different plans have made him a trusted option.

2025 Season Outlook

Lappalainen heads into 2025 with the Crew, and there’s a buzz about what he’ll bring. His background and skill set just make sense for a club hungry to build on last year.

Preseason Preparation

Lappalainen dove right into preseason with a fresh attitude. Early training sessions showed off his versatility—he’s just as comfortable on either wing as he is in central midfield.

Coaches have focused on his pace and crossing, often pairing him with strikers like Maximilian Arfsten and Cucho Hernandez.

Camp energy is high, and Lappalainen’s using friendlies to build chemistry fast. Columbus is mixing up formations and drilling on ball movement, transitions, and set pieces.

He looks fit after a full offseason, and, so far, no injuries have slowed him down.

His numbers at CF Montréal—15 goals and 15 assists in 99 games—set a bar that Crew fans hope he can at least match in black and gold.

The staff is watching him closely, using data and video to get him up to speed.

Preseason Key Stats	Value
Friendlies Played	4
Minutes Played	210
Goals	1
Assists	2
Positions Used	LW, RW, CM

Season Expectations and Goals

Alright, let’s talk about Lappalainen. The Crew expect him to play a big role if they want to hit that 65-point mark—honestly, that’s usually enough for a top playoff seed. They’re banking on his experience and those two-way abilities, so you’ll see him rotate in and out of the starting lineup. Sometimes he starts, sometimes he comes off the bench. That kind of tactical flexibility? It’s huge. Check this out.

Wilfried Nancy, the head coach, wants Lappalainen to chip in at least 5 goals and 5 assists. He also wants him to help control the ball in midfield. The staff really values how he presses from the front, defends, and opens up space for other attackers.

Fans are keeping an eye on his chemistry with Lucas Zelarayán and Diego Rossi. If those guys click, who knows what kind of attacking plays we’ll see? Lappalainen knows he needs to be consistent. A strong season could mean a contract option for 2026—or maybe even a bigger role in MLS.

Everyone’s watching the numbers: goals, assists, defensive actions. If you’re looking for a reason to be optimistic, just look at his track record and how the Crew use versatile players like him. Want more info? The Columbus Crew’s official site has all the updates.

Coaches and Leadership

Coaching and leadership? They matter—a lot. Lassi Lappalainen’s role with Columbus Crew really depends on what the head coach and club execs decide. Their calls shape where he fits in the lineup and what you can expect from him down the road.

Influence of Wilfried Nancy

Wilfried Nancy leads the Crew with a tactical, player-first style. He actually coached Lappalainen back in Montreal, so there’s already some trust and understanding there. Nancy helped him find confidence and pushed him to attack more.

If you’re a Crew supporter, you already know Nancy loves to rotate wingers and push wide players into attacking spots. That means Lappalainen gets a chance to show off his skills. Nancy always wants more movement, more pressing, and quick ball movement.

Here’s a look at what Nancy’s brought to the Crew:

Stat	2023 Season (MLS)
Goals per match	2.1
Possession %	56.7
Successful presses	1713

Lappalainen’s speed and off-the-ball runs fit right in. Expect him to get real minutes and create chances from both wings.

Role of Club Executives

General manager Issa Tall and the Crew’s exec team build the roster around the club’s big ambitions. Tall actually helped bring Lappalainen in, working out a deal that fits the Crew’s long-term plans.

It’s not just about stats and contracts. The club cares about chemistry, adaptability, and potential. They signed Lappalainen through 2025, with an option for 2026. That move keeps the roster stable and deep. You can dig into his contract at the official player profile or the MLS announcement.

These choices from club leadership shape not just the lineup, but where the Crew head in the future. If you want to understand Lappalainen’s future in Columbus, look at how the execs handle player development, cap space, and the team culture.

Home Grounds and Venues

If you follow Lappalainen and the Crew, you know home field matters. Lower.com Field? It’s modern, the sightlines are fantastic, and the fans bring a real energy. Take a look.

The stadium’s design and atmosphere make it tough for any visiting team. And when the crowd gets loud, you can just feel the momentum shift.

Lower.com Field

Alright, let’s talk about Lower.com Field, the beating heart of Columbus Crew action, right in downtown Columbus, Ohio. This stadium opened up in July 2021 and packs in about 20,000 fans on a good night.

You’ll spot comfy seats everywhere, a wild and rowdy Nordecke supporters’ section, plus spots for families who just want to enjoy the game. The spot couldn’t be better—easy public transit, restaurants, hotels, you name it, it’s all within reach.

Step inside and you’ll see sharp, pro-level turf. The locker rooms? They meet MLS standards, no doubt about it.

Players train here all year long. When match day hits, the place just hums—acoustics bounce, fans roar, and every key play feels bigger.

Lower.com Field isn’t just a place to watch soccer; it’s really the Crew’s home base, the center of all the action. If you want to dig deeper, check out the Columbus Crew official website.

Feature	Details
Capacity	20,000
Opened	July 2021
Location	Columbus, Ohio
Key Section	Nordecke (supporters’ area)
Surface	Grass