S. Zawadzki Columbus Crew Midfielder #25 Player Profile and 2025 Season Analysis

Sean Zawadzki’s really made a name for himself in Columbus, wearing #25 and putting in those solid, workmanlike shifts for the Crew. Local guy, homegrown story—honestly, it’s the kind of journey that just feels good to follow, whether you’re a diehard or just getting curious about MLS.

You spot Zawadzki’s name on the team sheet, and there’s a reason for it. He brings tactical smarts, reliability, and a calm presence that helped Columbus put together a strong campaign.

The Crew trusted him with 30 appearances in 2023, and you can check those numbers for yourself on his official Crew profile.

Here’s a quick look at his stats:

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists
2023	30	2	1

Sean Zawadzki: Player Profile

Sean Zawadzki brings that versatile, steady presence right into the heart of the Crew midfield. He’s adaptable, works hard, and honestly, those local roots just add a little extra to his story.

Position and Playing Style

You’ll see Zawadzki in the #25 shirt, usually holding down the central midfield spot for Columbus. Sometimes, when the team needs it, he slides back into defense—showing he’s got a real feel for the game and what his squad needs.

Coaches value him for his discipline and how he’s always up for doing the dirty work. Off the ball, he reads things well, steps in to break up attacks, and offers himself for passes.

He’s not flashy, but he makes the team tick. Ball circulation, defensive coverage, you name it—Zawadzki just keeps things moving.

He gets regular minutes because he’s dependable, and when the coach asks, he jumps into new roles without missing a beat.

Position	Primary Role	Secondary Role
Midfielder	Central Mid	Defender

Notable Skills

Let’s talk about what stands out. Zawadzki’s got the basics down—his passing is crisp with both feet, and he’s tough to dispossess in tight spaces.

His passing accuracy in short areas keeps things flowing, and he’s not afraid to hit a longer ball to open up the field.

He’s sharp at intercepting passes and timing his tackles. That spatial awareness? It helps him close down opponents and win those 50-50s.

In attack, he makes the simple, effective play—moves the ball fast, supports his teammates, and avoids unnecessary risks.

You can count on him to keep errors to a minimum. He’s got the engine, too—Zawadzki covers a ton of ground, and he’s still running at full tilt in the 90th minute.

Key Skills	Description
Passing	Accurate, responsible, with both feet
Defensive IQ	Good at interceptions, marking, tactical fouls
Stamina	High work rate, reliable through 90 minutes

Personal Background

Born in Olmsted Falls, Ohio, Zawadzki’s got that Northeast Ohio pride baked into his game. He grew up just outside Cleveland, and you can see that local edge when he plays.

He joined the Crew as a homegrown, showing coaches early on that he was all-in. His path took him through youth soccer and a strong college stint, setting him up for the grind of MLS.

Off the pitch, he’s known for being focused and grounded. That attitude shines through in how he goes about his business every day.

You can dig deeper into his journey and stats at Columbus Crew’s official player profile or over on Transfermarkt.

Columbus Crew Tenure

Sean Zawadzki’s moved up the Crew ranks with quiet consistency. He came through as a homegrown product and now gives the first team a dependable midfield option.

First Team Breakthrough

Zawadzki made the jump to the Crew first team in 2022. The club rewarded his years in the academy and his showings at the MLS NEXT Pro level.

At first, he came off the bench—short stints, but important ones. He showed he was ready, mature, and up for the challenge.

His debut? Calm and collected in midfield, which proved the Crew’s development pipeline works. He adapted fast to the MLS pace, earning more trust from the coaches. That set him up for bigger moments down the line.

Role as a Homegrown Player

Zawadzki’s become the kind of homegrown midfielder clubs dream about—reliable, flexible, and always ready. His status helps the Crew build around local talent and keep the roster balanced.

He’s played all over the midfield, sometimes dropping deeper when needed. This lets Head Coach Wilfried Nancy shift tactics mid-game without missing a beat.

His contract runs through 2027 now, so the Crew clearly see him as a long-term piece. That says a lot about what they think of his progress. You can check more details at the Columbus Crew MLS profile.

Regular Season Appearances

Since debuting in 2022, Zawadzki’s role has grown. Early on, he mostly came off the bench, but he’s started to grab those starting spots as the years roll on.

By the end of 2024, he racked up over 40 appearances, including starts in some pretty big matches.

Here’s a quick stat line:

Season	Matches Played	Starts	Minutes Played
2022	13	6	650
2023	18	10	1050
2024	14	7	780

Coaches leaned on his consistency, especially when the schedule got packed. His positioning and quick decisions helped him stand out.

Goals and Highlights

Zawadzki isn’t a high-volume scorer, but he’s popped up with some big goals. His first Crew goal came in the 2023 MLS regular season—a moment the fans and his teammates definitely celebrated.

That strike showed off his technical skills, honed through the Crew academy. Besides his goal, he’s made some sharp tackles, kept the ball under pressure, and played key minutes in the Crew’s 2023 MLS Cup run.

He’s chipped in with assists and helped anchor the defense during those trophy pushes. For more highlights, check out his Transfermarkt player profile.

Jersey Number and Squad Information

Sean Zawadzki rocks #25 for the Crew. He’s a key piece in the midfield, bouncing between the first team and Crew 2, making an impact at both ends.

#25 Significance

Since joining the Crew, Zawadzki’s made #25 his own. He’s worn it for both the senior squad and Columbus Crew 2, putting his stamp on it across MLS competitions.

With #25, he’s become a steady presence in midfield. The number means something to Crew fans now, marking his rise from homegrown hopeful to trusted starter.

Before Zawadzki, #25 didn’t really have a Crew identity—now it does. For Crew 2, he’s been a consistent anchor during their MLS NEXT Pro title runs.

Squad Dynamics

Look at who’s lining up next to Zawadzki and you’ll see his influence. He often partners with guys like Aidan Morris or up-and-comers like Max Arfsten.

This midfield core blends experience and youth, giving Columbus a nice balance. Zawadzki’s versatility lets him rotate with players like Patrick Schulte, another Crew 2 grad now shining for the senior team.

Here’s a look at his recent stats:

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	Columbus Crew	23	2	4
2023	Columbus Crew 2	15	3	2

He adapts, links up with teammates, and does the dirty work to help both the attack and defense.

MLS Achievements and Honors

Zawadzki’s become one of the Crew’s most reliable midfielders, earning respect with his performances and big-game moments. He’s shown steady improvement from college standout to MLS contributor.

2023 MLS Cup Victory

Let’s not kid ourselves—Zawadzki’s role in the Crew’s 2023 MLS Cup win deserves a spotlight. He played in 30 league matches that year, starting 15 and notching 3 goals.

His defensive instincts and tactical discipline made him a trusted option when the pressure ramped up. In the playoffs, he gave the Crew crucial minutes off the bench and stepped up as a starter when needed.

That MLS Cup was his first, and it really put him on the radar among young American midfielders. His rep as a league contributor just keeps growing.

Key 2023 stats:

Category	Total
Matches Played	30
Matches Started	15
Goals	3
Minutes Played	1,569

For more on his 2023 season, check his Columbus Crew profile or MLS profile.

Major Tournament Performances

Let’s talk knockout competitions—Zawadzki’s no stranger to the big stage. Back in college, you probably caught his name in those tense Big East Tournament matches or the NCAA College Cup. He thrived under pressure, especially as Georgetown’s captain in 2019, when they lifted that College Cup trophy after two wild penalty shootouts.

His college days brought plenty of accolades. Zawadzki snagged All-Big East honors and helped Georgetown rack up conference titles. Sure, he didn’t grab the MVP or Defensive Player of the Year, but when the lights were brightest, he always delivered.

Now in the U.S. Open Cup, Zawadzki’s started to make his mark at the pro level. He’s shown the same calm you saw in college, stepping up for the Crew in high-stakes matches.

Coaches love having a guy like him in their tournament squads. He’s reliable when it matters most.

Contract and Career Milestones

Sean Zawadzki’s journey from the Crew Academy to a key squad player is the kind of story Columbus fans love. The club showed their faith in him with a recent long-term contract—clearly, they believe he’s just getting started.

Multi-Year Contract Extension

Zawadzki inked a four-year contract extension in 2024, tying him to the Crew through the 2027 MLS season. That’s a big vote of confidence and a sign he’s central to the club’s plans.

Crew President Tim Bezbatchenko led the charge to get this deal done. He’s known for locking up homegrown talent, and Zawadzki’s extension proves the club trusts its academy products. With this contract, Zawadzki’s future in Columbus looks pretty solid. You can check out more on the Crew’s official site.

Sean Zawadzki Contract Details

Year	Contract Status
2024	Signed extension
2025–2027	Under contract

Crew Academy Development

Zawadzki’s story goes back to his teenage years in the Crew Academy. He stood out early, earning respect as a leader.

The academy built up his technical skills and tactical smarts. He made 21 appearances for Crew 2 during the first MLS Next Pro season, proving he could handle the pro grind.

His jump to the first team shows how much Columbus values homegrown talent. The club gave him a shot, and he took it. For a deeper dive, check Zawadzki’s Crew profile.

College and Youth Career

Before he joined the Crew, Zawadzki built his foundation at Georgetown. His time there shaped his leadership style and approach to the pro game.

Georgetown University Experience

At Georgetown, Zawadzki suited up for the Hoyas from 2018 to 2021. He anchored the midfield through a golden era, racking up 78 appearances and four goals.

He played a big role in Georgetown’s 2019 NCAA national championship run. When the pressure ramped up, he always seemed to be in the right spot.

Here’s a quick look at his college record:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2018-2021	78	4	6

Year after year, Zawadzki brought consistency and reliability. He helped win three Big East tournament titles, always linking defense and attack.

Georgetown gave him the technical and tactical tools he needed for the next level. You can read more about his college days here.

Captaincy and Leadership

Zawadzki wore the captain’s armband at Georgetown for two seasons. Coaches and teammates trusted his voice and steady hand.

He organized the defense and kept everyone focused, especially in the biggest games. Even before college, he captained the Crew Academy—pretty rare for a young player.

These leadership roles forced him to mature quickly. He set the tone in training and matches, always pushing standards higher.

That early experience shaped how he leads now as a pro. If you want more on his captaincy, check this background on his youth and leadership roles.

International Experience

Zawadzki’s international journey is all about chasing that next level. He hasn’t cracked the senior national team yet, but his club form keeps him in the conversation.

U.S. Men’s National Team Involvement

So far, Zawadzki hasn’t been a regular in U.S. Men’s National Team match squads. Still, his steady play with Columbus keeps him on coaches’ radar.

He hasn’t gotten the nod for big camps like January or June, which usually gather rising homegrown talent in Chicago. Some Crew teammates have made those camps, showing just how tough it is to break in.

He hasn’t suited up for the senior squad against teams like Slovenia or Türkiye yet. But with his form, people are starting to wonder if a call-up is coming.

Year	USMNT Senior Cap	Camps Attended
2022	No	None reported
2023	No	None reported
2024	No	None reported

If he keeps impressing at club level, that door might open.

International Friendlies and Camps

Right now, Zawadzki hasn’t been part of official friendlies or national team camps. He hasn’t traveled with the U.S. squad or joined training stints in Chicago or abroad.

Some players use those January or June camps to launch into international play. For Zawadzki, those chances haven’t come yet.

Still, his profile matches guys who’ve broken through after strong MLS seasons. Observers are watching—maybe he’s next.

Notable Matches and Opponents

Let’s get into some of Zawadzki’s battles against MLS heavyweights. Whether it’s last-minute drama or tough defensive jobs, he’s faced some of the league’s best and shown he can handle the heat.

New England Revolution

If you’re thinking clutch moments, Zawadzki’s stoppage-time goal against New England jumps right out. In the 90+8’ minute, he found the net and snatched a crucial point for Columbus. Talk about nerves of steel.

Against the Revolution, he often controls the midfield and helps out defensively. Watch him on set pieces—he’s dangerous at both ends.

In 2023, he played in several matches against New England, always influencing the tempo. His physicality and passing kept the Revolution’s playmakers quiet.

Key Stat vs. New England Revolution (2023)

Match	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists	Key Passes
Crew vs. NE	90	1	0	2

NYCFC Encounters

Zawadzki’s discipline shines against NYCFC. He’s matched up against some of their trickiest midfielders, like Maxi Moralez, and handled the challenge.

His tackling and interceptions protect Columbus’ backline. He’s also key in moving the ball out quickly, which is huge against NYCFC’s press.

He often starts counterattacks with smart distribution. Zawadzki’s cool head under pressure has helped Columbus get results, especially at Lower.com Field.

Notable Performances vs. NYCFC

• Steady defensive play every time out
• Multiple games with 85%+ passing accuracy
• Timely clearances and interceptions

Toronto FC Highlights

Against Toronto FC, Zawadzki’s work rate stands out. He covers for injuries, shifts formations, and brings energy to the midfield.

He’s not just a stopper—he pushes forward, times his runs, and connects passes in the final third. Against Toronto, he racks up ball recoveries and cuts out dangerous passes, keeping stars like Lorenzo Insigne in check.

When things get physical, Zawadzki keeps his cool. His decision-making under Toronto’s press shows real maturity.

2023 Toronto FC Stats

Games Played	Minutes	Tackles	Ball Recoveries
2	155	6	8

Philadelphia Union Battles

Facing Philadelphia Union, you need grit. Zawadzki often shields the Crew defense, slowing Philly’s quick transitions.

He shadows Daniel Gazdag and shuts down passing lanes—little things that don’t always show up in the stats, but win games. You’ll see him intercept passes and spark counterattacks with simple, smart balls.

On set pieces, he uses his aerial ability to mark Philly’s biggest threats. His matches against the Union show tactical awareness, patience, and just the right amount of bite.

Performance Focus vs. Philadelphia Union

• Box-to-box presence
• Tactical fouls to break up counters
• Multiple clearances from danger

Community Impact and Legacy

When you watch Sean Zawadzki take the field for Columbus Crew, you notice more than just his skills. There’s this steady, approachable vibe he brings to the community, and you can’t miss it.

Zawadzki grew up in Olmsted Falls, and he’s never forgotten those roots. He pops up at local events and youth soccer camps, chatting with kids, tossing out advice, and just being present.

His style of community engagement is refreshingly simple: show up, listen, and give back. You’ll catch him at schools, talking about healthy habits, setting goals, and why teamwork matters.

Local coaches? They love it. They say his visits light a fire under kids who dream of making it big, just like he did.

Community Appearance Highlights

Date	Event	Role
May 2024	Youth Soccer Camp	Guest Coach
Feb 2025	Olmsted Falls Elementary	Motivational Talk
April 2025	Crew Foundation Benefit	Volunteer

You see Zawadzki’s dedication everywhere, not just during matches. Teammates always mention how he leads by example, quietly putting in the work and showing what it takes.

He’s a regular at local charity events, too. Food drives, fundraisers for youth sports—you name it, he’s probably helped out.

When he’s not wearing the Crew jersey, he’s usually somewhere in the crowd, cheering on others or pitching in behind the scenes.

These everyday moments—showing up, offering support, being real—are what build his legacy in Columbus. If you’re a young fan, his path from Olmsted Falls to the pros just feels real and possible, doesn’t it?