T. Habroune Columbus Crew Forward #16 Performance Highlights and Season Review

Taha Habroune is one of the youngest and most promising talents on the Columbus Crew roster, wearing the number 16 jersey as a forward. At 6 feet tall and only 19, you’ve probably heard his name pop up when people talk about rising stars in Major League Soccer.

Born and raised right in Columbus, Taha has taken a unique path from the Crew Academy all the way to the first team. That journey alone makes him a player you just can’t ignore.

So, what actually sets Habroune apart? He’s got technical skill, plenty of confidence, and a real knack for finding space in the final third. Every time he steps onto the pitch for the Crew, you see what a homegrown player can become when the system works.

If you’re curious about what makes Taha Habroune special, stick around. We’ll dig into his rapid rise, his role with the Crew, and maybe even where he’s headed next. Exciting stuff, right?

Stat	Detail
Position	Forward
Club	Columbus Crew
Jersey Number	16
Height	6′ (182 cm)
Birthdate	Feb 5, 2006
Age	19
Hometown	Columbus, Ohio

You can catch more about his journey on the official Columbus Crew page.

Taha Habroune: Quick Facts and Background

Taha Habroune stands out for his deep connection to Columbus and the speed at which he’s climbed the local soccer ladder. He’s known for his technical skills, community roots, and strong presence on the field.

Personal Information

You’ll find Habroune listed as a midfielder for the Columbus Crew, wearing number 16. His full name? Taha Habroune.

He was born February 5, 2006. As of July 2025, he’s 19 years old.

Habroune kicked off his professional MLS career in 2023 when he signed as a homegrown player with the Crew. That move shows how much the club values local talent.

Before that, he played with Crew 2 and the Crew Academy. Those experiences really shaped his technical ability and tactical awareness.

Here’s his basic profile, quick and easy:

Detail	Information
Name	Taha Habroune
Date of Birth	February 5, 2006
Position	Midfielder
Club	Columbus Crew
Jersey Number	16
Signed Pro Contract	2023
Nationality	American

People often describe him as disciplined and adaptable. Those are the traits that helped him secure a first-team spot.

MLS clubs hand out homegrown contracts to players like Habroune when they see real promise. That’s a big vote of confidence (Columbus Crew sign homegrown midfielder Taha Habroune).

Hometown and Local Ties

Habroune grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and his roots run deep in the city’s soccer scene. That local connection gives him a special bond with the Crew fan base.

He joined the Columbus Crew Academy back in 2019, showing early on that he was all-in for his hometown club. Those academy years let him grow alongside coaches and teammates who understood the local game.

His journey from the city’s youth soccer fields to the pro stage really shows what MLS development is all about.

As a homegrown player, he gives Columbus fans another reason to cheer. It’s not just about pro soccer—it’s about local pride and shared values (Taha Habroune – Wikipedia).

Physical Attributes

At 19, Habroune’s physical profile fits the modern midfielder. You might not always see his height and weight listed, but he’s agile and strong in the middle of the park.

He uses quick feet and smart positioning to make things happen. His awareness and balance stand out, so he’s valuable both going forward and tracking back.

Habroune moves well between defensive lines, helping the Crew open up space and passing lanes. That’s the kind of movement coaches love.

Coaches and scouts have praised his stamina and work rate. He’s always willing to battle for the ball, which keeps him in the mix for starting spots.

Position and Playing Style

Taha Habroune brings attacking skill and versatile positioning to the Columbus Crew lineup. He can play as a forward or midfielder, giving the team plenty of tactical options.

Roles on the Field

You’ll see Habroune line up mostly as a forward or central midfielder. Even though he wears #16, his jobs often put him in more advanced spots where the Crew need creativity and movement.

He’s not just a pure goal scorer either. Habroune likes to link up with teammates and act as a bridge between midfield and attack.

When he played for Crew 2 in MLS Next Pro, he spent time leading the attack and dropping deeper to help keep possession.

Now with the first team, coaches use him where they need a mix of energy and technical skill. That’s the kind of flexibility every squad wants.

Development as a Forward and Midfielder

Coming up through the Crew academy, Habroune developed into a player who can handle both forward and midfield roles. He played 20 matches for Crew 2, scored four goals, and added three assists.

Those numbers show he can find the net and set up teammates—important at the MLS level. You might notice how he’s evolved from a classic attacking midfielder to someone who can press higher and get into the box.

That shift lets coaches use him as a second striker, attacking midfielder, or even a deeper playmaker. Crew coaches have praised his work rate and adaptability, which you really need if you want to break into MLS as a young player.

There just aren’t many teenagers who give you that kind of tactical awareness this early.

Season	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists
2023	Crew 2	20	4	3
2024	Columbus Crew	5	0	0

(See more details)

Key Strengths and Skills

You’ll notice Habroune’s spatial awareness and vision. He reads defenses, picks out passes, and times his runs into dangerous spots.

His technical skill stands out—especially his first touch and control under pressure. That gives you a lot of confidence in tight matches.

He’s got a solid passing range, too. Habroune can switch play or combine in tight spaces.

Physically, he stands 182 cm and weighs 76 kg. That size helps him battle for possession and shield the ball from defenders.

For the Crew, his mix of intelligence and physical presence fits both transition and possession-heavy styles. You can always count on his high work rate and pressing from the front.

(View his full profile and stats)

Pathway Through the Crew Academy System

Taha Habroune’s journey with the Columbus Crew really shows the value of a strong player pathway. You get to see years of development pay off as he moves from the Crew Academy, through Crew 2, and finally into a pro contract with the first team.

Crew Academy Journey

You first hear about Taha’s soccer roots with the Crew Academy. Even as a youngster, he stood out as a midfielder, earning praise for his discipline and relentless work rate.

Training in that respected academy, he built up his technical skills and improved his awareness. Habroune made a name for himself with the Crew’s U17 MLS Next team.

Coaches there noticed his ability to anticipate plays and connect passes. That made him a key player in the squad.

His performances opened doors to national youth team camps and higher-level showcases.

The Crew Academy focuses on long-term growth, and Habroune took advantage. He sharpened his decision-making and played regularly against tough competition.

Each season, he showed more maturity and a better feel for the game.

Columbus Crew 2 Experience

You can’t talk about Taha’s path without mentioning Crew 2. That’s the club’s developmental squad in MLS NEXT Pro, bridging the gap between academy and first team.

Habroune joined Crew 2 and adapted fast to the quicker, more physical style. Suddenly, every minute on the pitch demanded focus.

He had to sharpen his defensive awareness and make decisions under real pressure.

During the season, he became a regular starter. Coaches trusted him to control the midfield.

Here’s a look at his early Crew 2 stats:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2023	21	4	3	1,480

His growth in Crew 2 laid a solid foundation for the next step.

Transition to the First Team

You saw the payoff when Habroune signed a first team contract with the Columbus Crew. That move made him the 21st Homegrown player in club history, but more importantly, he became the first to follow the full pipeline: Crew Academy, Crew 2, and then the first team.

His contract runs through 2027, with a club option for 2028. That anchors him in the Crew’s plans for years to come.

By joining the first team, Habroune proved that the Crew’s pathway can produce real first-team talent. It’s not just talk.

Now you watch him take the field at Lower.com Field, facing MLS competition and showing off what the Crew’s development pipeline can do. The Crew’s investment in the academy and Crew 2 has paid off, and Habroune’s rise is a template for others.

Professional Career with Columbus Crew

Taha Habroune’s journey to the Crew first team has been steady, marked by big debuts and more responsibility every time out. His progress really shines a light on the growing focus around MLS on developing local talent.

Debut and Early Matches

You probably remember the buzz when Taha Habroune first got his shot at the senior level. He moved up from Crew Academy to Crew 2 in 2023, signing his first pro contract as a teenager.

His senior debut came fast, with a late substitute appearance in the U.S. Open Cup against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. The Crew lost 1-0 that night, but for Habroune, it was the start of something.

Early on, he mostly came off the bench late in tight games. The coaches trusted his composure, even when the pressure was on.

For fans, seeing a homegrown Columbus kid out there felt like a win. In those first months, you could see Habroune learning to handle the speed and physicality of MLS.

The Black & Gold faithful noticed his willingness to press and make smart runs. Those traits really set him apart from other young attackers.

Appearances in MLS and Cups

Habroune’s minutes with the first team went up through late 2023 and into 2024. The Crew used him mostly as a forward, but he could drop deeper if needed.

Coaches liked his work rate and discipline off the ball. That got him more trust and more minutes.

Here’s a quick look at his club appearances and key stats through mid-2025:

Season	MLS Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	U.S. Open Cup Appearances
2023	2	0	0	0	1
2024	8	1	1	1	2
2025	10	3	2	1	–

Habroune scored his first MLS goal at Lower.com Field, joining the list of Crew academy products to net one for the senior squad. You could feel his confidence growing every week, especially in cup matches where he played longer stretches.

2027 Season Outlook

Looking ahead to 2027, you can expect Habroune to have a bigger role for the Black & Gold. The Crew signed him through 2027, with a club option for 2028, which shows real belief in his future.

With a young roster around him, Habroune faces plenty of competition for minutes. Still, his versatility keeps him in the mix.

The coaching staff keeps working with him on positioning and finishing. They want to sharpen his impact in the final third.

Columbus fans should keep an eye on his progress as the Crew chase another deep playoff run and maybe some silverware at Lower.com Field. For more on Habroune’s journey and Crew development, check out his official Crew profile.

International Experience and Achievements

Taha Habroune has built a strong international resume, representing the United States at key youth tournaments and picking up some pretty valuable recognition.

He’s played in World Cups, scored big goals, and earned honors like all-star nods.

U.S. Youth National Teams

You can follow Habroune’s rise through the U.S. Soccer ranks, starting with call-ups to the U-17 national team. He earned 11 youth caps for the U.S., playing in major tournaments and friendlies.

Habroune played a key role at the U-17 Concacaf Championship, showing reliability and poise in central midfield. He stood out for his ability to play under pressure and distribute the ball.

Coaches have leaned on his composure and technical skill in international camps. These experiences gave Habroune high-level training early on and kept him on the radar for future national team looks.

You can track his development through U.S. Youth International appearances.

FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia

Habroune represented the U.S. at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Indonesia. He played in all three group matches, starting two, as the team moved on to the knockouts.

He showed real maturity against some tough international opponents. In the Round of 16, he faced Germany—the eventual champs—and scored a huge goal for the U.S. U-17s.

The U.S. lost 3-2, but Habroune’s ability to step up and score in a knockout match really underlined his value. That experience in Indonesia gave him a taste of global competition and tested him in high-pressure moments.

He got a look at new styles of play and tactical systems on the world stage. Check out more on his FIFA U-17 World Cup performance.

International Goals and Performances

One of the big highlights from Habroune’s international career? That clutch goal against Germany in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup Round of 16.

Scoring in that kind of spot, against the eventual champs, showed his cool and timing when it matters. But he’s contributed more than just goals.

His performances feature strong passing under pressure and good awareness in transition. Coaches love his ability to keep things moving with both forward and simple passes.

Key International Stats

Statistic	Number
International Caps (U.S. Youth)	11
U-17 World Cup Appearances	4
International Goals (U-17 WC)	1

Those numbers tell the story of a midfielder who impacts games beyond just stats, bringing tactical maturity and skill every time out.

MLS Next All-Star and GA Cup Recognition

Habroune’s play earned him invites to the MLS NEXT All-Star Game and spots in the Generation Adidas Cup, including the 2023 edition.

These competitions pull together the best young players in MLS academies and pit them against top international youth teams. Getting picked for the MLS NEXT All-Star Game puts you among the country’s top prospects.

In the Generation Adidas Cup, Habroune played against teams with all sorts of different styles, helping him round out his game. These honors highlight his technical quality and his growing reputation with scouts and coaches.

You’ll spot his name on MLS NEXT All-Star and Generation Adidas Cup rosters, marking him as a player to watch for years.

Key Teammates and Influential Figures

Let’s talk about the people who helped shape Taha Habroune on and off the pitch. Every step—academy, senior team, training ground—features key figures who guide, push, and support him.

Teammates from the Crew Academy

You can see just how important these relationships are. In Columbus, Taha played alongside guys like Owen Presthus and Keegan Hughes.

They logged hours together as Crew Academy regulars, building chemistry through endless scrimmages and drills.

Table: Crew Academy Teammates Overlapping with Habroune

Player	Position	Crew Academy Years	Pro Contract
Owen Presthus	Midfield	2019-2023	Crew II
Keegan Hughes	Defender	2017-2022	Crew II / First Team
Mohamed Farsi	Defender	2020-2021	Crew II / First Team

These teammates learned that habits built in the academy—pressing hard, keeping tight control—give you an edge in pro games. The shared climb from youth soccer to the pros made their bonds both competitive and supportive.

Notable First Team Influences

When Taha started training with the first team, he learned quickly from the veterans. Midfielders Aidan Morris and Sean Zawadzki, both former homegrowns, led by example.

Morris’s timing in tackles and Zawadzki’s calm under pressure helped Taha read the game at full speed. Defenders like Steven Moreira set the tone with leadership from the back.

Patrick Schulte, always vocal in goal, organized the defense and barked out instructions—hard to miss during any session or match.

And then you’ve got attackers like Max Arfsten, who challenge you in training and force you to make quicker decisions. These relationships go way beyond the stat sheet, shaping your understanding of what it takes to be a pro.

Coaching and Development Staff

Coaches shape your development in ways you might not even realize. When you watch Taha’s first touch, his vision, that intensity—yeah, you can thank the Columbus Crew’s coaching leaders for a lot of that.

Tim Bezbatchenko runs the show as President and General Manager. He’s the guy who really pushes the club’s focus on youth. You can feel it every time a Crew Academy player makes the jump to the first team.

The technical staff, from the head coach down to academy managers, design training plans just for you. They keep tabs on your minutes, your recovery, and whether you’re match-ready or not.

They don’t miss much. From technical drills to breaking down game film, they give you the details you need to compete at the Major League Soccer level.

When new additions like Yevhen Cheberko join up, the staff help you settle in. You get to learn from all sorts of playing styles and backgrounds.

Honestly, this network of support touches every single part of your growth as a player.