Columbus Crew midfielder Darlington Nagbe has been named the recipient of the 2024 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award – an honor presented to MLS players who are dedicated to fostering equity and inclusion, enriching lives, and improving communities across the U.S. and Canada.
During MLS Cup presented by Audi, Audi will award Nagbe a $150,000 contribution to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio, a community organization personally selected by the player. For over 75 years, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio have provided young people with essential support, guidance, and resources to help them succeed in life.
In addition to his dedication to the organization, Nagbe has a celebrated MLS career marked by a longstanding commitment to positively impact his local community. Across the greater Columbus area, Nagbe has collaborated with numerous organizations, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the On Our Sleeves Movement for Children’s Mental Health.
“This is an amazing honor; I am very proud to receive the 2024 Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award,” said Nagbe. “I’m happy because so many people have helped me and my family, so to be able to help others, be a positive influence and a good role model is a true blessing.
"It’s important for me to give kids opportunities, give them access, give them the ability to dream and believe that they can become anything they want, just like others did for me. I’m glad that I won as this gives me the chance to help even more people and to be able to give the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio this reward from Audi is huge. I’ve been able to meet the people in the organization and see first-hand the work that they do, and the access and opportunity that they provide is huge.”
A highly respected leader and current Columbus captain, Nagbe has established himself as an MLS legend, winning four MLS Cup titles. During the last two seasons in Columbus, Nagbe has been named a 2024 MLS All-Star and led the Crew to the 2023 MLS Cup presented by Audi and 2024 Leagues Cup titles.
The finalists for this year’s Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award – Nagbe, Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution) and Ilie Sánchez (LAFC) – were determined by a selection committee comprised of current players, technical staff, front office staff, and media members.
Throughout 2024, Audi, MLS and The Players’ Tribune teamed up to create the “Celebrating Impact” content series to amplify the work of MLS players in their communities and spotlight the causes they are most passionate about. Nagbe's off-field work was featured in September and he received a $40,000 contribution for his organization from the Audi Goals Drive Progress fund for his selected community organization.
“Audi is proud to recognize Darlington Nagbe as this year’s recipient of the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award,” said Adam Perez, Sr. Specialist of Brand Partnerships and Experiences at Audi of America. “Soccer has the unique power to bring people together, breaking down barriers and creating a sense of belonging both on and off the pitch. Nagbe has successfully harnessed this power, extending that sense of community beyond the field and into the heart of Columbus. We are thrilled to play a small role in supporting Nagbe as he continues to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.”
As a longstanding partner of MLS, Audi has made a significant impact on young soccer players through the Audi Goals Drive Progress initiative. Launched in 2019, the initiative provides funding to enhance the experience of MLS academy players, supporting their development both on and off the field. The program has expanded to not only support player development but also spotlight and fund the community initiatives of players.
Since its inception, Audi has contributed a total of $5 million to support MLS academies and player-chosen charity organizations.
