Santiago Rodríguez returns to MLS to join Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew locked up one of the most productive midfielders to pass through MLS in recent years this Wednesday. Santiago Rodríguez is back in the US league, this time arriving from Brazil's Botafogo, to wear the black and yellow of the Ohio club.

The 26 year old Uruguayan signed through the 2029-30 season, with a club option for an additional year through 2030-31. This is no ordinary signing: Rodríguez already knows the league inside and out and arrives with a reputation as a playmaker.

His MLS story began in June 2021, when he joined New York City FC on loan from Montevideo City Torque. The move worked out so well that in March 2023 the New York club made the deal permanent. In total, Rodríguez played 144 games for NYCFC, scoring 34 goals and adding 39 assists, numbers that explain why Columbus decided to bet on him.

That New York stint also came with major honors. Rodríguez was part of the squad that won the first MLS Cup in New York City FC history, in 2021, and he also played a key role in winning the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2022. He then made the jump to Brazil to play for Botafogo, an experience that now comes full circle with this return to the United States.

Columbus made no secret of its excitement over the addition. General manager Issa Tall spoke about the signing, highlighting the Uruguayan's international experience and his reading of the game.

We're thrilled to have Santi join our club. He's proven to be one of the best chance creators in our league.Issa Tall

A Nacional product with a title winning pedigree

Before crossing the continent, Rodríguez came up through Nacional, the club where he won the U-20 Copa Libertadores and made his first division debut in 2019. Wearing the tricolor jersey, he also won back to back Uruguayan league titles before getting minutes at Montevideo City Torque and, from there, making the jump to MLS.

Five years after that first contract in New York, Santi Rodríguez is back in a league that watched him develop, now carrying the responsibility of bringing creativity to a Columbus Crew side that will look to get the most out of his vision in midfield.