T. Habroune, Columbus Crew, Forward, #16: Career, Stats & Impact

If you follow Major League Soccer, you probably appreciate skill, patience, and seeing young players grow. Watching someone like Taha Habroune come up through the Columbus Crew system gives you a real sense of what the next wave of American soccer looks like.

Here’s a 19-year-old forward, wearing number 16, who’s already made a splash as one of the Crew’s brightest homegrown prospects.

Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Habroune developed through the Crew academy. His journey really shows what steady development and the right opportunities can do for a player.

After a stint at Ohio State University, he went pro with the same club that shaped his youth career. He’s got a nice mix of technical ability and calm decision-making, which helps him stand out in a league that rewards both speed and brains.

How does Habroune fit into the Crew’s system? What’s his playing style, and how does his international experience with U.S. youth teams set him up for bigger things?

Teammates and mentors play a big part in his growth, and if you look at his numbers, you’ll see a player who seems ready to take the next step. For more details, check out his Columbus Crew profile or his Transfermarkt page.

Player Profile and Background

Habroune’s early rise through the Crew system says a lot about his skill and consistency. His background, his physical tools, and his connection to Columbus, Ohio all shape how he plays—and how fans relate to him.

Personal Information

Taha Habroune was born on February 5, 2006, right in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the Columbus Crew Academy in 2019, after playing for Blast FC, a well-known local youth club.

He kept getting better in the academy, which led to a pro deal with the Crew’s first team in 2023 as a Homegrown Player.

At the youth level, Habroune represents the United States, including appearances for the U.S. U-20 National Team. The Columbus Crew official site notes he was picked for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, which is a big deal for a player his age.

He attended Ohio State University, juggling early pro training with college classes before going all-in on his MLS career. That measured approach to development shows maturity you don’t always see in teenagers.

Physical Attributes

Habroune’s game is all about control and balance, not just size. He’s around 5-foot-10 and about 160 pounds, which gives him agility and endurance.

That build lets him slip through tight midfield spaces, linking up play from defense to attack.

His quick acceleration and low center of gravity really help him keep possession, even when defenders close him down. Coaches often mention how he reads the field and gets into the right spots before the ball even arrives.

Attribute	Measurement / Description
Height	5’10” (178 cm)
Weight	160 lbs (73 kg)
Preferred Foot	Right
Primary Position	Midfielder / Forward
Jersey Number	#16
Club	Columbus Crew

He keeps working on his fitness, and pro conditioning has let him compete through full MLS matches without losing steam.

Hometown and Local Ties

Growing up in Columbus, Habroune’s connection to the Crew runs deep. He watched games at Lower.com Field as a kid, long before he signed with the club.

That local bond gives him a sense of belonging, and you can see it in his work rate and attitude.

His father, who once played professionally in Morocco, encouraged Habroune’s early interest in soccer. That family support kept him grounded as he moved up through youth competition.

Fans love that he’s a true product of the city’s soccer pipeline. Local media often highlight his journey from neighborhood fields to the Columbus Crew first team, like in 10TV’s coverage.

His story connects with young players all over central Ohio. He’s living proof that the path from local academy to MLS is real.

Position, Playing Style, and Role

Taha Habroune blends technical skill with tactical smarts. He’s adaptable, shifting between attacking and midfield roles and giving the Crew options in how they build and press.

Primary Positions: Forward and Midfielder

Habroune usually plays as a forward or central midfielder for the Crew. He wears number 16, and you’ll often see him drifting between lines to link up play.

Even though he’s listed as a forward, his movement has a midfielder’s feel.

He joined the Crew Academy while studying at Ohio State University, where he refined his sense of positioning. Coaches trust him to press high or drop back, depending on what the match calls for.

Position	Role Type	Key Responsibilities
Forward	Attacking link	Press defenders, create space, finish chances
Midfielder	Central connector	Retain possession, distribute passes, support defense

His awareness and decision-making let him switch roles during matches without missing a beat.

Playing Style and Strengths

Habroune plays with a cool head and a lot of control. He likes short, accurate passes and quick one-twos to move things forward.

His first touch and balance under pressure stand out, especially when the Crew build from the middle.

He relies more on vision than raw speed to find openings. You’ll often catch him scanning the field before the ball comes his way, staying one step ahead of defenders.

Physically, he’s about 6 feet (1.82 m), and he uses that frame to shield the ball. His pressing game fits the Crew’s compact approach, helping win the ball back high up the field.

Attribute	Description
Vision	Spots defensive gaps and anticipates runs
Passing	Keeps the tempo with clean distribution
Work Rate	Stays active and intense for a full match

Development as a Versatile Player

You can trace Habroune’s growth through the Crew Academy and Crew 2, where he learned to balance attacking instincts with midfield discipline.

He played over 20 matches with Crew 2 as a teenager, picking up goals and assists at a steady pace.

That early exposure to the pro setup shaped his ability to handle different roles.

When he moved up to the first team, it felt like a natural step. His technical skill, awareness, and flexibility make him valuable whether he starts up front or drops into midfield.

Columbus Crew Career

Taha Habroune’s rise through the Columbus Crew system really shows what a clear player pathway and steady performance can do. From youth soccer in Columbus, Ohio, to a key midfield spot on the first team—his story is a strong example of local development leading to pro success.

Pathway Through Crew Academy

Habroune’s story starts at Blast FC, then he joins the Columbus Crew Academy in 2019. He stays close to home and develops under the club’s structured youth program.

That local connection shapes how he plays and understands the Crew’s system.

In 2023, he signs his first pro contract with Columbus Crew 2, the MLS Next Pro side. The club clearly trusts his technical control and field vision.

His time with Crew 2 gives him regular minutes against solid competition, which gets him ready for the senior team.

By January 2024, Habroune earns a homegrown player contract with the senior squad through 2027, plus an option for another year. That deal shows the Crew see him as a key part of their midfield future.

His progress matches the club’s focus on developing homegrown players for the MLS stage.

Debut and Early Performances

Habroune made his senior debut on May 23, 2023, coming on as a late sub in a U.S. Open Cup match against Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Even in limited minutes, he looked composed and professional.

Less than a year later, he started his first MLS match on April 13, 2024, in a 0–0 draw with Real Salt Lake.

He kept his cool under pressure, completed a high percentage of passes, and stayed disciplined defensively. Coaches pointed out how quickly he transitions from defense to attack, which isn’t something you see every day in a 19-year-old.

He scored his first MLS goal on July 12, 2025, in a 4–2 win over FC Cincinnati—a rivalry game that means a lot in Columbus. That goal proved he’s ready for more first-team minutes and bumped his player rating on sites like Sofascore and FBref.

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Player Rating*
2023–24	MLS & Cup	18	1	2	6.9
2025	MLS	23	1	3	7.0

*Approximate, based on public match databases.

2025 MLS Season Overview

For Habroune, the 2025 season feels like a turning point. He’s now a regular in the Crew’s rotation, balancing attacking creativity with defensive reliability.

The coaching staff uses him both centrally and on the right side of midfield, depending on the game plan.

He’s contributed in big moments during the 2025 MLS campaign, showing better passing accuracy and improved stamina. Playing alongside veteran midfielders, he helps the Crew keep possession and control the tempo in tight matches.

Habroune’s steady progress highlights the value of the homegrown contract structure in MLS. It lets young players grow within familiar systems.

If you want more on his club history, check out his Columbus Crew profile or his Wikipedia page.

International Experience

Taha Habroune’s growth doesn’t stop at the club level. His time with United States youth teams and experience in big tournaments show how early international exposure shapes a player’s maturity and tactical smarts.

U.S. U-20 National Team Involvement

Habroune has moved up steadily through the youth national system. After developing in the Crew academy and spending time at Ohio State, he earned recognition from the U.S. U-20 National Team.

His technical control and quick decisions in midfield led to regular call-ups.

He’s trained with top American prospects, sharpening his awareness in competitive settings. Coaches like his composure and his knack for keeping possession under pressure.

Those sessions have helped him adjust to faster play and more physical opponents.

Year	Team Level	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	U.S. U-19	4	1	2
2025	U.S. U-20	6	2	1

These numbers show steady improvement. His work in midfield has made him a reliable option for the coaching staff.

FIFA International Window Call-Ups

During the FIFA International Windows, Habroune got several invitations to represent the United States. The Columbus Crew confirmed his inclusion among a handful of players called up for national team duty.

Those call-ups really tested his adaptability. Balancing club and country meant he had to stay disciplined and focused.

He joined training camps that pushed tactical flexibility and quick transitions. Each appearance let him work on his role as both a creator and a support player.

Facing international opponents gave him valuable insight into different playing styles. That kind of experience sharpened his positioning and decision-making when the pressure ramped up.

2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile

Habroune’s selection for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile marked a huge step in his career. The Columbus Crew announcement showed he represented the United States in the tournament, joining a roster full of young American talent.

That tournament experience? It matters a lot. Facing top youth teams from Europe and South America really tested his endurance and technical range.

He played important minutes in group-stage matches, showing calm distribution and solid defensive recovery. Competing on that stage boosted his confidence and visibility.

The exposure also made him look more ready for bigger challenges, both in Major League Soccer and with the senior national team down the line.

Key Teammates and Influential Figures

Taha Habroune really benefits from working alongside experienced teammates and trusted staff. Their leadership, communication, and technical skill shape how he reads the game and reacts under pressure.

Notable Teammates

Playing with Steven Moreira, a veteran defender from Cape Verde, gives him a firsthand look at how to keep the back line organized. Moreira’s calm presence and tactical awareness help steady things and guide younger players like Habroune during defensive transitions.

Patrick Schulte, the Crew’s starting goalkeeper, anchors the defense with strong communication. His reliability builds confidence for the guys in front of him, especially when matches get tight.

Max Arfsten and Owen Presthus often link up with Habroune in attacking drills. Their quick passing and movement open up space, letting him challenge defenders and sharpen his timing around the box.

Nicholas Hagen, the Guatemalan goalkeeper, brings an international perspective. His focus on positioning and mental prep gives everyone a glimpse into how to stay calm during tense moments.

Player	Position	Key Strength	Nationality
Steven Moreira	Defender	Organization	Cape Verde
Patrick Schulte	Goalkeeper	Communication	USA
Max Arfsten	Forward	Movement	USA
Owen Presthus	Midfielder	Vision	USA
Nicholas Hagen	Goalkeeper	Focus	Guatemala

Coaches and Development Staff

The Crew’s technical staff really invest in developing young players through steady feedback and structured sessions. They focus on positioning, composure, and smart decisions—not just flashy play.

Working with development coach Tristan Brown helps him fine-tune off-ball movement and pressing. Brown’s attention to tactical detail gives Habroune a better sense of where he fits within the team.

The Crew’s academy coaches, many of whom came up through college soccer, guide players as they move toward the pro ranks. They keep tabs on progress from youth levels all the way to the first team, making sure training habits stay consistent.

Their approach blends discipline with creativity, giving players space to grow but also keeping them accountable. That kind of environment, plus support from veteran mentors, really strengthens his path at Columbus Crew.

Performance Metrics and Recognition

You can track Taha Habroune’s rise through stats, consistency, and steady growth with the Columbus Crew. His production, efficiency, and recognition show how a young forward adapts to the pace and demands of Major League Soccer while keeping his cool under pressure.

Statistical Overview

Habroune’s 2025 season really highlights his progress since joining the Crew’s first team in 2023. As a forward wearing number 16, he’s contributed in several competitions, balancing his minutes with solid efficiency.

Category	MLS 2025	Career Total
Appearances	18	31
Goals	4	6
Assists	3	5
Minutes Played	1,120	2,010

His passing accuracy sits around 82%, which shows he makes good decisions even in tight spaces. If you want more detailed match data, you can check Transfermarkt.

He usually acts as a link between midfield and attack, using short passes to keep the ball moving. His off-ball movement stretches defenses and gives teammates better chances up front.

Player Ratings and Market Value

Analysts see Habroune as a developing talent with plenty of upside. On Transfermarkt, his market value is set at €150,000, which reflects both his potential and his impact so far.

His average player rating in league matches sits around 6.8 out of 10. That’s not bad at all for a 19-year-old learning the ropes in MLS.

Habroune’s contract with Columbus Crew runs through 2026, so the club has time to shape his growth. If he keeps starting and sharpens his finishing, his value should only go up.

Awards and Honors

Habroune may still be early in his career, but people already recognize him as one of the Crew’s top homegrown prospects. Local media and league analysts often point out his composure and surprising maturity for his age.

He grabbed a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday twice during the 2025 season. Those selections came after standout games against tough conference rivals.

Before he joined the Crew, you might remember his days at Ohio State University. He really sharpened his technical skills and tactical awareness there, and you can still see that foundation in how he approaches the pro game now.