A. Jackson, Columbus Crew, Midfielder, #13: Career & Impact

When you watch A. Jackson move across the midfield, you see a player who mixes precision with real intent. He wears number 13 for the Columbus Crew and brings a sense of balance to a team that already thrives on structure and creativity.

He came up through the New York Red Bulls academy and later honed his game in MLS NEXT Pro. Jackson’s journey feels like a steady climb, built on skill and discipline. It’s interesting to see how a once-promising prospect has turned into a key contributor in Major League Soccer.

Jackson’s time with the Crew shows what happens when preparation meets opportunity. After he joined from St. Louis CITY SC, he adjusted fast to Columbus’s system and quickly earned both minutes and trust from his teammates.

He adapts well and his sharp passing makes him a steady presence in both the attack and transition.

Born in New York, Jackson played college soccer at St. John’s University. Now, his career stretches overseas after his transfer to Jagiellonia Białystok.

You get the sense that his path through MLS and beyond really shows what it takes to stick at the top level.

Profile of A. Jackson: Columbus Crew Midfielder #13

Jackson blends technical skill and creativity in a way you don’t see every day. Aziel Jackson traveled from New York to Europe and back, and that journey shaped his discipline and growing influence in the Crew’s midfield.

Personal Background

Born on October 25, 2001, in New York, New York, Aziel Jackson grew up surrounded by soccer. At 13, he joined the New York Red Bulls Academy and started building his tactical foundation.

When he was 16, his family moved to France, and he joined Toulouse FC. He became the first American to sign with that club. That move exposed him to a faster, more technical style of play.

After coming back to the U.S., Jackson played for Crossfire FC and trained with the Seattle Sounders. In 2021, he signed with Minnesota United FC as a Homegrown Player.

He made a name for himself with MNUFC2, leading the team in both goals and assists.

Jackson also attended Bellevue College in Washington, balancing school with early pro training. His steady progress eventually led to a move to the Columbus Crew, where he kept showing maturity beyond his years.

Playing Position and Style

You’d probably describe Aziel Jackson as an attacking midfielder who loves finding space between the lines. He reads the game well and often slips into pockets where defenders lose track of him.

His quick turns and sharp passing help connect midfield to attack.

Jackson’s left foot gives him an edge on set pieces and through balls. He stays calm under pressure, keeps possession, and finds ways to create chances.

His work rate stands out—he presses high and tracks back when needed.

Key 2024 Season Stats (Columbus Crew)

Category	Matches	Goals	Assists	Key Passes	Chances Created
MLS	25	5	6	42	58

He controls tempo and rhythm, making him valuable in tight matches. Coaches often trust him in both central and advanced roles because of his vision and decision-making.

Jersey Number and Significance

Jackson wears the number 13 for the Columbus Crew. It’s a number a lot of players avoid, but he embraces it.

For him, it’s a reminder to stay grounded and keep working harder.

He first wore 13 with MNUFC2, where he broke out as a top creator in MLS NEXT Pro. Keeping that number shows he wants continuity and confidence in his development.

The number also ties back to his roots. He joined the Red Bulls Academy at age 13, which marked the real start of his journey.

Wearing 13 now connects his early ambitions to his current success with the Crew.

For Aziel Jackson, the number on his back isn’t just a number—it’s history and purpose, just like his career in MLS.

(Learn more about his transfer to Columbus Crew and background on MLSsoccer.com.)

Career Journey and Club History

Jackson’s early exposure to elite training, international experience, and steady growth in the American system really shaped him. His path shows persistence and adaptability, with a clear focus on technical improvement across several clubs.

Youth Development and Early Years

Aziel Jackson started at the New York Red Bull Academy at 13. The academy’s structure helped him develop quick decisions and tight ball control.

At 16, he and his family moved to France. That bold move gave him valuable experience in a new soccer culture and tested his ability to adjust.

Back in the U.S., he played with Crossfire FC in Washington. This period sharpened his technical skills and awareness.

He skipped the traditional college path, choosing to chase professional opportunities through club academies and development teams.

Toulouse FC Experience

Jackson’s time at Toulouse FC became a key part of his growth. He signed as the first American at the club and trained in a system that produces technically gifted midfielders.

At Toulouse, he learned to play in tight spaces and keep his cool under pressure.

Competing with older players improved his tactical sense and physical endurance.

He didn’t make senior appearances, but those two seasons in France gave him a professional mindset. The European model taught him discipline and consistency, qualities that stuck with him when he returned stateside.

Club	Years	Level	Notable Contribution
Toulouse FC	2017–2019	Youth/Reserve	First American to sign with club

Return to the United States

When Jackson came back in 2019, he joined Crossfire FC and trained with the Seattle Sounders in 2020. These stints reintroduced him to the American game after time abroad.

He spent that time refining his attacking instincts and reconnecting with MLS scouts. His performances at Crossfire stood out for creativity and precise passing.

This stage bridged his European and MLS development, keeping technical play at the center of his style.

MLS and Club Transfers

Jackson’s MLS journey kicked off in 2021 when Minnesota United FC signed him as a Homegrown Player after acquiring his rights from the Red Bulls. He went on loan to North Carolina FC and then starred for MNUFC2, leading the team in goals and assists.

Season	Club	Games	Goals	Assists
2022	MNUFC2	23	10	7

His standout season earned him a spot on the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI. Jackson later joined St. Louis CITY SC, where he contributed as a creative midfielder before moving to the Columbus Crew.

In 2025, the Crew transferred him to Jagiellonia Białystok in Poland’s top division and kept a sell-on fee, as MLSsoccer.com confirmed. That move really highlighted his steady rise through the pro ranks.

Columbus Crew Tenure and Achievements

Jackson’s time with the Columbus Crew left a mark on both his career and the team’s midfield depth. His arrival and steady performance showed why the club valued his creativity and work rate.

Transfer to Columbus Crew

You might remember when Columbus Crew picked up Aziel Jackson from St. Louis CITY SC on June 18, 2024. The Crew got a young, attack-minded midfielder who could play both central and advanced roles.

Jackson, who played college soccer at High Point University, came in ready to contribute. His technical ability and vision fit right into Wilfried Nancy’s system, which values fluid passing and positional awareness.

The Crew’s front office saw the trade as a long-term play. Jackson’s adaptability let him move between the starting lineup and the bench without missing a beat.

His arrival also helped balance the midfield after some roster changes.

By 2025, his performances caught the eye of European clubs. The Crew transferred him to Jagiellonia Białystok in Poland’s top division and kept a percentage of any future transfer fees, showing their confidence in his continued growth (Columbus Crew transfer announcement).

Performance and Statistics

You can really see Jackson’s impact in his numbers. During the 2024 MLS season, he played in 27 regular-season matches, started 12, scored 4 goals, and added 5 assists for the Crew (MLS profile).

Season	Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2024 MLS	27	12	4	5	1,250+

His passing accuracy hovered around 85 percent, which says a lot about his reliability on the ball. Watching him, you notice his confidence, especially when linking midfield to attack.

Jackson’s stats showed more than just consistency—they showed growth. Compared to his time at St. Louis CITY SC, his goal contributions nearly doubled. He became known for creating chances in tight spaces.

Key Matches and Highlights

Jackson’s standout game came in a 4–2 win over New York City FC. He set up an assist and drew a penalty that shifted the momentum (match details).

He also found the net in a crucial match against Toronto FC, helping the Crew clinch a playoff spot. His quick turns and first-touch control often broke defensive lines and created chances for teammates like Cucho Hernández and Diego Rossi.

Late in the season, Jackson’s energy off the bench changed the tempo of matches. His pressing and ability to recover possession made him a valuable tactical option.

Fans noticed his discipline and steady improvement throughout the campaign.

Role in Team Success

Jackson’s influence stretched beyond his personal stats. His presence gave the Crew flexibility in changing formations, letting Nancy switch between 4-2-3-1 and 3-4-2-1 without losing attacking rhythm.

He often connected with fullbacks and wingers, helping the team keep width and composure under pressure. His understanding of space allowed others to operate more freely.

In the locker room, teammates called him focused and humble. His professionalism set the tone for younger players moving up from Crew II.

Jackson’s time with the Crew lined up with the team’s strong run in the MLS Eastern Conference, where they secured playoff spots and stayed competitive in multiple competitions. His contributions, even when subtle, helped stabilize a midfield that thrived on balance and creativity.

MLS NEXT Pro and Awards

Jackson’s stint in MLS NEXT Pro really shaped his career. His early success with MNUFC2, recognition among top performers, and consistent creativity set the stage for his rise with Columbus Crew.

MNUFC2 Performance

Before he joined Columbus, Jackson played for MNUFC2, Minnesota United’s reserve squad. He showed why coaches liked his technical skill and relentless energy in midfield.

Fans saw him lead the team in both appearances and attacking output during the 2022 season. He scored 10 goals and added 7 assists across 23 matches, which put him near the top of the league in chance creation.

His knack for linking midfield and attack really stood out in a developmental league built for emerging talent.

Season	Club	Matches	Goals	Assists	Chances Created
2022	MNUFC2	23	10	7	70

Those numbers put him right up there on MLS NEXT Pro’s creative charts, as you’ll see on St. Louis SC’s player profile.

His time at MNUFC2 gave him a solid platform to get used to the pro tempo and tougher defensive pressure.

MLS NEXT Pro Best XI Recognition

Jackson’s breakout year got people talking. His production and consistency caught the eyes of MLS scouts and analysts who valued his vision and pressing work rate.

He landed a spot on the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, an honor for the league’s most impactful players. That selection wasn’t just about stats—it reflected his influence on match rhythm and attacking flow.

That kind of recognition put him in the mix with the league’s top young midfielders. It also helped him earn a move to St. Louis City SC, and later, a key role with Columbus Crew.

Each move showed how MLS NEXT Pro really works as a bridge between academy promise and first-team reliability.

Notable Contributions

Jackson’s growth in MLS NEXT Pro carried over to his time with Columbus Crew 2. He brought the same sharp passing and movement that defined his earlier seasons.

He played a big part in Crew 2’s playoff runs and earned praise for his composure under pressure. His performances kept the team competitive in the Eastern Conference, as MLS NEXT Pro match reports highlighted.

Beyond the stats, his leadership started to shine. He guided younger teammates and showed the professionalism you expect from someone who had already excelled in MLS NEXT Pro.

His foundation at MNUFC2 and later success with Crew 2 show how steady development leads to higher-level consistency.

International Experience and Transfers

It’s interesting to watch how a player’s career shifts through international moves, contract talks, and new challenges. Jackson’s transfer to Europe marked a real turning point, showing both his steady growth and Columbus Crew’s strategy for his future value.

Move to Jagiellonia Białystok

Midfielder Aziel Jackson, who played for St. Louis CITY SC before joining the Columbus Crew in 2024, moved to Jagiellonia Białystok in Poland’s top division in July 2025. The transfer kicked off a new chapter in his career overseas.

The Crew announced they agreed to transfer Jackson for an undisclosed fee and performance-based incentives, as their official release confirmed.

Columbus also kept a percentage of any future transfer fee, which is always smart business.

Jackson, who played college soccer at Grand Canyon University, made 27 regular-season appearances for Columbus, scoring four goals and adding five assists. His consistent attacking play and technical skill drew European scouts, which led to Jagiellonia’s recruitment staff making their move.

Season	Club	Matches	Goals	Assists
2024	Columbus Crew	27	4	5
2025	Jagiellonia Białystok	TBD	TBD	TBD

Polish Top-Flight Transition

A move to the Polish Ekstraklasa brings both opportunity and challenge. The league focuses on tactical structure and physical play, so it’ll really test Jackson’s adaptability.

At Jagiellonia Białystok, he joins a club that’s known for developing young talent and usually competing in the upper half of the table. The coaching staff values quick decision-making and pressing—traits that fit Jackson’s style.

This transition exposes him to European standards and gives him a shot to expand his skill set and visibility. For an American midfielder, success in Poland can open doors to bigger European leagues, especially if he adjusts quickly to the pace and style.

Transfer Details and Fees

The Columbus Crew confirmed the transfer on July 23, 2025, calling it a deal with an undisclosed fee plus conditional bonuses. Columbus kept a sell-on clause, so they’ll benefit from any future transfer profits.

MLS Soccer and local outlets reported that the deal wrapped up after weeks of negotiation. It’s pretty common for MLS-to-Europe transfers to keep the fee private and include flexible terms based on performance.

This deal fits with the Crew’s growing strategy to develop and sell talent internationally. For Jackson, the move is both a milestone and a test of whether he can thrive in a competitive European league.

Impact on Major League Soccer

You can see Aziel Jackson’s mark on how teams approach midfield creativity and youth development. His rise from academy prospect to MLS starter shows how consistent minutes and tactical freedom can shape a player’s influence on both conference play and club identity.

Influence on the Western Conference

When Jackson played in the Western Conference, opponents had to rethink how they defended the middle third. His knack for slipping between lines and keeping possession under pressure forced teams like LAFC and Austin FC to adjust their midfield shape.

He often acted as a connector, linking defense and attack with quick, simple passes. That control helped his clubs maintain rhythm in matches that could’ve easily gone the other way.

Key Western Conference Stats (2023 Season)

Category	Matches	Goals	Assists	Chances Created
Western Conference	18	3	4	36

His time out west also showed that younger players can thrive in high-tempo systems. Jackson’s technical ability drew attention from scouts and analysts, proving the Western Conference can be a proving ground for emerging midfielders.

Contributions to St. Louis CITY

Jackson’s stint with St. Louis CITY gave fans a glimpse of how an expansion club can use a creative midfielder to set its tone. He joined as the team built its identity, offering quick passing and pressing that fit the club’s aggressive style.

He didn’t always start, but whenever he did, you could see how his movement opened up lanes for forwards. His ability to read space and combine in tight areas made him a reliable option in transition.

St. Louis CITY Snapshot (2023)

Stat	Value
Appearances	25
Starts	12
Goals	2
Assists	3

His consistency helped St. Louis CITY finish strong in its debut MLS season. His performances caught the attention of Columbus Crew, who later acquired him for $650,000 in General Allocation Money.

Legacy in MLS

Jackson’s MLS legacy keeps evolving as he makes the jump from the Columbus Crew to Jagiellonia Białystok.

Honestly, his journey feels like a blueprint for how MLS players can launch themselves into European competition.

He stands for this new wave of American midfielders—guys who blend technical skill with real tactical smarts.

MLS clubs these days seem to prize versatility just as much as raw athleticism, and Jackson’s ability to play in different systems proves that.

He went to the University of Hartford, which reminds me that college programs still matter in shaping pro talent.

You can follow his steady climb from academy soccer to MLS and now to Europe.

That path says a lot about how the league is getting better at developing and exporting skilled players.