D. Rossi, Columbus Crew, Forward #10: Career, Stats & Impact

You watch Diego Rossi glide across the pitch, and it’s obvious why he wears the number 10 for the Columbus Crew.

The Uruguayan forward mixes quick thinking with sharp finishing, turning small openings into real scoring chances.

You see a player whose consistency and intelligence make him one of Major League Soccer’s most reliable attacking threats.

Rossi does more for the Crew than just score goals.

Since he came over from Fenerbahçe S.K., he’s become a central piece in Wilfried Nancy’s system, linking up midfield creativity with clinical execution up front.

His chemistry with teammates like Max Arfsten keeps opponents on their toes and stretches defenses.

Born in Montevideo, Uruguay, and raised at Club Atlético Peñarol, Rossi’s journey from South America to MLS stardom shows steady growth rather than just flash.

You’ll see how his role at Columbus has changed, what his stats reveal about his form, and how his time with Uruguay’s national team keeps shaping his game.

D. Rossi’s Role at Columbus Crew

You notice Diego Rossi isn’t just a scorer. He connects the midfield and attack, reads space, and delivers in big moments for the Columbus Crew.

His background in Uruguay and Europe shapes how he approaches Major League Soccer, giving him the experience to lead as the Crew’s number 10.

Signing and Transfer Details

You probably remember when the Columbus Crew brought in Diego Rossi from Fenerbahçe S.K. on August 2, 2023, for an undisclosed fee.

That move brought back a familiar face for MLS fans—he’d already starred for Los Angeles FC.

Rossi came in as a Designated Player, stepping into the creative role left open by Lucas Zelarayán.

Expectations ran high with his transfer.

He’d produced consistently in Turkey, both domestically and in Europe.

The Crew needed someone who could adapt fast, and he did.

Within weeks, he debuted against FC Cincinnati and scored his first goal versus Toronto FC.

The signing made the Crew’s ambition under coach Wilfried Nancy clear.

Adding a proven international forward in his prime said a lot about their long-term plans.

Rossi’s arrival also balanced out the team’s experience with its younger core.

Position and Playing Style

Every match, you see Rossi’s versatility.

He mostly plays as a forward or attacking midfielder, wearing the number 10.

His style? Quick decisions, sharp movement, and efficient finishing.

He thrives in tight spaces and drifts between lines to create passing options.

Rossi doesn’t stick to a traditional striker’s role.

He drops deep to link play and reads his teammates’ runs, especially Cucho Hernández.

His low center of gravity and tight first touch make him dangerous near the box.

Back at Club Atlético Peñarol and Fenerbahçe, he honed his technical skills and tactical patience.

He uses both to control tempo and stretch defenses.

You can see how his European experience fits into MLS—his passing and timing really lift the Crew’s attack.

Performance as Forward #10

You can track Rossi’s impact with numbers and big moments.

In the 2023 MLS regular season, he played 10 matches, scored three goals, and added three assists.

He followed that up with two goals and three assists in the playoffs, helping Columbus win its third MLS Cup.

Season	Club	Matches	Goals	Assists	Honors
2023	Columbus Crew	10	3	3	MLS Cup Champion
2021–23	Fenerbahçe S.K.	90	10	20	Europa League Appearances
2018–21	Los Angeles FC	84	48	21	MLS Golden Boot Winner (2020)

By 2025, Rossi had earned his fourth MLS All-Star selection, more than any other Crew player, according to the Columbus Crew official site.

His consistency and leadership really define his role.

When you watch him, you see a forward who combines creativity with efficiency.

Rossi stays calm under pressure and steps up in decisive games—he’s right at the heart of the Crew’s 2025 MLS campaign.

Recent Performance and Key Statistics

You can see Diego Rossi’s influence grow as the Columbus Crew’s attack keeps evolving.

His steady scoring, creativity in possession, and leadership as the team’s number 10 make him one of the most reliable forwards in Major League Soccer.

2024 and 2025 MLS Season Stats

Rossi, who stood out at Peñarol before coming to MLS, put together one of his best seasons in 2024.

He racked up 12 goals and 11 assists, making him the Crew’s top attacker according to MSN.

That kind of output put him among the top contributors in the Eastern Conference.

In 2025, Rossi keeps performing at a high level.

His strong start has kept Columbus in the hunt for the Supporters’ Shield and in a good spot for the MLS Cup Playoffs.

Season	Goals	Assists	Matches	Minutes Played	Key Passes per 90
2024	12	11	33	2,700	2.1
2025*	6	5	18	1,450	2.3

*2025 stats as of midseason (LiveScore).

Goals and Assists Contribution

You can see how Rossi’s attacking output strikes a balance between efficiency and creativity.

He scores from central spots but also sets up teammates with quick combinations and sharp through balls.

His dual role as finisher and creator makes him vital to Columbus’s attack.

Rossi’s 2024 numbers put him in the top ten MLS players for combined goals and assists.

He directly contributed to nearly 40% of the Crew’s goals—a stat that really shows his reliability in big moments.

He may not always top the MLS Golden Boot race, but his steady production and his knack for creating space for others make a strong case for MLS Best XI.

Shot-Creating and Goal-Creating Actions

Rossi generates chances from open play at a high rate.

His movement between the lines opens up passing lanes, and his quick decisions spark shot-creating sequences.

Transfermarkt shows his market value reflects that versatility.

He averages 4.5 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, which puts him among the league leaders for attacking mids and forwards.

About one in five of those sequences leads to a shot on target.

When you watch Rossi, you see a player who mixes timing, awareness, and precision—traits that define elite MLS playmakers.

Notable Matches and Rivals

You’ve seen Diego Rossi prove his worth in high-pressure games.

His knack for stepping up against major MLS rivals and in tournament play shows why the Columbus Crew trust him in crunch time.

Highlights Against FC Cincinnati

When you think of rivalry matches, few can match the Hell is Real derby between Columbus Crew and FC Cincinnati.

In their 2025 playoff clash, Rossi helped the Crew come from behind, scoring in the 86th minute to tie it before Christian Ramirez won it in extra time.

That comeback sent Columbus on their way to another MLS Cup, as USA Today’s FTW reported.

Rossi’s off-ball movement and quick link-up with Cucho Hernández often break Cincinnati’s defensive shape.

His calmness under pressure shows the experience he built at Peñarol before he ever set foot in MLS.

Key Stats vs. FC Cincinnati

Category	Value
Goals	2
Assists	1
Shots on Target	5
Pass Accuracy	84%

Key Performances Versus Inter Miami

Against Inter Miami, Rossi delivers consistent performances.

You’ve seen him press high, force turnovers, and create chances with sharp passing.

His speed stretches Miami’s back line, opening up space for teammates like Hernández and Ramirez.

During league play, Rossi’s ability to exploit gaps behind Miami’s fullbacks stands out.

His time at Peñarol and then Fenerbahçe taught him how to adapt to different defensive looks.

That experience shows when he times his runs and finishes calmly in the box.

Notable Match Moments

• Early assist to Cucho Hernández in a 3–2 win.
• Created two chances that led to goals in a 2024 home game.
• Controlled the tempo in midfield transitions, slowing Miami’s counters.

Games Against Philadelphia Union and Atlanta United

Rossi’s two-goal performance in the 2024 Leagues Cup semifinal against Philadelphia Union really stands out.

The Crew’s 3–1 win, covered by MLS Multiplex, put them in the final and clinched a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.

He linked up well with Hernández, showing how their chemistry powers Columbus’s attack.

Against Atlanta United, Rossi’s passing and pressing helped disrupt Atlanta’s midfield rhythm.

You could see how his off-ball smarts forced turnovers that led to Crew scoring chances.

Performance Summary

Opponent	Goals	Assists	Result	Competition
Philadelphia Union	2	0	3–1 Win	Leagues Cup
Atlanta United	0	1	2–0 Win	MLS Regular Season

MLS Achievements and Honors

You get the full picture of Diego Rossi’s impact when you look at his consistent production and the recognition he’s earned over several seasons.

He’s picked up elite scoring honors, All-Star nods, and key roles in team trophies that really define his time in Major League Soccer.

MLS All-Star and Individual Accolades

Rossi’s name started buzzing early with Los Angeles FC, right after he left Peñarol, where he came up through their youth system. If you remember his 2020 season, you’ll recall how he snagged the MLS Golden Boot after smashing in 14 goals in just 19 matches. He became the youngest player ever to win it.

He landed spots in the MLS All-Star squads in both 2019 and 2021. That 2020 run also got him into the MLS Best XI and earned him MLS Young Player of the Year. It’s his knack for efficiency and creative play that made him so reliable up front.

Here’s a table with some of his standout MLS numbers:

Season	Club	Goals	Assists	Honors
2019	LAFC	16	7	MLS All-Star
2020	LAFC	14	4	MLS Golden Boot, Best XI
2021	LAFC	6	2	MLS All-Star
2023	Columbus Crew	11	6	Designated Player

You can see how Rossi’s impact goes way beyond just scoring—his consistency and leadership in the attack always stand out.

Contribution to Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup

Rossi’s influence on team success is pretty clear. In 2019, he played a big part in helping LAFC grab the Supporters’ Shield, as the club hit a league-record 72 points. Those 16 goals he scored? Absolutely vital for keeping their offense sharp.

When he joined Columbus Crew in 2023, Rossi immediately gave their attack a boost as the team chased more silverware. His speed and finishing blended perfectly with their creative midfield and high-pressing style.

He’s shown up in the playoffs too, scoring and assisting in key moments when the pressure’s on. With Rossi in Columbus, the Crew have a real shot at another MLS Cup—his winning mentality just lifts the whole squad.

International Career with Uruguay

Rossi’s journey from Montevideo to the national team really shows steady growth. He made a mark in youth tournaments, which set the stage for his senior international career. He’s earned caps and scored for Uruguay in official matches.

Youth National Team Experience

Rossi came up through Uruguay’s youth ranks after joining Peñarol’s academy in the Uruguayan Primera División. He moved up from the Under-17s to the U-23s, always showing off his scoring touch and some real leadership.

He helped Uruguay win the U-20 South American Championship, knocking in some key goals along the way. Across all youth levels, he racked up 10 goals in 39 matches—not bad at all.

In the 2020 Olympic Qualifiers, Rossi chipped in with a goal and an assist for the U-23s. That performance showed he was ready for the senior stage.

Youth National Team Stats

Level	Appearances	Goals	Notable Achievement
U-17	10	2	Early international debut
U-20	25	8	U-20 South American Champion
U-23	4	1	2020 Olympic Qualifying contributor

He kept making a difference in youth matches, and the national team selectors definitely noticed.

Senior Team Involvement

Rossi’s senior debut felt like a natural next step. He got his first cap for Uruguay in a CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifier against Chile on March 28, 2022.

He scored his first goal for the national team in a friendly against Panama on June 11, 2022. That was a big moment for him. These appearances happened while he was playing both in Europe and MLS.

So far, Rossi’s picked up seven senior caps. He’s shown he can fit into different tactical setups, and his pace and finishing give Uruguay some flexibility up top.

You can dig into more of his international stats on Wikipedia or check out his Transfermarkt profile.

Club Career Prior to Columbus Crew

Before Columbus Crew, Rossi’s career took him from Uruguay’s top division to Major League Soccer and then to the Turkish Süper Lig. It’s been a steady climb, and he’s proven he can adapt and deliver in different football cultures.

Development at Peñarol

Rossi’s pro story really starts at Club Atlético Peñarol, one of Uruguay’s legendary clubs. He joined their youth academy and broke into the first team in 2016. He was just 18 and already looked sharp, scoring twice in his debut season.

He quickly became a regular starter. Rossi helped Peñarol win two Uruguayan Primera División titles. His movement and finishing caught the eye of scouts beyond Uruguay.

Peñarol Career Summary

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Honors
2015–16	9	2	—	Primera División Champion
2016–17	42	11	11	Primera División Champion

His time at Peñarol really built up his technical skills and tactical smarts, getting him ready for MLS.

Success with Los Angeles FC

With Los Angeles FC (LAFC), Rossi hit the ground running. He joined in 2018 and scored the club’s first-ever goal in their debut match. That consistency made him a fan favorite and one of the most reliable attackers in the league.

Rossi grabbed the MLS Golden Boot in 2020, the youngest to ever do it. He put up 14 goals and four assists that year. LAFC fans still talk about his chemistry with teammates and his knack for finding space in the box.

LAFC Key Stats

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Awards
2018	32	12	7	MLS Player of the Week (2x)
2019	34	16	7	MLS All-Star
2020	19	14	4	MLS Golden Boot

His LAFC days really cemented his reputation as a top winger and a reliable finisher.

Experience in Fenerbahçe and Süper Lig

Rossi took his next leap and landed at Fenerbahçe S.K. in Turkey’s Süper Lig. The pace and physicality there? Definitely a step up.

He joined in 2021. Right away, he started making things happen—goals, assists, you name it—across league matches and in the UEFA Europa League.

In just two seasons, Rossi racked up over 80 matches. He scored ten goals and set up 20 more.

He really sharpened his ability to create chances, even when under pressure. That kind of growth boosted his overall awareness on the pitch.

Fenerbahçe Career Overview

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Competitions
2021–22	39	6	9	Süper Lig, Europa League
2022–23	51	4	11	Süper Lig, Türkiye Kupası

At Fenerbahçe, Rossi grew into a more complete forward. He learned to tweak his style to fit different systems and whatever the team needed.