T. Habroune, Columbus Crew, Forward, #16: Profile & Career Insights

You watch the Columbus Crew take the field, and one name keeps pulling your attention — Taha Habroune. He wears number 16, moves with intent, presses high, links passes, and sparks chances that totally shift the mood of a match.

Pretty soon, you realize Habroune isn’t just some random young guy out there; he’s a forward with the kind of skill and calm that could shape the Crew’s future.

He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and came through the Columbus Crew Academy. His path really shows off how the club develops local talent. In 2023, he signed his first pro contract after steadily climbing through the youth ranks.

That jump from academy standout to MLS contributor took plenty of prep and patience, but it clearly paid off.

At just 19, Habroune already wears the U.S. jersey at the U-20 level, even earning a spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. His technical control, vision, and tactical sense make him a dependable attacking option. Watching his rise, you don’t just see a promising forward—you see a player whose journey kind of echoes the Crew’s own growth.

T. Habroune’s Role as Forward #16 at Columbus Crew

You see Taha Habroune settling in as a reliable attacking piece for the Columbus Crew. His journey with the club proves that a homegrown player can handle Major League Soccer’s speed and still keep his cool and skill when it matters most.

Primary Position and Jersey Number

Habroune lines up mainly as a forward, rocking the #16 jersey for Columbus. He came up through the Crew Academy as a midfielder, but these days, he’s all about attacking flexibility.

You’ll spot him slipping between the lines, connecting midfield and attack with quick, tidy passes.

He often drifts out wide, opening up space for central runs. That movement stretches defenses and gives him room to work the gaps.

His positioning shows he’s comfortable both on and off the ball, always adjusting to whatever MLS throws at him.

Born and raised in Columbus, and a Crew Academy grad, he also played in local soccer development programs before turning pro. That #16 jersey? It kind of marks his shift from promising kid to first-team regular.

Key Responsibilities on the Field

Habroune’s main jobs revolve around creating scoring chances and pressing high when the Crew lose the ball. He thrives in support roles, linking up with midfielders and moving play forward fast.

His technical control lets him keep the ball under pressure and move it efficiently.

In attack, he gets into spots to receive through balls or cutbacks. When it’s time to defend, he jumps into early pressing, trying to force turnovers upfield.

His work rate really stands out and fits perfectly with head coach Wilfried Nancy’s focus on team pressing.

Key On-Field Tasks:

• Keep width and movement during transitions
• Press defenders when the Crew lose the ball
• Link up play with central midfield
• Track back if needed to help keep the team’s shape

Habroune’s role isn’t just about scoring. He helps set the team’s tempo and keep things balanced, which matters a lot in MLS.

Notable Performances as Forward

Fans and national scouts have started to notice Habroune’s performances. In early 2025, he got the call for the U.S. U-20 National Team, a pretty strong sign that people around the league are paying attention.

In several MLS games, he influences play with movement and awareness rather than flashy tricks. He’s gotten better at creating space for teammates, which has helped the Crew’s attack flow more smoothly.

His player rating in recent matches usually sits around 7.0, which is pretty solid for someone his age.

Recent Performance Snapshot:

Match	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists	Player Rating
Columbus Crew vs. Chicago Fire	78	1	0	7.2
Columbus Crew vs. D.C. United	65	0	1	7.0
Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC	72	0	0	6.9

You can check out his official team profile on the Columbus Crew website and dive into his stats on Transfermarkt. He’s still learning, but you can already see the discipline and intelligence to make it in MLS.

Player Background and Personal Profile

You get a real sense of a player by knowing where he comes from, how he plays, and why his city matters to him. Taha Habroune’s story weaves together steady growth, local roots, and a clear focus you see every time he suits up for the Crew.

Early Life and Hometown

Taha Habroune was born on February 5, 2006, right in Columbus, Ohio, and soccer became part of his life early on. He started out with Blast FC Soccer Academy, a respected local club that’s turned out quite a few solid players.

By 2019, he joined the Columbus Crew Academy, where pro coaches helped him sharpen his technical skills and field sense. That move from academy standout to pro didn’t happen overnight—it took steady progress and a ton of focus.

His family background adds another layer. Habroune’s dad played pro soccer in Morocco, so he grew up around the game and learned discipline from a young age.

Having a soccer-minded family helped keep him grounded as he chased his own goals.

He attended Ohio State University, juggling school and early pro commitments. His journey really shows how you need structure and patience to climb from youth soccer up to MLS.

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Habroune’s athletic build fits what coaches want in a modern attacking midfielder or forward. He’s about 5 feet 10 inches, lean, and pretty balanced, which lets him slip through tight spaces with agility and control.

He plays at a calm pace, linking passes and creating movement in the final third. His ability to switch between midfield and forward roles gives coaches more options.

Attribute	Description
Height	5’10” (178 cm)
Preferred Foot	Right
Primary Position	Midfielder / Forward
Playing Strengths	Ball control, passing vision, spatial awareness
Work Rate	High, consistent on both sides of play

Watching him, you notice he prefers precision over showy moves. He usually picks the pass that keeps the Crew’s rhythm, not just something flashy for the highlight reel.

Connection to Columbus, Ohio

You can really feel how much Columbus means to Habroune. He grew up watching the Columbus Crew, joined their academy, played for Crew 2, and eventually made the first team as a homegrown player.

His rise marks a big moment for the club—he became the first player to go straight from the academy to Crew 2 and then to the senior squad. That path really shows how much the Crew invest in local talent.

Living and playing in his hometown keeps him close to his family and community. Fans see him as more than just a player; he’s one of their own, representing Columbus while staying true to his roots.

You feel that connection every time he steps on the field at Lower.com Field. His story inspires young players across Ohio and the U.S. who dream of making it big.

Pathway Through the Columbus Crew Academy

If you look at Taha Habroune’s journey through the Crew’s system, you’ll see steady progress from academy standout to pro midfielder. His path shows how the Crew’s player pipeline gives local talent real chances at every step.

Crew Academy Journey

You first hear about Habroune’s talent when he joins the Columbus Crew Academy back in 2019. He quickly stands out as one of the top prospects, known for keeping his cool on the ball and reading the game well.

He represents the Crew at the 2023 Generation adidas Cup, where he grabs MVP honors for the U-17s after leading his team to the semifinals. That performance puts him on the national radar and gets him a call-up to the U.S. U-17 National Team.

His academy days also include playing in the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, facing off against the best youth players in the country. His growth proves the Crew’s academy can really prepare players for pro soccer.

Year	Team	Competition	Highlights
2019–2023	Crew Academy	MLS NEXT / GA Cup	U-17 MVP, All-Star selection

Transition to Columbus Crew 2

You see Habroune take another step when he signs with Columbus Crew 2 on May 21, 2023. That move gives him his first taste of pro action in MLS NEXT Pro, a key bridge between the academy and the first team.

He plays in 20 matches, starts 14 of them, and racks up 4 goals and 3 assists as Crew 2 makes another league final. His flexibility in midfield and attacking awareness help him become one of the youngest regulars on the squad.

His success with Crew 2 really shows the Crew’s focus on developing from within. Players like Habroune get real pro experience before they hit the senior stage.

Season	Team	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2023	Columbus Crew 2	20	4	3

Promotion to First Team

Habroune’s progress pays off when he signs a Homegrown Player contract with the Columbus Crew first team on January 17, 2024. The deal runs through 2027 with a club option for 2028.

He becomes the 21st Homegrown signing in club history and the first player to jump straight from the academy to Crew 2 and then to the senior squad.

He makes his senior debut in the U.S. Open Cup on May 24, 2023, coming in late against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. At just 17, he’s already earned the coaching staff’s trust.

Habroune joins fellow academy products Aidan Morris, Sean Zawadzki, and Keegan Hughes on the roster, highlighting the Crew’s commitment to homegrown talent. You can read more about his signing on OurSports Central.

Professional Career and MLS Performance

You see a young player who came up through Columbus Crew’s academy and turned pro with surprising composure. His first matches showed maturity beyond his years.

The 2025 season has brought steady growth, both in skill and consistency. His stats, team role, and contract details all paint a picture of how he’s fitting into MLS right now.

Debut and Early Matches

Taha Habroune made his senior debut for the Columbus Crew during the 2023 MLS season, coming up through the club’s youth system. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio, and trained locally before becoming one of the Crew’s homegrown signings.

You can’t help but notice his confidence on the ball and how quickly he adjusts to the physical demands of top-flight soccer.

In those first matches, he usually came on as a late substitute, picking up minutes against some pretty experienced defenders. He kept his passing accuracy above 80 percent, and the coaching staff really liked his work rate.

The Crew’s technical team pointed to his time at the Crew Academy and his stint at the club’s Next Pro affiliate as key to his readiness.

His early minutes didn’t add up to much, but his tactical sense stood out. When you watched him press or link up play through midfield, he looked like someone who understood the system, not just his own job.

2025 Season Highlights

By 2025, Habroune had settled in as a rotation regular. He played 17 MLS matches and scored once, according to FootyStats.

You could see him shift between attacking midfield and forward, depending on what the match called for. His versatility made him valuable, especially in a squad juggling both domestic and international games.

He also got the call to represent the United States at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which says a lot about his progress. That call-up also reflects how the Crew have started to build a rep for producing homegrown talent.

In league play, he contributed to some key build-ups and earned praise for staying calm under pressure. You might notice his runs into the box are better timed, and he’s making sharper decisions during transitions.

Those little improvements turned him from just a prospect into someone you can count on.

Player Ratings and Statistics

Throughout the 2025 MLS season, Habroune’s average player rating hovered around 6.8 on sites like Flashscore. His stats show a player who’s still developing but already pretty steady in effort and output.

Category	Matches	Goals	Assists	Passing Accuracy	Player Rating
MLS 2025	17	1	2	82%	6.8

You have to appreciate how those numbers show steady involvement, not just flash. His passing accuracy and defensive work rate point to a guy who values control and structure.

Coaches often highlight his discipline in pressing and positioning, which really helps balance an attack-heavy midfield.

He doesn’t light up the score sheets yet, but his main contributions come in keeping possession and moving play forward. Those things don’t always grab headlines, but coaches and analysts definitely notice.

Contract Details and Length

Habroune’s current contract with the Columbus Crew runs through the 2026 MLS season, according to Transfermarkt data. As a homegrown player, his deal fits MLS roster rules that give teams some salary cap wiggle room for academy grads.

If he keeps developing at this pace, you’d expect the Crew to look at an extension. His market value sits around €150,000—a modest number that could climb if he gets more minutes.

He fits into the Crew’s long-term plans, offering both depth and a strong local connection. For a guy who grew up in Columbus and came through the Crew academy, it just feels right.

His contract gives the team some security and lets him grow without too much outside pressure.

International Experience and National Team Duty

You can see how Taha Habroune’s career has taken off thanks to steady involvement with U.S. youth national teams. Those call-ups show that coaches trust him and that he can handle high-level international competition.

U.S. U-20 National Team Involvement

You’ve probably seen Habroune pick up recognition with the U.S. U-20 National Team, where he keeps developing as a central midfielder. His selection highlights his technical skills and tactical sense, both sharpened through the Columbus Crew Academy and Crew 2.

He joined the program after impressing scouts at the youth level with his control and range of passing. With the U-20s, he’s been through training camps, friendlies, and prepped for major tournaments.

Habroune adapts well to different systems, making him a reliable midfield option. He reads the game, often linking the back line to the attack.

According to his Columbus Crew profile, he’s gotten several national team call-ups, including the October and June FIFA international windows.

Year	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists
2024	U.S. U-20	6	1	2
2025	U.S. U-20	4	0	1

2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile

Making the squad for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile is a big step for Habroune. Playing for the U.S. on that stage gives him a shot at global competition and a chance to measure himself against top young players.

The Columbus Crew announcement confirmed his selection, which really shows how far he’s come—from academy prospect to international rep.

You can expect him to play a key part in the midfield rotations, bringing composure and precision on the ball.

He’s trained alongside players from other MLS academies, building chemistry that should help the U.S. squad. This experience also benefits his club play, as he returns with sharper decision-making and a bit more international polish.

Appearances for United States Under-19s

Before he joined the U-20s, Habroune made appearances for the United States Under-19s, picking up valuable early experience in international play. His involvement came during the FIFA International Window when several Crew players got called up.

During that time, he worked under coaches who stressed tactical discipline and ball retention. Those matches helped him improve his defensive positioning and quick transition from defense to attack.

His Under-19 experience basically bridged the gap to tougher competition. It also gave him a chance to face strong teams from Europe and South America, which prepped him for the U-20 level.

Year	Team	Caps	Goals
2023	U.S. U-19	5	1

International Goals and Recognitions

Habroune’s international record includes a few goals and assists—nothing wild, but enough to show he’s growing into his midfield role. His best contributions often come at key moments, like setting up decisive plays or keeping possession under pressure.

Coaches in the U.S. youth system have praised his leadership and consistency, and media outlets like MLSsoccer.com have noticed his maturity for someone still in his teens.

He’s picked up commendations for leadership and composure during tournaments. Those traits line up with the steady development he’s shown at the Crew and suggest he could climb to higher national team levels soon.

Key Teammates, Influences, and Crew Dynamics

Taha Habroune’s growth with the Columbus Crew feels closely tied to the players and staff around him. His progress reflects a system that values chemistry, development, and international exposure.

Notable Teammates and Positions

You can see how chemistry shapes the Crew’s midfield and backline. Patrick Schulte, the starting goalkeeper, anchors the defense with calm distribution.

Steven Moreira, a versatile defender from Cape Verde, brings balance and leadership that younger players lean on.

In midfield, Max Arfsten and Owen Presthus often link play between lines, giving Habroune good options when he pushes forward. Both guys bring energy and solid positional sense, helping keep possession under pressure.

Nicholas Hagen, who represents Guatemala, and Tristan Brown, a U.S. Under-19 midfielder, add depth and competition in training. Their presence keeps everyone sharp and lifts the standard across the roster.

Player	Position	Nationality	Key Strength
Patrick Schulte	Goalkeeper	United States	Distribution, shot-stopping
Steven Moreira	Defender	Cape Verde	Leadership, positioning
Max Arfsten	Midfielder	United States	Transition play
Owen Presthus	Midfielder	United States	Ball control
Nicholas Hagen	Goalkeeper	Guatemala	Reflexes
Tristan Brown	Midfielder	United States	Work rate

Influence of Coaching and Development Staff

You can trace Habroune’s rise through the Crew’s pathway, from Academy to Crew 2 to the first team. The staff keeps a steady focus on technical improvement and mental readiness, giving him a solid framework for success.

The coaches emphasize composure in tight spaces and quick decision-making. Their approach lines up with what you’d find at top European academies, focusing on both tactical understanding and personal discipline.

Habroune’s mentors include development coaches who helped him move from youth to pro. Their influence makes sure his style fits the Crew’s possession-based system but still leaves room for some creativity in attack.

Impact of FIFA International Window Call-Ups

You’ve probably noticed how international call-ups shake up the Crew’s routine. During the FIFA International Window, players like Schulte, Moreira, Arfsten, Hagen, and Habroune head out to represent their countries.

When several first-teamers leave, the training vibe changes. Younger or reserve guys suddenly get more minutes. The staff scramble a bit, tweaking tactics to keep things on track.

For Habroune, these stretches really push his adaptability. He steps into new roles, sometimes picking up extra leadership when teammates are gone.

The club’s official site points out that Habroune got the nod for the U.S. U-20 National Team and the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile (Columbus Crew). That kind of experience boosts his confidence and gives him a real edge in Major League Soccer.