On Saturday, April 2nd, the Columbus Crew will welcome back midfielder Federico Higuainā"Pipa," as he is affectionately knownāto sign a ceremonial one-day contract and officially retire as a member of the Black & Gold.
The historic evening will feature a special pregame ceremony and video presentation celebrating Pipa's career and accomplishments, which include:
- Higuain played for the Crew from 2012-2019 and made 193 regular-season appearances (184 starts), scoring 55 goals and 63 assists
- The Argentine is the only player in Crew history to register 50 goals and 50 assists in regular-season action
- Higuain is the Crewās all-time leader in regular-season assists (63) and game-winning assists (20)
- He is third in the Crewās list of all-time regular-season goal scorers (55) and fourth in the Club's list of game-winning goals (12)
- In addition to being named the 2012 MLS Newcomer of the Year, he is a three-time recipient of the Crew MVP award (2013, 2014, 2017) and the 2014 Crew Golden Boot winner
Gates will open at 4:30 p.m. prior to the Crew's kickoff against Nashville SC at 6:00 p.m. Round up those who attended Crew matches with you during his time in Columbus and celebrate his impact on the Black & Gold! Oh, and wear gold š
Join Us at Pipa's Ceremonial Retirement
Purchase tickets to the match and celebrate the career of Crew legend Frederico Higuain
Limited single-match tickets remain available through columbuscrew.com/tickets and fans should plan to arrive early to ensure they are able to witness the on-field pre-match recognition. Fans are also encouraged to wear gold to the stadium to celebrate the Crewās gold standard as Major League Soccerās first club.
On matchday, the Club will hold a contract-signing with Higuain at Lower.com Fieldās community plaza. Gates are set to open for Season Ticket Members at 4:00 p.m. ET for the signing, which begins at 4:15 p.m. ET. After the contract-signing, Higuain is set to sign autographs in the plaza from approximately 4:30 p.m. ET ā when gates open for the general public ā until 5:30 p.m. ET. Fans attending the match will have the opportunity to have an item autographed by Higuain, as well as get a photo with him as part of the autograph session. Lawn games, a merchandise stand, along with food and beverage options will be available in the plaza from 4:00 p.m. ET through the end of the contest.
Pre-match events are set to include a ceremonial first kick taken by Higuainās three children. Following the ceremonial first kick, a recognition for Higuain will be conducted at midfield.