One of Major League Soccer’s most notorious strikers has called time on a memorable 13-year career.
Forward Gyasi Zardes announced his retirement Monday via social media, bringing an end to a career that saw him become one of the league’s most recognizable American forwards.
A two-time MLS Cup winner with the LA Galaxy in 2014 and Columbus Crew in 2020, Zardes also made more than 68 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. His retirement comes just over two years after his final appearance for Austin FC during the 2024 MLS playoffs.
Zardes made his name as a goal scorer, tallying 106 regular-season goals, the 10th-most in MLS history.
He was also known for his distinctive hairstyle — a short mohawk featuring bleach-blonde hair. Zardes has previously explained that he began the tradition so his grandparents could easily spot him on television during matches.
The striker spent the bulk of his career with the Galaxy and Crew, while also making stops with the Colorado Rapids and Austin FC.
Zardes took a moment Monday to reflect on his accomplished career in a video shared across his social media channels, closing the book on a 13-year MLS journey that saw him lift two MLS Cups and establish himself as one of the league’s most prolific American goal scorers.
“A quote I used to live by is, every day you don’t train, somebody else in the world is getting better than you. So that I’m telling myself, hey, I’m one percent better today. You know, I’m one percent better today,” Zardes said. “It’s so great to look back and feel like I’ve accomplished more than I could ever dream of.
“This journey wasn’t just about me. There are so many different influences in my life. I see my wife next to my side. I see my mom celebrating with me. My dad, he’s waking up early, going to work. I remember we used to sit in the car two hours going to training. As I look back at the sacrifices that he made for me, I’m so thankful. I’m so thankful.
“It’s those that are coming after me. So as long as I inspire at least one, it’s like a job well done. Yeah. To both of my sons, Gyan and Gyson, your soccer journey is in front of you. Make the most out of every opportunity. The journey ebbs and flows. There’s good times, there’s bad times. But embrace every single moment. Just have fun with the journey.”
“Growing up in California, I fell in love with soccer. With just a dream, a ball at my feet, and people who believed in me before anyone knew my name. To my parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, mother-in-law, aunties, uncles, family, and friends. Thank you for every sacrifice. This was never just my journey. It was our journey.
“To my wife and my children, your strength, love, and support carried me more than you know. To teammates, coaches, trainers, chaplains, staff. Thank you for pushing, challenging, and believing in me. To the fans, thank you for embracing me, supporting me, and giving my family and myself memories we will cherish forever. If I inspired even one person along the way, I consider that a blessing and a job well done. All glory to God.”
Columbus fans began their relationship with the forward when he arrived in the capital city as part of a trade with the LA Galaxy that sent forward Ola Kamara and $400,000 to Southern California.
Over the next five seasons, Zardes found the back of the net 61 times and added nine assists in 122 appearances for the Crew. During his time in Columbus, he helped lead the club to the 2020 MLS Cup and was named MLS Comeback Player of the Year in 2018.