Columbus Crew sign MLS legend Josef Martínez | OneFootball

By Ari Liljenwall

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Columbus Crew have signed legendary MLS striker Josef Martínez, the club announced Thursday.

The former Atlanta United superstar is under contract through the 2026 campaign with an option for the 2027 Sprint Season.

The 2018 Landon Donovan MLS MVP recently featured for LIGA MX's Club Tijuana, whom he joined after spending last season with the San Jose Earthquakes.

The 33-year-old Venezuelan international's 130 regular-season goals are the sixth-most in MLS history. He's played 214 games across nine MLS seasons, spanning Atlanta (2017-22), Inter Miami CF (2023), CF Montréal (2024) and San Jose (2025).

"Josef brings a level of experience, proven production and competitive mentality that can make a real difference for our group,” said Crew general manager Issa Tall.

“He adds another dynamic element to our attack, while also bringing leadership and valuable experience to our roster, especially given his familiarity with our team’s style of play and the league.”

Martínez is best known for his tenure with Atlanta, where he became one of the most prolific goalscorers in MLS history. He scored 31 goals during the 2018 campaign to win MVP and Golden Boot presented by Audi awards, in addition to helping Atlanta capture their only MLS Cup title.

The move reunites the three-time MLS Best XI honoree and two-time MLS All-Star with interim head coach Laurent Courtois, who coached him at Montréal in 2024. It also adds reinforcements to a striker group that lost Designated Player Wessam Abou Ali to a season-ending ACL injury in April. 

Martínez continues a busy summer transfer window for Columbus, whose additions include midfielder Brais Méndez, defender Eric Bailly and forward Gonzalo Tapia.

Columbus are looking to climb above the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs line, currently sitting 11th in the Eastern Conference table through 18 matches (20 points).

READ MORE: MLS Transfer Tracker