The Columbus Crew celebrated their 2023 MLS Cup victory with a significant visit to the White House, where head coach Wilfried Nancy became the first Black head coach in MLS history to meet a sitting president. During the visit, Nancy reflected on his emotional journey from his childhood in various countries to coaching in America. Teammate Darlington Nagbe shared his pride in representing his family's struggles through soccer and the importance of the moment beyond just a photo op, emphasizing the legacy of perseverance. The visit underscores the growing recognition of diversity and representation in sports.

By the Numbers
  • Wilfried Nancy is the first Black head coach to win an MLS Cup.
  • This is Nancy's first visit to the White House as a head coach.
  • Darlinton Nagbe has played on four different MLS Cup-winning teams.
  • Nagbe has also represented the U.S. national team with 25 caps.
State of Play
  • The Columbus Crew’s visit included an audience with President Biden and a ceremony with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
  • Nancy expressed emotional pride in his journey and the significance of his achievements for future generations.
  • Nagbe described the visit as a culmination of family struggles and achievements in sports.
What's Next

The momentum from this visit could inspire more discussions around diversity in coaching positions within the MLS and beyond, potentially leading to greater representation in the future. Both Nancy and Nagbe may utilize their platforms to advocate for underrepresented communities in soccer.

Bottom Line

The Columbus Crew's visit to the White House is more than a celebration; it symbolizes the changing landscape of American soccer, where diversity and representation matter. Nancy and Nagbe's stories serve as powerful reminders of perseverance and the impact of role models, inspiring the next generation of athletes.