The Argentine playmaker who transformed a club through vision and clinical precision
In short: He arrived in the United States for a record fee, initially hesitant about an unfamiliar league. Yet, Federico Higuaín would go on to become an icon, rewriting the record books with a unique blend of technical intelligence and an eye for the spectacular.
Federico Higuaīn, nicknamed 'Pipa,' arrived at the Columbus Crew in July 2012 as the club's third-ever designated player. Signed for a then-record fee of US$650,000, the Argentine forward was persuaded to join by former player Guillermo Barros Schelotto. His impact was immediate; in his debut season, he earned the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award and demonstrated an extraordinary ability to orchestrate play, eventually becoming the club's all-time leader in regular season assists with 63.
A player of 'instinctual creativity,' Higuaín was noted for his technical precision, particularly his ability to score chipped goals from distance. His career was marked by both brilliance and friction. While he was a prolific provider of assists and a master of the penalty kick—recording 20 goals from the spot for Columbus—his temperament was often tested. He was known for frequent dissent toward referees, and his 2016 season was marked by a public dispute with teammate Kei Kamara over a penalty kick, an incident that eventually led to Kamara's trade.
Beyond his playing days, Higuaín's career took a controversial turn in the coaching ranks. After stints with D.C. United and Inter Miami, he accepted the head coach role with Columbus Crew 2 in January 2025. However, his tenure ended abruptly in September 2026. Following a widely criticized incident in August 2026, where he was suspended for physical abuse and sexist remarks toward a female referee, the club dismissed him, stating he failed to meet the organization's expected standards.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Federico Higuaín
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