Josef Martínez is back in MLS. Columbus Crew announced the signing of the Venezuelan striker, who returns to American soccer after a short spell in Liga MX with Tijuana, where he made just 9 appearances and scored 1 goal.
At 33, Martínez is looking for another chapter in a league where he built one of the most memorable stories of the last decade.
From San Jose to Tijuana, now Columbus
Before his move to Tijuana, Martínez spent the 2025 season with the San Jose Earthquakes, putting up strong numbers: 14 goals and 3 assists in 31 games. That form kept him on MLS radars and ultimately led to Columbus Crew's interest.
He'll now wear the jersey of another storied MLS club, aiming to recapture the impact he's had at previous stops in the league.
A career defined by MLS success
Martínez made his name in MLS during his time with Atlanta United, the peak of his career. He was the central figure in Atlanta's historic MLS Cup-winning campaign and was named league MVP.
His finishing and ability to change games made him one of the top strikers the league has seen. Beyond Atlanta, Martínez has also played for Montreal, Inter Miami, and San Jose Earthquakes.
El Rey Josef returns
Joining Columbus Crew gives Martínez a fresh chance to prove he can still be decisive in MLS. He arrives with experience, a proven scoring record, and a well-established relationship with American soccer.
For Columbus, the move is a bet on a player who knows the league inside out and has repeatedly shown he can decide big games.