Federico Higuaín had to endure a lot of ups and downs in his career prior to his arrival to Major League Soccer and the Columbus Crew. The now 37-year-old never really found a spot at childhood club River Plate, and never lived up to his potential talent at stops in America or Independiente.
Then in 2012, Higuaín took a chance on MLS after countryman Guillermo Barros Schelotto elevated the league’s profile in Argentina and quickly became one the best Argentine imports in league history. Higuaín would play over 100 games in Columbus, have a pit stop in DC United, and would finish his career at Inter Miami.
For Federico Higuaín, MLS was a place he truly carved out a place for himself, and today in a tearful press conference he announced that he is retiring after a 19-year career.
The career of Federico Higuaín
Federico Higuaín began his career in River Plate of Argentina in 2003, before breaking out at Nueva Chicago (2005-2007), he then had three low point stops at Beşiktas, América, and Independiente (2008-2009). A revival of sorts at Godoy Cruz (2009-2010) would lead to a move to Colon of Santa Fe (2012-2012) before a DP move to MLS.
From 2012-2019 Higuaín played 193 games for the Columbus Crew scoring 55 goals, he was named the league’s newcomer of the year in 2012. At DC United he would only play 10 games before moving to Inter Miami where he shared the field with brother and former Argentine national team forward Gonzalo Higuaín.
Federico Higuaín is the embodiment of what MLS has become to South American players, a proper destination for players who might not have gotten their fair shot, his deadly free kicks and burst of speed were trademarks in a career that proved that with dedication and a never give up attitude, good players find a home.
