Jonathan Mensah becomes first African player to be named Columbus Crew captain

Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah has been handed the armband as Columbus Crew SC captain for the 2020 season.

He replaces Wil Trapp who has been traded to Inter Miami and was Crew’s captain for the past three seasons.

The 29-year-old has become the first African-born to captain the Black & Gold.

Mensah is now the first non-American to have the captaincy since Federico Higuain in 2013.

In his fourth season, Mensah has been a leader for the team during his time with the club and is a bridge between eras and a well-respected player in the locker room.

He started his reign with a win as Columbus Crew beat New York City FC 1-0 at home on Sunday, 1 March, 2020.