COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — One of the most prolific and beloved players in Columbus Crew history that helped lead the team to two trophies is leaving the team.

Cucho Hernandez will no longer be in central Ohio and will sign with Spanish team Real Betis, who currently sit in ninth place in La Liga. Real Betis announced the move on Monday night ahead of the close of the league’s transfer window. The 25-year-old from Colombia became the Crew’s record signing in 2022 when the club acquired him for a $10 million transfer fee.

Hernandez’s impact in Columbus was massive with his playmaking ability helping the club reach new heights. Cucho has played 96 games with the Crew, scoring 58 goals and earning team and individual accolades in his time in Columbus.

In his first full season in 2023, Cucho was named to the MLS’ Best XI and led the team to an MLS Cup title at home against Los Angeles FC 2-1, where he won the game’s MVP award. Hernandez’s fifth postseason goal was a penalty kick in the first half of the final.

He came back in 2024, scoring 19 goals and providing 14 assists to lead Columbus to second-place in the Eastern Conference. He was once again named to the MLS’ team of the season and finished last season second in the MVP voting, finishing behind Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi.

Perhaps Cucho’s most iconic moment in Columbus was last summer when he scored a title-winning goal in stoppage time of the Leagues Cup final against LAFC at Lower.com Field.

This marks the third straight year a key Columbus Crew player has left the club. 2020 MLS Cup MVP Lucas Zelarayan left to play in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and two-time MLS Cup winner Aidan Morris left last year to join Middlesbrough in England.

Among the other strikers on the roster include Christian Ramirez and Jacen Russell-Rowe. The Crew’s 2025 season begins on Feb. 22 when they host the Chicago Fire in the MLS regular season opener. You can watch a preview of next season in the player below.