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Columbus Crew 2 has officially signed two standout products from the Crew Academy—Gianmarco Di Noto and Prince Forfor—to MLS NEXT Pro contracts running through the end of the 2026 season. Both teens have already made inroads in professional play, and these deals mark a formal step into their pro careers with the club’s reserve side.

From Academy Roots to Professional Stage

Di Noto and Forfor join a growing list of Academy alumni who have progressed to Columbus Crew 2, including Chase Adams, Brent Adu-Gyamfi, Anthony Alaouieh, Giorgio De Libera, Quinton Elliot, Nicolas Rincón, and Chris Rogers. (Crew club statement)

Gianmarco Di Noto is a 16-year-old defender born March 27, 2009. He made his Crew 2 debut in March 2025 against Orlando City B and has started 10 matches, accumulating 801 minutes in MLS NEXT Pro competition. He’s also featured in the club’s 2025 U.S. Open Cup run, appearing in two matches. Di Noto joined the Crew Academy in March 2023, coming from Liverpool FC International Academy Michigan, and has been involved in U.S. Youth National Team camps (U-15, U-16). (Crew report)

Prince Forfor, also 16 (born March 14, 2009), is a forward who joined Columbus Academy from FC United DSM in January 2024. In 2025, he made four appearances for Crew 2, including one start, totaling 216 minutes. His 2025 debut came against Inter Miami II, playing 89 minutes. Forfor has also received U.S. youth national team call-ups (U-16), played in friendlies abroad, and earned MVP honors in the 2025 MLS NEXT All-Star Game, where he scored the go-ahead goal. He was also named to the U-16 Generation adidas Cup Best XI after scoring four goals during the tournament run. (Crew report)

What These Signings Mean for Crew & the Academy

These contract signings reflect the Crew Academy’s mission: to develop talent from youth levels into professionals capable of contributing to the club’s broader ecosystem. As Academy Director Brian Bliss stated, the signings “highlight the Academy’s success in developing top talent and the impact of its efforts in identifying and preparing players to compete at the next level with Crew 2.” (Crew announcement)

For the young players, the transition means more than just formal contracts—they now have a clearer path to competitive minutes in a professional environment, access to high-level training, and the potential to break into the first team if they perform well.

This move also reinforces the “One Club” philosophy many American clubs aspire to: a seamless player pathway from youth ranks to adult competition, with fewer gaps or barriers between levels.

Strengths, Challenges & Key Developments Ahead

The early performance of both players provides insight into their potential and the adjustments ahead:

Di Noto has been reliable—starting matches, logging significant minutes, and showing defensive maturity beyond his years. His involvement in national youth setups adds credibility to his long-term upside.

Forfor shows flashes of attacking promise—the All-Star MVP and GA Cup honors suggest he has goal instincts. Integrating into a professional attacking setup will test him further.

Challenges ahead for both include adapting to the physicality and consistency of pro play, maintaining growth under pressure, and carving roles against more experienced teammates. How they navigate that transition will be closely watched.

With their full pro deals confirmed, expectations are higher. Forfor and Di Noto now carry the banner for future Academy graduates, and their success—or struggles—may shape how the Club approaches youth development in coming seasons.