Niko Hansen

Columbus Crew SC

Columbus Crew SC selected Hansen with the ninth overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. Because he had already signed a league-guaranteed contract before the draft, he was automatically added to the Columbus roster without having to negotiate a contract with the club. Hansen made his club and professional debut on 25 March against Portland Timbers, replacing Justin Meram in the 60th minute of a tied match. He went on to provide Crew SC with a 3–2 victory, scoring the game-winning goal in the 84th minute. Hansen missed 14 matches during the summer after undergoing surgery to repair an inguinal hernia and then suffering a thigh strain upon his return to training. He returned in time for Columbus' playoff run, appearing as an extra time substitute in the knockout round against Atlanta United. He scored in the penalty shootout as Crew SC advanced by a 3–1 margin. After finishing the season with one goal in 16 appearances, Hansen had his contract option picked up by the club. Hansen was expected to challenge for a starting spot at the beginning of the 2018 season following the departure of Justin Meram, but suffered a pulled hamstring during preseason camp. He found his form in the later part of the year, scoring a match-tying goal against Chicago Fire on 23 August and bagging a brace in a 3–2 defeat against Portland on 19 September. For a second consecutive season, Hansen scored in a knockout round penalty shootout, this time helping Columbus advance…

As of 17 September 2022

Born in Randers, Denmark, Hansen grew up in Oksbøl before moving to the United States at the age of 10. His family settled in Sacramento, California, where he attended Jesuit High School. As a senior, he scored 35 goals for the Marauders and was named as an NSCAA High School All-American. Hansen was also selected to take part in the NSCAA High School All-American Game. Hansen played club soccer with Davis Legacy, where he was teammates with Ahkello Witherspoon, and with Placer United during his time in California. He committed to play college soccer for coach Jeremy Fishbein and the New Mexico Lobos.