Nicholas Hagen: From Guatemala to Global Football
August 2, 1996, saw the birth of Nicholas Hagen Godoy in Guatemala City. From an early age, Hagen showed a strong interest in soccer, especially as a goalie. His physical traits, along with his innate talent, matched his exceptional 1.93-meter height, paving the way for a great football career.
Club Career
CSD Municipal
One of the most prominent football teams in Guatemala, CSD Municipal, was where Hagen started his professional career. He joined their under-20 team in 2014, then on July 1, 2016, he was promoted to the senior squad. Hagen won two Liga Nacional championships during his time there. Notably, he became the youngest recipient of the Josue Danny Ortiz Trophy, which is given to the goalie with the fewest goals allowed, at the Clausura Tournament in 2017.
Sabail FK
Following six fruitful years with Municipal, Hagen wanted to discover new things and travel the world. On September 4, 2020, he signed with Sabail FK in the Azerbaijan Premier League as a result of this goal. His time in Azerbaijan improved his knowledge and abilities in the game by giving him vital exposure to European football. In July 2021, however, Hagen’s contract with Sabail was terminated following the 2020–21 season.
Hamarkameratene (HamKam)
On July 30, 2021,Nicholas Hagen signed a contract with Hamarkameratene (HamKam) in Norway, marking the beginning of the next phase of his career. The club was at a turning point when he arrived. Hagen played a key part in HamKam’s elevation to the Eliteserien, Norway’s highest football level, throughout the remaining 2021 season, going unbeaten in 17 league games. He started the first 23 games of the 2022 season as the goalie. But after September’s international duty, he ended up spending the remainder of the season on the bench. Hagen did not play in any games in the first half of the 2023 season due to a management change and the fact that his contract was about to expire in June 2023.
Bnei Sakhnin FC
On July 1, 2023, Hagen joined the Israeli Premier League’s Bnei Sakhnin FC in search of fresh challenges. He played in four of the first five games for the club. Regretfully, Hagen requested the termination of his contract in November 2023 as a result of the league’s suspension brought on by geopolitical concerns.
Columbus Crew
On December 12, 2023, Hagen signed with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer, completing a full circle in his journey. He made his debut against Real Salt Lake on April 13, 2024, taking Evan Bush’s place due to an injury. The main goalie, Patrick Schulte, was away playing for the U.S. Olympic squad, so Hagen took advantage of the chance to show off his skills. His first clean sheet in a 4–0 Leagues Cup Round of 32 victory over Sporting Kansas City on August 9, 2024, stands notable. Hagen played a key role in Columbus Crew’s successful Leagues Cup campaign, which ended with a 3-1 victory over LAFC in the championship game. The team extended his contract through the 2025 MLS season in recognition of his contribution.
International Career
Hagen’s skill set goes beyond his club obligations; he has made important contributions on the global scene. He has 34 caps since making his Guatemalan national team debut on August 18, 2018. His leadership and shot-stopping skills have continuously shone out in Guatemala’s regional games, where his performances have been crucial.
Personal Life
Hagen has a strong relationship with his family away from the pitch. He is the youngest of four siblings, having been born to Annie and Sydney Hagen. His older siblings include an older sister named Maria Isabel and two older brothers named Thomas and Phillip. Nicholas Hagen loves spending time with his family, even if his professional job has carried him across countries. He frequently posts tidbits of their get-togethers on social media.
Hagen is now dating Ne Torrebiarte in his private life. Torrebiarte occasionally posts glimpses of their life together on social media, but he usually keeps his personal matters out of the public view.
Playing Style and Attributes
Hagen’s 1.93-meter height and remarkable reflexes and shot-stopping skills enhance his dominant appearance. His versatility, judgment, and leadership on the field have been refined by his experiences in a variety of leagues. Hagen is a dependable final line of defense because of his poise and tactical knowledge, whether he is coordinating his defense or dealing with a one-on-one situation.
Achievements and Honors
Over the course of his career, Hagen has received several honors:
- Liga Nacional Titles: CSD Municipal has won two titles.
- Josue Danny Ortiz Trophy: Given to the goalie who let up the fewest goals throughout the 2017 Clausura Tournament.
- Leagues Cup Champion: A member of the Columbus Crew team that won the 2024 championship.
These accomplishments highlight Hagen’s commitment, talent, and influence on each team he has played for.
Continued Growth and Future Aspirations
Nicholas Hagen is committed to developing as a goalie and advancing his career at the club and international levels. He has the chance to solidify his position in Major League Soccer and make a name for himself as a major player in the league with his contract extension at Columbus Crew. His future performances will benefit greatly from his increasing expertise in high-pressure situations.
European Ambitions
Hagen has goals outside of domestic competitions. He has stated his ambition to play in some of the most competitive leagues in the world, especially European ones. His prior experiences in Israel, Norway, and Azerbaijan have equipped him for this kind of change, and he is still open to chances that will push him even harder.
Commitment to Guatemala’s National Team
Hagen is dedicated to assist the Guatemalan national team achieve more success in addition to his club career. Hagen’s position as the team’s main goalkeeper will be essential as Guatemala aims to win regional competitions like the CONCACAF Gold Cup and World Cup qualifying. A new generation of football players in his own nation may be motivated by his performances.
Contributions Beyond the Pitch
Off the field, Hagen has participated in a number of youth development and community projects. He knows how important it is to give back, and by coaching young goalkeepers and sharing his experiences with ambitious sportsmen, he intends to help football in Guatemala flourish.
Nicholas Hagen continues to demonstrate that perseverance, hard effort, and a love for the game can result in amazing accomplishments, and he has a bright future ahead. He continues to be a powerful figure and an inspiration to many, whether he is playing for Guatemala internationally or protecting his team’s goal in the MLS.