Max Arfsten has gone from a late-night training grinder at Columbus Crew’s facility to one of the most exciting wing-backs in Major League Soccer.
If you want to know Max Arfsten’s net worth, salary, contract details, and how he built his wealth, this guide covers it all.
Max Arfsten’s Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Maximilian Michael Arfsten |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 2001 |
| Age | 25 |
| Nationality | American |
| Place of Birth | Fresno, California, USA |
| Height / Weight | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) / 172 lbs (78 kg) |
| Position | Left Wing-Back / Left Winger |
| Current Club | Columbus Crew (MLS) |
| Jersey Number | #27 |
| Turned Professional | 2022 (San Jose Earthquakes II) |
| Net Worth | ~$1.5 million (estimated) |
| Base Salary | $350,000/year |
| Total Compensation | $389,375 |
| Contract Expires | December 31, 2027 (Club option for 2028) |
Early Life & Career
Max Arfsten grew up in Fresno, California, a working-class city in the heart of Central California’s farming belt.
He picked up a soccer ball around the age of five and never looked back.
“I just fell in love with it right away because of the freedom I felt when I had the ball,” Arfsten has said in interviews.
He attended San Joaquin Memorial High School, where he played as a striker and put up staggering numbers.
He captured two league MVP awards, earned All-CMAC first team recognition, and ended his high school career with an extraordinary 95 goals and 57 assists. He also led his team to league and Central Section championships.
After high school, Arfsten enrolled at the University of California, Davis. Over three seasons with the UC Davis Aggies (2019–2021), he appeared in 39 matches, scoring nine goals and adding eight assists.
He earned Big West Conference All-Freshman Team honors in 2019.
Arfsten’s Armenian heritage also draws attention in the soccer world. His great-grandfather, Samuel Siroonian, was a notable Armenian community figure in Fresno, making Arfsten a point of pride for the Armenian diaspora in California.
Professional Career
Arfsten made the bold decision to leave college early in 2022 and sign with the San Jose Earthquakes II, the reserve side competing in MLS Next Pro’s inaugural season.
He scored nine goals in 24 appearances and showed enough to attract the attention of Columbus Crew’s scouts.
In January 2023, the Columbus Crew selected Arfsten with the 14th pick in the MLS SuperDraft. He made his MLS debut against Atlanta United on March 25, 2023, scoring in a 6–1 victory, and picked up his first career assist the very next match.
His rookie season was limited to 272 minutes, but he used every moment to build his case for more playing time.
Arfsten had fully broken through. He became a regular starter under head coach Wilfried Nancy, racking up 12 goal contributions across 23 regular-season starts.
He helped Columbus win the Leagues Cup title and reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final.
According to Transfermarkt, his current market value stands at €4.50 million, a significant jump that reflects his development.
The 2025 season marked his arrival on the international stage.
He earned his first call-up to the US Men’s National Team during the January camp and went on to make 12 starts across the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and multiple friendlies under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Heading into 2026, Arfsten is pushing for a spot on the USMNT’s 26-man roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tournament being hosted on home soil.
Max Arfsten’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Max Arfsten’s has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.
He built this wealth primarily through his MLS contracts with Columbus Crew, his earlier professional stint with San Jose Earthquakes II, and his growing profile as a USMNT regular.
Contract
Columbus Crew signed Arfsten to a multi-year contract extension in October 2024, keeping him with the Black & Gold through the 2027 season with a club option for 2028.
This new deal was a significant upgrade from his previous agreement, under which he earned just $73,246 — a reflection of how dramatically his standing in MLS has risen.
The club officially announced the extension on October 16, 2024, confirming the multi-year commitment.
Salary
According to MLSPA salary data reported in June 2025, Arfsten earns a base salary of $350,000 per year, with total guaranteed compensation reaching $389,375 — meaning he receives an additional $39,375 in performance-related bonuses on top of his base.
This works out to approximately $6,731 per week.
That salary places him comfortably within MLS’s growing middle tier of well-compensated players, though it remains modest compared to league-wide Designated Player earners.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Base Salary | Total Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | San Jose Earthquakes II | Not publicly disclosed | — |
| 2023 | Columbus Crew | ~$63,547 (rookie scale) | ~$63,547 |
| 2024 | Columbus Crew | $73,246 | $73,246 |
| 2025 | Columbus Crew | $350,000 | $389,375 |
| 2026 | Columbus Crew | $350,000+ (est.) | $389,375+ (est.) |
Career Statistics
| Season | Club / Team | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–2021 | UC Davis Aggies (College) | 39 | 9 | 8 |
| 2022 | San Jose Earthquakes II | 24 | 9 | — |
| 2023 | Columbus Crew | 12 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | Columbus Crew | 30 | 4 | 8 |
| 2025 | Columbus Crew | 23 | 4 | 3 |
| 2026 | Columbus Crew | 8+ | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | USMNT | 12 | 0 | 1 |
FAQs
What is Max Arfsten’s net worth?
Max Arfsten’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.5 million. He earned most of his wealth through his MLS contracts with Columbus Crew, where his salary jumped to $350,000 per year after his 2024 extension.
How much does Max Arfsten earn per year?
He earns a base salary of $350,000 per year with Columbus Crew, with total guaranteed compensation of $389,375 per season, according to MLSPA salary data published in June 2025.
What contract did Max Arfsten sign with Columbus Crew?
Columbus Crew signed Arfsten to a multi-year extension in October 2024, keeping him under contract through December 2027 with a club option for the 2028 season.
Has Max Arfsten played for the US Men’s National Team?
Yes. He earned his first USMNT call-up during January 2025 camp and went on to make 12 starts across the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup and various friendlies under manager Mauricio Pochettino.
What is Max Arfsten’s market value?
According to Transfermarkt, Arfsten’s current market value is €4.50 million, making him one of the most valuable domestically developed players in MLS heading into the 2026 World Cup.
