Report: Nashville SC sign winger Cristian Espinoza

Field Level Media|published: 01/07/2026, 11:22am EST

Sep 13, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Cristian Espinoza (10) kicks the ball during the second half against Los Angeles FC defender Artem Smolyakov (29) at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Nashville SC reached a deal with star free agent winger Cristian Espinoza, The Athletic reported on Wednesday.

The 30-year-old Argentina native will join the club as its third designated player alongside Hany Mukhtar and Sam Surridge, per the report.

The two-time MLS All-Star spent the past seven seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, reportedly one of the numerous teams from MLS and abroad to make him an offer this offseason.

Espinoza recorded 36 goals and 70 assists in 218 MLS matches (211 starts) with the Quakes from 2019-25. His 83 assists across all competitions are a franchise record.

His contract expired after the 2025 season, when he collected four goals and 12 assists in 31 league matches.

In Nashville, he takes the designated player spot vacated by the departure of veteran defender Walker Zimmerman, who signed with Toronto FC in free agency.

Nashville opens the 2026 MLS regular season at home against the New England Revolution on Feb. 21.

--Field Level Media