Walker Zimmerman still shines in Nashville
The MLS's finest defender of recent seasons hits 30 in his prime.
Walker Zimmerman has grown up in the MLS, starting his journey at Dallas via the Draft. He was the 7th overall pick in the first round of 2013. Zimmerman moved to LAFC in 2017 and, in 2020, Nashville made their move, paying $1.2 million for him.
From 2019, he emerged as a stand-out defender in the league. Since then, the American centre-back has consistently been included in the season's Best XI.
He won the MLS Defender of the Year award in both 2020 and 2021, his first seasons with Nashville. And this year he has once again been nominated for the accolade. In his last victory, in 2021, he won with 30.9% of the votes.
In April 2022, Zimmerman signed a contract extension, prolonging his stay until December 2025. The club owner, John Ingram, noted it was a priority for the club given his stellar performances. His renewal coincided with that of Hany Mukhtar.
Following the signing, Zimmerman expressed his ambition for the future: “I'm truly grateful. This is just the beginning. We have a player base that is committed, and we will continue working for success in the coming years.”
Despite his impressive performances, it's surprising that his market value is considered so low. It hovers around $3.6 million and has remained stable since his arrival at the Eastern Conference side.
He has become a fan favourite, with his jersey being one of the top sellers year after year. In 2023, he ranked eleventh in sales, according to the league.
The defender saw Lionel Messi's arrival in the league as a huge positive: “It's a great day for the MLS. It's the biggest signing in history. It will be significant for the sport in this country, especially with the 2026 World Cup in mind.”
Zimmerman has also become a mainstay for the United States national team. He was a starter in the World Cup and in the CONCACAF Nations League final against Canada.
At 30, he is set to play in the 2024 Copa America, which will be hosted in the United States.
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