NASHVILLE, TN – Nashville SC captain Walker Zimmerman will leave the club as a free agent after his contract expires at the end of the 2025 season, reported by The Athletic's Tom Bogert and confirmed by SixOneFive Soccer.
Zimmerman, 32, was acquired by Nashville ahead of their 2020 MLS expansion season from Los Angeles FC for $1.25 million in General Allocation Money and an international roster spot, then an MLS record fee for a defender.
In total, Zimmerman made 172 appearances for Nashville in his six seasons, scoring 16 goals and marshaling one of the best defensive units in recent memory. During Zimmerman's time in Nashville, only the Philadelphia Union and the Seattle Sounders allowed fewer goals than Nashville.
Zimmerman gained historic recognition as one of the best defenders in MLS history. Named in four-consecutive Best XI's from 2020 to 2023, he was also named MLS Defender of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and earned a starting spot for the US Men's National Team at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
"Walker will be forever tied to the history of our club," Mike Jacobs, Nashville SC's General Manager and President of Soccer Operations, told SixOneFive Soccer. "When you think about him being a legacy player, he was an All-Star, a captain for the US National Team, a two-time MLS Defender of the Year. He leaves here in very, very good standing, with a very good relationship with our players and staff. I wish him well in whatever he's doing."
After Dax McCarty's departure, Zimmerman was named club captain in 2024. As captain, he lead the Boys In Gold to their first ever trophy, winning the 2025 US Open Cup and delivering silverware to Tennessee for the first time in major professional sports.
Off the field, Zimmerman was a leader and consistent presence in the community, along with his wife Sally.
As a free agent, Zimmerman is able to sign with any club.
Gallery: Walker Zimmerman
Casey Gower, Christina Moore, Mike Meredith & Johel Maza-SixOneFive Soccer
