Markus Naglestad will forever be a Chattanooga FC legend.
The Norwegian's natural goalscoring ability combined with his leadership, on and off the field, were vital during the club's early stages into the professional game, both in its NISA and MLS NEXT Pro eras.
He signs off his CFC career with an incredible 60 goals scored in 116 appearances for the club.
"This was my fifth season, and ever since I got here I felt at home and I was well received and welcomed with open arms," said Naglestad. "I remember moving down here in 2021 and not really knowing what I was getting into. It's been one pleasant surprise after another. The community and fans just keep outdoing themselves, and that's something that I've really appreciated. Coming from another side of the world they've made me feel at home here in Chattanooga, and it's been amazing."
Naglestad had a decorated spell with the club, particularly from 2021 to 2023, scoring 58 goals during the club's time competing in the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA).
The 34-year-old from Kristiansand re-signed with the club in August 2024 and made six appearances in his first season playing in MLS NEXT Pro, providing one assist and converting two penalties in shootouts. Naglestad signed with CFC for the 2025 season, and he scored two goals, including a crucial winner in extra time over Corpus Christi FC in the first round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
"Markus has been a huge part of the growth and success of this club," said Head Coach Chris Nugent. "He was a big player before I got here. He has contributed in many ways on the field and he continued to contribute with his finishing this year. His impact was felt off the field in training and with his professionalism and commitment to the team. He has a huge impact on our community with the work he does in coaching and just who he is as a personality. He is more than just a player and a jersey at the end of the day and he leaves a big legacy. I have a massive amount of gratitude for his contribution on the field and what he has helped to build going forward."
"There are so many memories that will stick with me that it's hard to choose, but my debut here stands out. My first game I scored a goal, and I didn't really know what the atmosphere was going to be like, and I was amazed at how cool of a place it was to play. Every home game has been like that ever since.
"We won a couple of regular seasons, had a lot of big wins and a couple of upsets in the Open Cup against some big teams. The Atlanta United games were huge at home, being able to score in them was a lot of fun. Playing here and seeing how much it means to a lot of people in the city has meant a lot. Whether you walk around downtown, people are really good here letting you know how much they appreciate the club and the team. You can tell how much it means to the community and that's something that's been really cool to be a part of."
Like other transplants before him that have made a massive mark for the club like Juan Hernandez, Richard Dixon, Alex McGrath and Zeca Ferraz, Naglestad has fully embraced Chattanooga as a place.
"I think it's a cool city. It's a nice size—not too big or small. It's kind of a sleeper city that people don't realize how much it has going for it before you come here. Outside of that, it's been about how people have treated me. Everyone is so friendly. From the get-go, I've felt at home.
"It's just a special place that's hard to leave. Obviously, even though I'm done with CFC, I could see myself staying here beyond soccer, because of how cool a place it is and at home I feel."
