31 Facts About Niko Hansen

Nikolaj Hansen was born on 14 September 1994 and is a retired Danish footballer who played as a winger or forward.

Niko Hansen previously appeared at the semi-professional level for Seattle Sounders FC U-23 and professionally with Columbus Crew SC, Houston Dynamo, Minnesota United and San Antonio FC.

At a young age, Hansen moved to the United States and attended Jesuit High School.

Niko Hansen played in college at New Mexico, appearing on an all-conference team in each of his four years with the Lobos and winning two conference titles.

Niko Hansen appeared with Seattle Sounders FC U-23 during the collegiate offseason.

Niko Hansen was selected by Columbus Crew SC in the first round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft; he scored on his professional debut that March.

Niko Hansen is eligible to play for either the Denmark or United States national teams and is a citizen of both countries.

Niko Hansen's family settled in Sacramento, California, where he attended Jesuit High School.

Niko Hansen was selected to take part in the NSCAA High School All-American Game.

Niko Hansen played club soccer with Davis Legacy, where he was teammates with Ahkello Witherspoon, and with Placer United during his time in California.

Niko Hansen committed to play college soccer for coach Jeremy Fishbein and the New Mexico Lobos.

On 6 February 2013, Niko Hansen was officially confirmed as part of the New Mexico roster, one of eight recruits brought in by the Lobos ahead of the 2013 season.

Ahead of his junior season, Niko Hansen was called up to the United States U23 national team, taking part in a college identification training camp ahead of the 2015 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship.

Niko Hansen scored just one more time on the season, but was named Second Team All-CUSA, with a total of three goals and three assists from 18 appearances.

Niko Hansen tallied a career-high 13 goals during the year, earned a spot on the C-USA All-Tournament Team, and was named to the All-CUSA First Team.

Niko Hansen finished his collegiate career with 28 goals in 79 appearances.

Niko Hansen missed 14 matches during the summer after undergoing surgery to repair an inguinal hernia and then suffering a thigh strain upon his return to training.

Niko Hansen returned in time for Columbus' playoff run, appearing as an extra time substitute in the knockout round against Atlanta United.

Niko Hansen was expected to challenge for a starting spot at the beginning of the 2018 season following the departure of Justin Meram, but suffered a pulled hamstring during preseason camp.

However, he missed the conference semifinals against New York Red Bulls after picking up an ankle injury against DC After appearing 24 times and scoring three goals, Niko Hansen again had his contract option picked up by the club.

Niko Hansen struggled to earn a spot in the rotation under new head coach Caleb Porter, appearing in just nine matches under Porter.

On 8 August 2019, Niko Hansen was traded to Houston Dynamo in exchange for $75,000 in targeted allocation money.

At the beginning of the 2020 season, Niko Hansen made one substitute appearance before the season was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Niko Hansen played just one time in the MLS is Back Tournament, but became a regular part of the rotation once the regular season resumed, appearing in all but three games the rest of the way.

Niko Hansen's contract expired following the season, but Hansen was extended a contract offer and was protected by the Dynamo ahead of the 2020 MLS Expansion Draft.

Niko Hansen opted out of the 2020 MLS Re-Entry Draft.

Niko Hansen signed a two-year contract, with the Loons holding an option for a third year.

Niko Hansen starred in preseason, tying for the team lead in goals with four.

Niko Hansen played just five times during the remainder of the season, although one of those came in the first round of the 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs against Portland Timbers.

Niko Hansen concluded his first year in Minnesota with one goal and one assist from 13 total appearances.

On 11 January 2023, Niko Hansen signed with USL Championship side San Antonio FC on a one-year deal.