Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids have announced a fan-friendly programme allowing supporters to exchange jerseys of former star Djordje Mihailović for new ones, following his transfer to Toronto FC. The club confirmed the move in conjunction with the acquisition of attacking midfielder Paxten Aaronson from Eintracht Frankfurt for a club-record fee reported at $7m.
Mihailović, who joined the Rapids from AZ Alkmaar in 2023, requested a transfer for personal reasons after leading the team to the playoffs for the first time in two seasons. His departure came as a surprise, but the club said Aaronson’s arrival marks a fresh chapter. Toronto FC, meanwhile, are undergoing a rebuild after failing to make the playoffs for four consecutive seasons.
Fans who purchased Mihailović’s No 10 jersey can exchange it for a blank one, or one with Aaronson’s name or that of other selected players. The Rapids said the programme demonstrates their commitment to the community. Such initiatives are rare but not unprecedented; in 2018, Fanatics allowed NBA fans to exchange jerseys of traded players, and similar programmes have appeared in other sports.
Aaronson, brother of Leeds United’s Brenden Aaronson, spent last season on loan at Utrecht in the Dutch Eredivisie, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. He made his US men’s national team debut in 2023 and was part of the 2025 Gold Cup squad. The 22-year-old is expected to take a leading role for the Rapids as they enjoy their best season since 2021.
