The American Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier football league competition in the United States. Since its inception in 1996, the league has witnessed and attracted great footballers from all over the world be it South America, Europe, or Africa.
The MLS has further been blessed to observe the skills and great performances of these aforementioned players. Today we take a look at some of the greatest players to have graced the MLS.
Here are the top 20 greatest MLS Players of all-time.
20. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry’s time in MLS was truly special. Joining the New York Red Bulls from 2010 to 2014, he brought star power and incredible skill to the league, following in the footsteps of David Beckham.
Henry made a huge impact in his five seasons with the Red Bulls. He scored 51 goals and had 42 assists in 122 regular-season games. Even in the playoffs, he stood out with seven assists and one goal in 13 matches.
Henry’s achievements included being named to the MLS Best XI three times and being a four-time MLS All-Star. He also led the Red Bulls to their first major trophy, the 2013 MLS Supporters’ Shield, and helped them win two Eastern Conference titles.
Known for his amazing technique and vision, Henry was both a great scorer and playmaker. His presence in MLS raised the league’s profile and inspired many fans and players.
19. Preki
Predrag Radosavljevic, better known as “Preki,” left an indelible mark on Major League Soccer. Joining the Kansas City Wizards in 1996, he quickly became one of the league’s standout players.
Preki’s skill and vision on the field earned him two MVP titles and two Golden Boot awards, making him the only player to win the MVP award twice. Between 1996 and 2000, he scored 50 goals in 145 games for Kansas City. After a brief stint with the Miami Fusion in 2001, he returned to Kansas City in 2002 and continued to shine, adding 21 more goals in 73 games until his retirement in 2005.
Preki’s honors include four MLS Best XI selections, a 2000 MLS Cup win, and being fifth all-time in assists. His contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2010.
18. David Villa
David Villa brought his world-class talent to Major League Soccer when he joined New York City FC in 2015. Known for his brilliance with Barcelona and the Spanish national team, Villa quickly became the cornerstone of NYCFC’s rise from an expansion team to one of the league’s top clubs.
During his four seasons with NYCFC, Villa was nothing short of spectacular. He scored 77 goals, making him the club’s top scorer each year he played. His exceptional performances earned him the 2016 MLS MVP award and two MLS Best XI selections.
Villa’s impact on the pitch was immediate and profound. His clinical finishing, intelligent movement, and leadership helped NYCFC establish itself as a MLS competitive force. Fans in the Big Apple were treated to his consistent excellence, as he delivered memorable moments and crucial goals game after game.
17. Bradley Wright-Phillips
Bradley Wright-Phillips, affectionately known as BWP, was a goal-scoring machine for the New York Red Bulls. From 2013 to 2019, he terrorized defenders across MLS, netting an incredible 108 goals in 195 appearances. Known for his clinical finishing and sharp positional sense, BWP claimed the MLS Golden Boot twice during his time in New York.
In 2018, Wright-Phillips became the 11th player in MLS history to reach 100 goals and still holds the title of the New York Red Bulls’ all-time leading scorer. His contributions helped the Red Bulls secure three MLS Supporters’ Shield titles. He also became the first player in MLS history to score 15 or more goals in five consecutive seasons and the first to score 20 or more goals in three different seasons.
After his prolific stint with the Red Bulls, BWP moved to LAFC in 2020, where he added another eight goals in just 19 games. He later played for the Columbus Crew in 2021, helping them win the Campeones Cup.
Wright-Phillips’ accolades include two MLS Golden Boot awards, two MLS Best XI selections, and a place as the seventh all-time leading scorer in MLS with 114 goals. His remarkable goal-scoring ability and impact on the league have cemented his legacy as one of MLS’s all-time great forwards.
Fun fact: BWP is the brother of former England international Shaun Wright-Phillips, making football talent a family affair.
16. Eddie Pope
Widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in MLS history, Eddie Pope’s strength, speed, and aerial dominance were key to DC United’s early success. A North Carolina native, Pope played over 250 MLS games, including 42 with the MetroStars—the precursor to the New York Red Bulls.
Pope’s accolades include a three-time MLS Cup winner, four-time MLS Best XI selection, and the 1997 MLS Defender of the Year. His trophy cabinet also includes two Supporters’ Shields, a US Open Cup, and a CONCACAF Champions League title. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy in American soccer.
Pope’s illustrious 11-year MLS career was complemented by 82 caps for the USMNT, further solidifying his status as an American soccer legend. One of his most memorable moments came in 1996 when he scored the dramatic golden goal to give DC United the win in the first-ever MLS Cup.
Eddie Pope’s contributions to MLS and American soccer are unforgettable, making him one of the league’s all-time great defenders.
15. Jeff Agoos
Jeff Agoos, known for his tenacity and leadership, is one of the most decorated defenders in MLS history. Playing for DC United, San Jose Earthquakes, and the MetroStars, Agoos won an impressive five MLS Cups—second only to Landon Donovan.
His has three MLS Best XI selections and the 2001 MLS Defender of the Year award. He also boasts a U.S. Open Cup win and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009.
Agoos’ defensive prowess was instrumental in securing three MLS Cups with DC United and two more with the San Jose Earthquakes. Beyond his playing career, he has held executive roles, including Sporting Director for the New York Red Bulls and Vice President of Competition for MLS. In January 2025, he was announced as the President and General Manager of Portland Thorns FC.
14. Carlos Valderrama
Carlos Valderrama, with his legendary passing skills and iconic hairstyle, was a key player in MLS’s early days. The Colombian maestro’s vision and creativity set the bar high, making him one of the best players ever to come out of his country.
Valderrama played 175 games for Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion, and Colorado Rapids, racking up an incredible 114 assists. His average of 0.65 assists per game is the highest in MLS history, showing just how brilliant he was at setting up goals.
He was named the 1996 MLS MVP and made the MLS Best XI three times. Valderrama still holds the record for most assists in a single season with 26, proving his unmatched playmaking ability.
Beyond his skills on the field, Valderrama’s distinctive hair made him a fan favorite and a true MLS icon. His contributions during the league’s early years have left a lasting legacy, cementing his place as one of MLS’s all-time greats.
13. Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey, one of America’s most iconic footballers, left a lasting mark on MLS with his incredible skill and determination. Known for his time in the Premier League with Fulham and Tottenham, Dempsey’s MLS career was equally impressive.
Before moving to England, Dempsey scored 25 goals in 71 games for the New England Revolution, earning the 2004 MLS Rookie of the Year award. His performances caught the attention of Fulham scouts, leading to his successful stint in the Premier League.
Dempsey returned to MLS in 2013 with the Seattle Sounders, where he continued to shine. Over 115 games, he scored 47 goals and provided numerous memorable performances. His technical ability and creativity made him one of the league’s most exciting players.
Dempsey’s accolades include two MLS Best XI selections, a 2016 MLS Cup win, and the 2017 MLS Comeback Player of the Year award after overcoming a serious health scare. Known for his relentless drive and flair, Dempsey was a constant threat in the final third and a true inspiration on the pitch.
Clint Dempsey’s legacy in MLS is one of brilliance, resilience, and unforgettable moments, solidifying his place as one of the league’s all-time greats.
12. Nick Rimando
Nick Rimando is a name synonymous with goalkeeping excellence in MLS. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, Rimando played for Miami Fusion, DC United, and Real Salt Lake, setting records and winning titles along the way.
Rimando holds the MLS records for career wins, shutouts, saves, and overall appearances, making him one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in league history. His heroics in the 2009 MLS Cup, where he made crucial stops in a penalty shootout against the LA Galaxy, helped Real Salt Lake secure their first-ever title.
With two MLS Cup wins and three MLS Save of the Year awards, Rimando’s accolades speak for themselves. His consistency and shot-stopping ability made him a cornerstone for every team he played for, particularly during his long tenure with Real Salt Lake from 2007 to 2019.
Nick Rimando’s legacy is one of durability, skill, and clutch performances. His contributions to MLS and his record-setting career have firmly established him as one of the league’s all-time greats.
11. Sebastian Giovinco
Sebastian Giovinco, affectionately known as the “Atomic Ant,” transformed Toronto FC upon his arrival in 2015. His agility, speed, and technical prowess made an immediate impact, helping Toronto reach the playoffs for the first time in team history and win their first MLS Cup in 2017.
Giovinco’s stats speak volumes: 68 goals in 114 games, making him one of the most prolific players in MLS history. His 2015 season was particularly remarkable, earning him the MLS MVP, Golden Boot, and Newcomer of the Year awards. That year, he also led the league in assists and was named Player of the Month twice.
A former Juventus star, Giovinco brought European flair to MLS, raising the league’s profile. His influence extended beyond his goal-scoring; he was a playmaker and a game-changer, contributing 64 assists during his time with Toronto FC.
Giovinco’s accolades include being a three-time MLS Best XI selection and a four-time MLS All-Star. In 2017, he led Toronto FC to an unprecedented domestic treble, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in MLS history.
Sebastian Giovinco’s tenure in MLS was nothing short of spectacular, and his contributions continue to be celebrated by fans and the league alike.
10. Marco Etcheverry
Marco Etcheverry, affectionately known as “El Diablo,” was a midfield magician who transformed DC United into a powerhouse. Joining the team in 1996, Etcheverry’s creativity and playmaking led United to three MLS Cup victories and a total of eight trophies during his time with the club.
Etcheverry’s individual accolades are impressive: 1998 MLS MVP, four-time MLS Best XI, and two-time MLS Goal of the Year winner. Over eight seasons, he played 191 league games, scoring 34 goals and setting a club record with 101 assists.
Trained at Bolivia’s Tahuichi Academy, Etcheverry brought his talents to MLS after playing in Bolivia, Spain, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. His vision and skill made him one of the greatest Bolivian players ever and a key figure in MLS’s early years.
Etcheverry’s legacy endures. Named to the MLS All-Time Best XI in 2005, he was honored by DC United fans in 2006 with a tribute at RFK Stadium. His iconic clap in front of the La Barra Brava supporters remains a cherished memory.
Marco Etcheverry’s impact on MLS and DC United is undeniable, making him one of the league’s all-time greats whose influence will be remembered for generations.
9. Diego Valeri
Diego Valeri’s time with the Portland Timbers is the stuff of legend. Known for his jaw-dropping goals and consistent brilliance, the Argentine midfielder’s technical skill and vision made him a fan favorite and a key player in the Timbers’ success. Over three spells at the club, Valeri played 262 games and scored 86 goals, leaving an indelible mark on MLS.
Valeri, a 2017 MLS MVP, and 2015 MLS Cup MVP is one of the rare Argentine stars who chose to carve out his legacy in North America rather than Europe. His influence on the field is undeniable, making him one of MLS history’s best Argentine attacking midfielders.
From 2013 to 2021, Valeri was a maestro for the Timbers, scoring 92 goals and providing 99 assists in 284 matches. He was a 2015 MLS Cup winner, a five-time MLS All-Star, a 2017 league MVP, and a three-time MLS Best XI selection. His genius on the pitch is best remembered by his 2015 MLS Cup strike, scoring just 28 seconds into the match, the fastest goal in MLS Cup history.
Diego Valeri’s legacy as one of the league’s most technically gifted midfielders will be cherished by fans and remembered for years to come.
8. Carlos Vela
Carlos Vela’s move to LAFC in 2018 changed everything for the club. Known for his flair and goal-scoring skills, Vela quickly became the star of the team, making LAFC one of the most exciting teams in MLS. He has consistently been one of highest-paid players the MLS.
Since joining, Vela has scored 78 goals in 152 games. His 2019 season was unforgettable, with 34 goals in 34 games, earning him the MLS Golden Boot and MVP. He also led LAFC to their first Supporters’ Shield that year.
Vela’s talent goes beyond just scoring. He can take on multiple defenders and create amazing goals. In 2022, he helped LAFC win another Supporters’ Shield and his first MLS Cup.
A two-time MLS Best XI selection and two-time MLS All-Star, Vela has brought global attention to MLS. As he continues with LAFC, his status as one of the league’s all-time greats keeps growing.
7. Dwayne De Rosario
A true MLS journeyman, Dwayne De Rosario played 330 games and scored 102 goals, delivering wherever he went. His speed, trickery, and eye for goal made him one of the most exciting players to watch in the league, with memorable spells at San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls, and DC United.
De Rosario was a member of four MLS Cup-winning teams—twice with San Jose Earthquakes (2001, 2003) and twice with Houston Dynamo (2006, 2007). He earned MLS Cup MVP honors in 2001 and 2007. Notably, his rookie season saw him score the golden goal to win the 2001 MLS Cup for the Earthquakes.
At Toronto FC, he remains the all-time career leader in goals (27), multi-goal games (five), game-winning goals (seven), and shots (158), and is tied for first in assists (10). His individual accolades include being the 2011 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner, a six-time MLS Best XI selection, and winning the MLS Goal of the Year twice.
De Rosario’s knack for scoring dramatic goals and his consistent excellence across multiple teams have cemented his legacy as one of MLS’s all-time greats. His contributions on the field and his memorable moments will be remembered by fans for years to come.
6. Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane’s spell with LA Galaxy was filled with goals and trophies. The Irishman’s predatory instincts, leadership, and big-game performances were crucial in Galaxy’s domination of MLS during his time. Despite being at the end of his career, Keane scored an impressive 83 goals in 125 regular-season games, proving he still had the ability to be a top striker.
Keane’s impact extended into the playoffs, where he netted nine goals and provided six assists in 18 appearances, helping the Galaxy secure MLS Cup wins in 2011, 2012, and 2014. His stellar 2014 season earned him both the league and MLS Cup MVP honors, and he was a four-time MLS Best XI selection.
Joining a roster that already featured stars like David Beckham and Landon Donovan, Keane was the final piece of the puzzle for a Galaxy dynasty that won three MLS Cups in four years. His time in MLS may have been brief, but his contributions were monumental, making him an integral part of one of the league’s most legendary teams.
5. Lionel Messi
What more can be said about Lionel Messi? An eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and widely regarded as the greatest soccer player in history, his legend knows no bounds. Since gracing MLS with his genius, Messi has already propelled Inter Miami to their first-ever trophies, capturing the inaugural 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield.
Messi’s magic transcends the pitch. His arrival sparked a seismic shift, drawing fans and viewers from every corner of the globe. While his dazzling performances will be etched in MLS history, his impact off the field might prove just as transformative. Messi has elevated MLS to unprecedented heights, solidifying its place as a premier domestic league in the United States and igniting a wave of global enthusiasm the likes of which the league had never seen.
In just 39 games, Messi has already scored 34 goals and provided 18 assists, winning the 2024 MVP award. His influence on and off the field is unparalleled, making him not just a player but a phenomenon that has reshaped the landscape of MLS forever.
4. David Beckham
David Beckham’s arrival in MLS was a game-changer. Joining the LA Galaxy in 2007, his set-piece ability and vision were crucial in leading the team to back-to-back MLS Cup victories. Beckham scored 18 goals in 98 games, and his influence on the field was undeniable. He was named to the MLS Best XI in 2011, further showcasing his talent.
However, Beckham’s impact went far beyond his on-field contributions. His star power significantly raised the league’s profile internationally, making him arguably the most important signing in MLS history. At a time when MLS wasn’t seen as a destination for European stars, Beckham’s move changed that perception and paved the way for future signings.
Even after retiring, Beckham continues to make waves in MLS as the owner of Inter Miami. His club brought in global superstars Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, further demonstrating his lasting influence on the league.
3. Jaime Moreno
Jaime Moreno’s name is synonymous with MLS greatness. The Bolivian forward’s incredible longevity and consistent performance make him an icon in the league. Playing for DC United and the MetroStars, Moreno racked up 133 goals in 340 games, showcasing his lethal finishing and creative prowess.
Moreno’s list of honors is impressive: a four-time MLS Cup winner and a five-time MLS Best XI selection. He was the first player in MLS history to reach the 100 goals and 100 assists milestone, a feat only matched by Landon Donovan. This achievement underlines his dual threat as both a scorer and a playmaker.
In 2007, Moreno tied Jason Kreis as the all-time leading scorer in MLS with his 108th goal, scored on a penalty kick against Toronto FC. His loyalty to the league is further highlighted by his record of playing in each of the first 15 MLS seasons, a testament to his staying power and dedication.
2. Chris Wondolowski
When you think of MLS legends, Chris Wondolowski’s name is right at the top. The former San Jose Earthquakes striker holds the record for the most goals in MLS history with an astounding 171 goals in 413 games. His clinical finishing and consistency have earned him a place among the league’s all-time greats.
Wondolowski is the only player in MLS history to score ten or more goals in ten consecutive seasons. He also holds records for the most MLS goals on the road and the most game-winning goals, both home and away. Despite his incredible individual achievements, team success during his time was limited, with just two MLS Cups to his name in 16 years with the Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo.
Wondolowski’s honors include being the 2012 MLS MVP, a three-time MLS Best XI selection, and a two-time MLS Golden Boot winner. His legendary status was further solidified when he joined Earthquakes supporters in the stands while serving a red-card suspension, showcasing his passion for the game and his team.
1. Landon Donovan
Landon Donovan is widely recognized as one of the greatest American soccer players in history, and his impact on MLS was nothing short of spectacular. Known for his remarkable scoring ability, creativity, and leadership, Donovan played a pivotal role in the success of the LA Galaxy and the stability of MLS.
Donovan’s career in MLS saw him become a six-time MLS Cup winner, a testament to his influence on the field. He scored 145 goals and provided 136 assists in 340 games, making him third on the all-time scoring list and first in career assists. His achievements include being named the 2009 MLS MVP and earning seven MLS Best XI selections.
During his time with the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes, Donovan’s contributions were crucial. He could have pursued a career at a high level in Europe but chose to stay and represent the domestic game, helping to establish MLS as a growing entity. His dedication to the league and his country was evident when he played a key role in the USMNT’s unexpected run to the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup, earning the tournament’s Young Player award.
