Major League Soccer (MLS) has become one of the most popular professional soccer leagues in the world, attracting some of the best players from around the globe.
Everyone has known who the MLS most valuable players is since 2023. Since Messi started playing in the MLS, the whole world can answer this question. But what about the players behind Messi? From youngsters with huge potential to veterans who have moved from Europe to the MLS, it’s all there.
Top 15 MLS Most Valuable Players
Major League Soccer (MLS) has come a long way since its inception in 1993. The league has grown in popularity, attracting some of the best talents in the world. As a result, the value of players has increased over the years. In this section, we will be exploring the top 15 MLS most valuable players.
15. Emanuel Reynoso $8 mio: The beginning of the MLS most valuable players makes the two-time Argentinian champion Emanuel Reynoso. He is 27 and an Argentine football player who currently plays for Minnesota United FC.
14. Evander $8.5 mio: The one-time Danish champion and two-time Danish Cup winner Evander is a Brazilian football player who currently plays for Portland Timders. He is a central midfielder and was born on July 9, 1998.
13. Lorenzo Insigne $8.5 mio: Lorenzo Insigne is an Italian football player who currently plays for Toronto FC. He is a forward and was born on June 4, 1991. Insigne has won two Coppa Italia titles, one Italia Cup with Napoli and the European Championship with Italy.
12. Denis Bouanga $8.5 mio: Denis Bouanga is a Gabonese football player who currently plays for Los Angeles FC. He is a forward and was born on November 11, 1994. Bouanga has won one MLS Cup.
11. Dániel Gazdag $8.5 mio: Dániel Gazdag is a Hungarian football player who currently plays for Philadelphia Union. He is an attacking midfielder and was born on October 8, 1994. Gazdag is Hungarian champion and cup winner.
10. Brandon Vazquez $9 mio: Brandon Vazquez is an American football player who currently plays for FC Cincinnati. He is a forward and was born on May 25, 1998. He is a MLS Cup and US Cup winner
9. Jesús Ferreira $9.5 mio: Jesús Ferreira is an American football player who currently plays for FC Dallas. He is a forward and was born on December 24, 2000.
8. Cucho Hernández $10.7 mio: Cucho Hernández is a Colombian football player who currently plays for Columbus Crew. He is a forward and was born on April 22, 1999.
7. Hany Mukhtar $12.8 mio: Hany Mukhtar is an German/Egyptian football player who currently plays for Nashville SC. He is an attacking midfielder and was born on March 29, 1995. He is German second division champion, Austrian cup and championship winner, Danish cup winner, Portuguese champion and MLS MVP of the 21/22 season
6. Talles Magno $12.8 mio: Talles Magno is a Brazilian football player who currently plays for New York City FC. He is a forward and was born on June 26, 2002. He wo the MLS Cup Championship
5. Riqui Puig $12.8 mio: Riqui Puig is a Spanish football player who currently plays for Los Angeles Galaxy. He is a central midfielder and was born on August 13, 1999. Puig won Spanish champion, is spanish cup winner and UEFA Youth winner.
4. Facundo Torres $15 mio: The former us open cup winner and uruguayan champion Facundo Torres is a Uruguayan football player who currently plays for Orlando City SC. He is an attacking midfielder and was born on March 17, 2001.
3. Sebastián Driussi $16 mio: Sebastián Driussi is an Argentine football player who currently plays for Austin FC. He is a forward and was born on February 9, 1996. Driussi has won three Russian Premier League titles with Zenit St. Petersburg and has also earned some cups in Russia and Southamerica.
2. Thiago Almada $29 Mio: Thiago Almada is an Argentine football player who currently plays for Atlanta United FC. He is an attacking midfielder and was born on April 26, 2001. He won the World Championship 2022.
And finally, the top of the MLS most valuable players is led by Lionel Messi of Inter Miami FC. The Argentine superstar has a market value of around $37 million. Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, and his arrival has been a game-changer for the league. Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players and has won numerous awards, including eight Ballon d’Or titles, one World Champion and four Champions League titles with FC Barcelona.
My Opinion on MLS Most Valuable Players
The MLS has some players with a high market value. What is more important, however, is how things look in the future and there is still room for improvement in that respect. There are some players who have the potential to make it big and blow up the market values of today, but there is still a long way to go. But if you consider how the MLS has had more “oldies” from Europe in its ranks in recent years, it is now on a very good path. The MLS most valuable Players will come closer to those in Europe in the future.
FAQ
Who has the biggest contracts in MLS history?
The biggest contract in MLS history was signed by Argentina playmaker Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023. Messis contract is worth a reported $50 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in MLS history.
Do MLS players make a lot?
While MLS salaries are lower than those in top European leagues, many players still make a good living. The average MLS player salary in 2021 is $398,725 per year, with the league’s highest-paid players earning over $5 million per year.
Who is the highest rated MLS player in FIFA?
The highest-rated MLS player in FIFA 22 is LA Galaxy’s Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, with an overall rating of 81. Other highly-rated MLS players in FIFA 22 include Alejandro Pozuelo of Toronto FC, Nani of Orlando City SC, and Josef Martinez of Atlanta United FC.
What is your thoughts about MLS most valuable players? Let us know in the comments!