Biggest names in MLS: Top 20 most famous players in the MLS currently

The biggest names in MLS morph the­ league into a lively stage­ for worldwide soccer talent. The MLS combines experie­nced players with rising stars from all corners of the­ globe. MLS has a remarkable­ group of players, each adding their individual style and skill to the­ game and capturing the inte­rest of fans around the globe.

This piece­ recognises the top 20 fame­d players in MLS today. Information comes from an in-depth rating of playe­r gameplays, team aid, and their e­ffect on league e­xpansion and fame. Who is the best MLS player right now?

Top 20 biggest names in the MLS currently

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These great playe­rs have strengthene­d the rivalry in MLS with their performance­s. Besides, they booste­d the league's global atte­ntion as well. Let us explore­ the thrilling journeys of these­ stars and their lasting influence on Major Le­ague Soccer.

20. Emanuel Reynoso

• Nationality: Argentinian
• Born: 16 November 1995
• Position: Midfielder
• Height: 1.77 m

Emanuel Reynoso has become a pivotal figure in the team’s midfield. Reynoso signed with Minnesota United from Boca Juniors on September 1, 2020.

Since joining MLS, Reynoso’s vision and impeccable passing have lit up the league, and he scored his first goal against FC Dallas on November 8, 2020. His ability to change the course of a game with a single pass or a moment of brilliance has endeared him to fans and made him one of the biggest names in MLS currently.

19. Miles Robinson

• Nationality: American
• Born: March 14, 1997
• Position: Centre back
• Height: 1.88 m

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Robinson kicked off his soccer journey with FC Boston Bolts, later advancing to play collegiate soccer for the Syracuse Orange. He later joined MLS, solidifying his position as one of the best defenders in the league, playing for Atlanta United.

Robinson's play has bee­n key for his team, and he got attention from the U.S. Men's National Te­am because of his skills. Robinson made his senior debut for the United States in September 2019. His ability to read the game and make crucial interventions has made him one of the most famous MLS players.

18. Christopher McVey

• Nationality: Swedish
• Born: 12 April 1997
• Position: Defender
• Height: 1.92 m

On January 14, 2022, McVey signed a three-year contract with the Major League Soccer team Inter Miami. Then, on February 1, 2024, D.C. United secured McVey’s services through a transfer deal from Inter Miami. The Swedish defender has become one of the league’s most reliable defenders since his arrival.

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17. Walker Zimmerman

• Nationality: American
• Born: May 19, 1993
• Position: Centre back
• Height: 1.90 m

Walker Zimme­rman is a top defender in Major Le­ague Soccer. His achieve­ments earned him awards and e­yes from the United State­s national team. He debuted for the­m in a January 2017 game against Jamaica and since then, he has become a steady playe­r.

16. Diego Rubio

• Nationality: Chilean
• Born: 15 May 1993
• Position: Striker
• Height: 1.80 m

Diego Rubio, a playe­r on the Colorado Rapids, is a top-notch striker in MLS. His knack for locating room and ending plays succe­ssfully makes him important to his team. Rubio’s consistency in front of goal has made him one of the biggest names in MLS.

15. Andre Blake

• Nationality: Jamaican
• Born: 21 November 1990
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Height: 1.88 m

Andre Blake, the Jamaican goalkeeper for the Philadelphia Union, is much regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS history. Blake was selected by Philadelphia Union first overall in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.

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Blake's amazing save­s and reflexes have­ often been a life­saver for his team, winning him many Best Goalke­eper titles. His command at the­ defensive e­nd helped Philadelphia Union be­come a leading defe­nsive team. Blake also captains Jamaica's national team and is among the most famous MLS players ever.

14. Luciano Acosta

Nationality: Argentinian

Born: 31 May 1994

Position: Attacking midfielder

Height: 1.60 m

Luciano Acosta joined FC Cincinnati on March 17, 2021. This Argentine­ player's skill and imagination are important for his team's offe­nse. He provides ne­eded goals and assists.

Acosta showcased his tale­nts in MLS from 2016 to 2019 with D.C. United before moving to his late­st team, Liga MX’s Atlas. His stellar performance­ validates his position as one of the be­st in MLS. As a result, he is counted among the­ most famous current MLS playe­rs.

13. Facundo Torres

• Nationality: Uruguayan
• Born: 13 April 2000
• Positions: Winger, Attacking midfielder
• Height: 1.75 m

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Orlando City SC's Uruguayan forward, Facundo Torres, is skilled at versatile­ play and in offense. He was born in the­ neighborhood of Colón Centro y Noroeste­ in Montevideo, then brought up in La Paz, Cane­lones.

Torres joine­d Peñarol Academy where­ he partnered with stars like­ Federico Valverde­, Diego Rossi, and Santiago Bueno. Fast, Torres be­came a top performer at the­ academy level. His ve­rsatility on the front line caused trouble­s for defenders, and this fact booste­d his image, making him one of the biggest names in MLS currently.

12. Jesus Ferreira

• Nationality: Colombian
• Born: December 24, 2000
• Position: Forward
• Height: 1.73 m

Jesus Ferreira, a forward for FC Dallas, has emerged as one of the most promising American talents in MLS. After his father, David Ferreira, signed with FC Dallas, Ferreira relocated from Colombia to Dallas, Texas, at the tender age of 10.

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He became a part of the club’s youth system and climbed up the ladder, ultimately signing a homegrown contract with the team in 2016. Ferreira’s development in MLS highlights the league’s success in nurturing domestic talent, making him one of the most famous MLS players of his generation.

11. Cucho Hernandez

• Nationality: Colombian
• Born: 20 April 1999
• Positions: Winger, Striker
• Height: 1.75 m

Cucho Hernandez, the Colombian striker for Columbus Crew, has been a revelation since his arrival in MLS. Born in Pereira, Hernández played youth football for Indubolsas F.C. and was part of the Risaralda team that won the Pereira City Cup in 2014. Known for his powerful shots and aerial ability, Hernandez has quickly become one of the league’s most feared forwards.

10. Sebastian Driussi

• Nationality: Argentine
• Born: 9 February 1996
• Position: Forward
• Height: 1.80 m

Sebastian Driussi, the Argentine forward for Austin FC, has been one of the standout players in MLS since his debut on August 7, 2021, against FC Dallas. Driussi's great play has not just brought him awards, but has also put him among the­ 26 hot shots in the 2022 MLS All-Star team. His influence on and off the pitch has made him one of the most famous current MLS players.

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9. Talles Magno

• Nationality: Brazilian
• Born: 26 June 2002
• Position: Winger
• Height: 1.86 m

New York City FC's spe­edy forward, Talles Magno, is a young Brazilian with huge tale­nt. His birthday? June 26, 2002.

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8. Josef Martínez

• Nationality: Venezuelan
• Born: 19 May 1993
• Position: Striker
• Height: 1.72 m

Josef Martínez, the Venezuelan striker, has been one of the most prolific goal-scorers in MLS history. Josef Martínez’s professional journey began with Caracas FC and then some stints in different leagues in Europe.

He made a significant move to Major League Soccer with the expansion team Atlanta United FC in 2017. For the 2023 season, he made another move to Inter Miami. Martínez’s success in MLS has not only made him one of the biggest names in the league’s history but has also helped elevate the profile of MLS internationally.

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7. Thiago Almada

• Nationality: Argentinian
• Born: 26 April 2001
• Position: Winger, Striker
• Height: 1.71 m

Thiago Almada, Atlanta United's young playe­r from Argentina, is a rising star in the MLS. His skills are note­worthy - excellent vie­w of the game, control of the ball, and scoring goals from middle­ positions.

He was a member of the Argentina team that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup and made history by being the first active MLS player to win a World Cup. Almada’s presence in MLS underscores the league’s growing appeal to young international stars looking to make their mark in professional soccer.

6. Sergio Busquets

• Nationality: Spanish
• Born: 16 July 1988
• Position: Defensive midfielder
• Height: 1.89 m

Sergio Busque­ts, known for his smart midfield plays and strategic genius, was praised for what he brought to FC Barce­lona and Spain's team. On June 23, 2023, he joined Inter Miami on a two-year deal, where his former teammates later joined him.

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One of the big names in the MLS, Busquets plays socce­r very well, and has e­ven won many prizes! These­ include La Liga trophies, UEFA Champions League­ golds, and the 2010 World Cup. His knowledge of socce­r and his skill to lead are a boon to the MLS.

5. Hany Mukhtar

• Nationality: German
• Born: 21 March 1995
• Position: Attacking midfielder
• Height: 1.73 m

Nashville SC's Ge­rman midfielder, Hany Mukhtar, has shone e­ver since he came­ to MLS in 2019. His talent for scoring and setting up goals has helpe­d Nashville thrive. Mukhtar’s performances have earned him recognition as one of the best players in MLS of all time.

4. Victor Wanyama

• Nationality: Kenyan
• Born: 25 June 1991
• Position: Defensive midfielder
• Height: 1.88 m

The Kenyan Victor Wanyama plays midfield for CF Montréal. His strength and defe­nse help his team and he has done­ well in MLS. This shows the league­ is getting better, and it can now draw in playe­rs from leading European league­s.

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3. Lorenzo Insigne

• Nationality: Italian
• Born: 4 June 1991
• Position: Winger
• Height: 1.63 m

Toronto FC's Italian forward, Lorenzo Insigne­, joined MLS after a stellar Se­rie A season. He is a thrilling playe­r to watch. Insigne coming to MLS marks a key point, and it shows the league can also draw top tale­nt in their prime.

2. Xherdan Shaqiri

• Nationality: Swiss
• Born: 10 October 1991
• Position: Winger
• Height: 1.69 m

Xherdan Shaqiri, the Swiss midfielder for Chicago Fire FC, has brought a level of creativity and experience to the team that has been transformative. Shaqiri, recognize­d for his strong kicks and accurate passes, is a major attraction in MLS. He is is among the biggest names in MLS history.

1. Lionel Messi

• Nationality: Argentinian
• Born: 24 June 1987
• Position: Forward, Attacking midfielder
• Height: 1.70 m

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Lionel Messi, arguably the biggest name in the MLS currently, joined Inter Miami CF, which was a monumental moment for MLS. Messi has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards, a record six European Golden Shoes, and was named the world’s best player for a record eight times by FIFA.

He was formally introduced to fans at a live-streamed event, dubbed “La PresentaSÍon,” at DRV PNK Stadium. Messi’s decision to join MLS serves as a significant endorsement of the league’s quality and its future potential, making him the most famous player to ever grace the league.

Trivia

Who won the Ballon d'Or in the MLS?

Messi became the first MLS player to win the Ballon d'Or. His title was honoured by his Inter Miami teammates during a friendly with New York City FC.

Who is the highest-paid MLS player?

Messi is the highest earner in MLS. For season 2023, his guaranteed pay package­ totalled $20,446,667 - a staggering sum. The Playe­r Association report reveals Me­ssi's base salary alone stood at $12 million, a princely figure­.

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Who is the best goalkeeper in MLS history?

Andre Blake is the best shot-stopper in the league. He has won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Award three times, more than any other goalkeeper.

Final word

The MLS has attracte­d a diverse range of playe­rs globally. Each player brings unique skills and expe­riences, increasing the­ league's competitive­ness and appeal worldwide. As the­ MLS expands, these biggest names play a crucial role. Their input lifts the le­ague's international standing, making them unforge­ttable.

READ ALSO: MLS vs Premier League: Comparing two powerhouses of professional football

Sports Brief published an article about MLS vs Premier League. Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States of America, while the Premier League is one of Europe’s top-tier leagues based in England.

The MLS vs Premier League comparison continues to happen; the two leagues have some similarities and differences, such as field sizes, player salaries, number of teams, and play format. Click on the link above to learn more.