Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top-tier men's professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation. MLS is one of the most prominent professional sports leagues in North America. MLS history has featured many famous stars from elite soccer leagues around the world. Most recently, Lionel Messi, the former star of Barça and PSG, has joined MLS. Besides Messi, do you know any other notable names? Let's take a look at the best player in MLS ever with Wintips right below.
Who is the best player in MLS that you don't know?
1. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney is a retired English footballer, widely regarded as one of the finest players of his generation. He is the all-time leading goal scorer for Manchester United and was England’s top scorer until Harry Kane surpassed his record. Rooney remains the second-highest goal scorer in Premier League history, behind only Alan Shearer.
Wayne Rooney joined D.C. United in 2018 and went on to score 23 goals in 48 appearances. He is also the youngest player to make his debut in an official match for the England national team at 17 years and 160 days old. He is a true legend of football and one of the most celebrated players in Premier League history.
2. Alexandre Pato - Best player in MLS
Alexandre Pato is a Brazilian footballer who has had a stellar career from an early age. He made his professional debut at the age of 16 and helped his team, Internacional, win the FIFA Club World Cup in 2006 before joining Milan in 2007.
At Milan, he won the Golden Boy award and the Serie A Young Footballer of the Year award. He was also his team's top scorer when they won the league title in the 2010/11 season. Pato also played for Chelsea in the Premier League and, in 2021, he moved to Orlando City.
3. David Beckham - Best player in MLS
David Beckham was considered the most famous player in MLS history until Lionel Messi’s arrival reshaped the league. He played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, including Manchester United and Real Madrid. He was also the first English player to reach 100 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
David Beckham is a legend in the football world and is also widely recognized as a global icon. He joined LA Galaxy in 2007 and won two MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields. Beckham is currently the owner of Inter Miami CF and continues to play a significant role in the growth of MLS.
4. Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole is a former English defender best known for his time at Chelsea and Arsenal in the Premier League. He made 399 appearances in the Premier League and is widely regarded as one of the finest left-backs of his generation, known for his defensive prowess and attacking contributions.
Cole was a key member of Arsenal’s legendary "Invincibles" squad, which went undefeated during the 2003/04 Premier League season. He also won three FA Cups with the club. He later won the Champions League with Chelsea and, in 2016, joined MLS side LA Galaxy. In 2010, Cole was named England’s Men’s Player of the Year.
5. Andrea Pirlo - Best player in MLS
Andrea Pirlo was a former Italian footballer, renowned for his elegance and creativity. He played a key role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph and was the fifth-most capped player in the national team’s history. He won numerous titles throughout his career and is regarded as one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers in football history.
Andrea Pirlo won two UEFA Champions League titles and a FIFA Club World Cup with Milan. He also won six Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia trophies. In 2015, he moved to MLS club NYCFC and played for two seasons. He has been inducted into the Italian Hall of Fame and recognized as part of Juventus' all-time best XI.
6. Lorenzo Insigne - Best player in MLS
Lorenzo Insigne grabbed headlines when he announced his departure from Napoli at the age of 30 as a free agent to join Toronto FC in Major League Soccer during the summer of 2022.
Insigne is a dynamic winger who has played more than 300 matches for Napoli and has also stood out with the Italian national team, playing a key role in Italy’s success at Euro 2020. His move to Toronto is significant for MLS since he remains at his peak.
7. Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain was a former Argentine striker, renowned for being an excellent goal scorer. He played for Real Madrid, Napoli, and Juventus before making the move to Inter Miami in 2020. In 2016, he became the most expensive transfer in Italian football history as Juventus signed him for €90 million.
Gonzalo Higuaín holds the record for the most goals scored in a single Serie A season, netting 36 times, and has been included in the Serie A Team of the Year three times. Although his initial stint with Inter Miami was challenging, he finished on a high note, helping the team secure a playoff spot in 2022.
8. Steven Gerrard - Best player in MLS
Steven Gerrard is a former English professional footballer, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. He was named Man of the Match in the 2005 Champions League final, when his team staged a remarkable comeback from 0–3 down in what is known as the "Miracle of Istanbul."
Gerrard is the only player to score in an FA Cup final, a UEFA Cup final, a League Cup final, and a UEFA Champions League final, winning each of these finals. He is the fourth most-capped player for the England national team and holds the record for the most appearances as Liverpool’s captain, having made 473 appearances. Gerrard joined LA Galaxy in 2015 before retiring from professional football a year later.
9. Frank Lampard - Best player in MLS
Frank Lampard is a former English footballer, regarded as one of Chelsea’s greatest players and one of the finest midfielders of his generation. He spent 13 years playing for Chelsea and is the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 211 goals.
Frank Lampard is a football legend and the only midfielder in Premier League history to score over 150 goals. He joined New York City FC in 2015, played 29 matches, and scored 15 goals before retiring from professional football at the club.
10. Lionel Messi
Although players like David Beckham and Thierry Henry played significant roles in elevating MLS's global reputation, nothing compares to the arrival of Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar was still capable of competing at the highest level in Europe, but he chose instead to bring his talents to the United States.
Lionel Messi was introduced as the newest acquisition of Inter Miami. At 36 years old and fresh off his World Cup triumph, Messi immediately transformed Inter Miami's fortunes, leading the club to its first-ever title in the 2023 Leagues Cup.
His presence has had an unparalleled impact both on and off the pitch, captivating fans who eagerly watch him play and rush to purchase his jersey. As an exceptionally gifted player, he has secured the most prestigious honors in football, including multiple Ballon d'Or titles and Champions League victories.
Conclusion
The "Messi effect" has significantly enhanced various aspects of the club, both financially and in terms of global recognition. Now, Inter Miami, the club Messi plays for, is valued at an impressive USD 1.03 billion. According to Forbes, the estimated average value of an MLS club has risen by 14% since Messi's arrival. The above is a detailed list of "the best player in MLS" compiled by the bookmaker list website. Thank you for your interest and for taking the time to read and reference.
