News Summary
USA TODAY celebrates 30 seasons of Major League Soccer by unveiling a list of the 30 best players in the league’s history. The list highlights both iconic figures like Lionel Messi and David Beckham, along with influential talents such as Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. This diverse collection showcases the players who have made significant contributions to soccer in the U.S. over the years. The article reflects on the evolution of MLS and its growing popularity as it looks ahead to future events, including the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
New York City – To celebrate 30 seasons of Major League Soccer (MLS), the USA TODAY has revealed a list of the 30 best players in the league’s history, showcasing both global icons and lesser-known talents who have significantly influenced the game in the United States.
The list highlights remarkable players such as Lionel Messi, David Beckham, and Landon Donovan. While many of these names are familiar to soccer fans around the globe, the history of MLS is filled with talents that transcended national borders and helped elevate the soccer landscape in North America.
Leading the pack, Landon Donovan is recognized for his exceptional contributions to the league. He holds the record for the most MLS Cups, having won six titles. Additionally, he is the all-time leader in assists with 136 and ranks third in goals scored, amassing 145 goals throughout his career. Following closely in terms of accolades is Jeff Agoos, who won five MLS Cups and currently serves as the president and general manager of the NWSL’s Portland Thorns.
Other influential players include Miguel Almirón, who made waves during his three seasons with Atlanta United before securing a record $26 million transfer to Newcastle United, and DaMarcus Beasley, the only U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) player to take part in four World Cups while achieving victory in the U.S. Open Cup with the Houston Dynamo in 2018.
Kyle Beckerman is noted for his remarkable grit and tenacity, holding the record for the most yellow cards in league history at 152. He was a key figure for Real Salt Lake, showcasing leadership qualities alongside his defensive skills. David Beckham‘s arrival in MLS significantly boosted the league’s global profile, playing a crucial role in the LA Galaxy’s success by winning MLS Cups in 2011 and 2012.
MLS has also seen a host of international stars making impactful contributions. Sergio Busquets, known for his distinguished career at Barcelona, joined Inter Miami in 2023 and became essential to the team’s possession-based style of play. Dwayne De Rosario, an MLS legend, boasts eight major trophies and a remarkable highlight reel, including a Golden Goal in the 2001 MLS Cup.
The players spotlighted in the list demonstrate a range of talents across different teams. Clint Dempsey returned to MLS as a star from the Premier League, having a dramatic impact with the Seattle Sounders after achieving success in Europe. Meanwhile, Marco Etcheverry played a vital role for D.C. United, contributing to eight trophies and generating 101 assists in just 191 appearances.
One standout is Thierry Henry, who changed perceptions of MLS while having an influential tenure at New York Red Bulls, scoring 52 goals in 135 appearances. Another notable mention is Zlatan Ibrahimović, who recorded an exhilarating 52 goals in just 56 games for LA Galaxy, displaying unmatched skill and creativity.
Chris Wondolowski set the benchmark for goal-scoring, becoming the all-time leader with 171 goals, despite starting his career relatively late. Additionally, Josef Martínez became synonymous with Atlanta United’s early success, netting 111 goals in 158 games, while Carlos Vela had an outstanding 2019 season with LAFC, scoring a league-record 34 goals.
The rich history of MLS is further illustrated by legendary players like Preki, the only player to win the MVP award twice, and Nick Rimando, who holds all-time records for minutes played, shutouts, and saves. With new talents still emerging and soccer’s popularity growing in the U.S., the future of MLS looks bright.
Looking ahead, the 2025 MLS All-Star Game is set to take place in Austin at Q2 Stadium. Lionel Messi is expected to be among the select roster of players voted in by fans, although his participation could be impacted by past injuries. The list of top 30 players serves as a reminder of the rich history and ongoing evolution of soccer in America, as MLS continues to grow and expand its audience.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- USA Today: Best Players in MLS History
- Wikipedia: Major League Soccer
- MLS Soccer: MLS Transfers Needs
- Google Search: MLS All Star Game 2025
- Statesman: Will Messi Play at MLS All-Star Game?
- Encyclopedia Britannica: MLS All-Star Game
- US Soccer: MLS All-Star Skills Challenge
- Google News: MLS Skills Challenge 2025
- MLS Soccer: 2025 MLS All-Star Roster Updates
- Google Scholar: MLS Players History
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MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
