Since its inception in 1996, the Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen its fair share of players who come in, play their hearts out, and win major honors for their team. In the process, they also made themselves legends of the league. Who are some of the greatest MLS players?
This article explores the top 30 best MLS players of all time. We look at their career stats and honors. We also look into their position and playing style.
30. Jeff Cunningham
Position: Forward
Notable Teams: Columbus Crew, FC Dallas
Honors: MLS Supporters’ Shield (2004), MLS Western Conference Championship (2010), MLS Golden Boot Winner (2004, 2009), MLS 100 Goals Club.
Jeff Cunnigham is a dual US-Jamaica national. He spent his whole soccer career playing in the MLS and represented the Jamaican and US national teams.
Throughout his career in MLS, he played for 6 MLS clubs, totaling 353 appearances. Of these appearances, over half is with Columbus Crew. His record of 134 goals in the league makes him the third-highest goalscorer in MLS’s history.
29. Carlos Vela
Position: Forward, Attacking Midfielder, Winger
Notable Teams: Los Angeles FC
Honors: MLS Cup (2022), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2019, 2022), MLS Golden Boot (2019), MLS MVP (2019.)
Carlos Vela is a Mexican player known for excellent flair and creativity with the ball. He spent part of his career playing in Europe with Arsenal and Real Sociedad. He later joined LAFC in 2018.
As a forward and attacking midfielder, he led LAFC to many successful seasons, such as winning the MLS Cup in 2022. Vela was also named to the MLS All-Star team multiple times (2018, 2019, 2022).
28. Kevin Hartmann
Position: Goalkeeper
Notable Teams: Los Angeles Galaxy, Kansas City Wizards, FC Dallas
Honors: MLS Cup (2002, 2005), MLS Supporters’ Shield (1998, 2002), MLS Goalkeeper of the Year (1999), MLS Best XI (1999)
Kevin Hartmann played his entire soccer career in the US, with several MLS teams. Most were spent with the LA Galaxy, where he won the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield multiple times.
Hartmann is also nicknamed the ‘El Gato,’ which means ‘The Cat’ in Spanish. This refers to his excellent reflex, agility, and longevity in the MLS. In his 16-season career, Hartmann made a total of 416 MLS appearances.
27. Chad Marshall
Position: Center Back
Notable Teams: Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders,
Honors: MLS Cup (2008), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2004, 2008, 2009), MLS Defender of the Year (2008, 2009, 2014), MLS Best XI (2008, 2009, 2014, 2018)
Chad Marshall played collegiate soccer with Stanford University before joining the Columbus Crew in 2004. He played his entire soccer career in the MLS, spanning 15 seasons.
He recorded an astonishing 409 appearances in MLS. Despite playing as a center-back, he still scored 26 goals in his career. He announced his retirement in 2019, aged 34. Multiple injuries led to his decision to hang his boots.
26. Osvaldo ‘Ozzie’ Alonso
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Notable Teams: Seattle Sounders, Minnesota United
Honors: MLS Cup (2016), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2014), MLS All-Star (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), MLS Best XI (2012)
Ozzie Alonso is a Cuban international who played the majority of his career in the MLS. Most MLS fans may remember him in the blue and green colors of Seattle Sounders, commanding in the center of the field.
With Seattle Sounders, he recorded 277 appearances, scoring 10 goals. He later played for Minnesota United. He remains an active player, playing for Atlanta United 2 as of 2023.
25. Preki
Position: Midfielder
Notable Teams: Kansas City Wizards
Honors: MLS Cup (2000), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2000), MLS Golden Boot (1997, 2003), MLS MVP (1997, 2003.)
Preki first developed as a youth player back home in Yugoslavia before being spotted by Bob McNair, who signed him to play for Tacoma Stars in 1985. Preki played in the US Indoor Soccer League before joining the MLS during its inaugural season 1996.
Throughout his career with the Wizards, Preki recorded 218 appearances, scoring 71 goals. He also represented the US Men’s National Team (USMNT) 28 times from 1996 to 2001, with 4 goals. He is currently the assistant coach of the Seattle Sounders.
24. Cobi Jones
Position: Midfielder
Notable Teams: LA Galaxy
Honors: MLS Cup (2002, 2005), MLS Supporters’ Shield (1998, 2002), MLS Western Conference Champions (1996, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2005)
Cobi Jones first played in England with Coventry City before switching to Brazil to play with Vasco Da Gama. He finally found his soccer home with the LA Galaxy, where he played the rest of his career.
With the LA Galaxy, he recorded 306 appearances, scoring 70 goals. Cobi also has a long career with the USMNT, where he played 164 times and netted 15 goals. He is now an analyst with MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.
23. Bradley Wright Phillips
Position: Striker
Notable Teams: New York Red Bulls
Honors: MLS Supporters’ Shield (2013, 2015, 2018), MLS Golden Boot (2014, 2016), MLS All-Star (2014, 2018), MLS Best XI (2014, 2016), MLS 100 Goals Club
Bradley Wright Phillips played in the English Premier League with Manchester City before moving into the lower divisions with Southampton and Charlton Athletic. He later moved to New York Red Bulls in 2013.
With the NY Red Bulls, Bradley’s career took a new turn. He became a deadly striker, amassing 108 goals in 195 appearances. In 2018, he became the eleventh player to score more than 100 goals in MLS.
22. Tony Meola
Position: Goalkeeper
Notable Teams: New York MetroStars, Kansas City Wizards
Honors: MLS Cup (2000), MLS MVP (2000), MLS Goalkeeper Of The Year (2000)
Tony Meola was first drafted by the New York Yankees when he first got out of high school, but he chose soccer instead. He played collegiate soccer with the University of Virginia before going on loan to the English club Brighton and Hove Albion.
He returned to MLS and played in its inaugural season in 1996 with the New York MetroStars. However, most may remember his time with the Kansas City Wizards, where he won the MLS Cup and the MVP in 2000.
21. Brian Ching
Position: Forward / Striker
Notable Teams: Houston Dynamo
Honors: MLS Cup (2003, 2006, 2007), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2005), MLS Golden Boot (2004), MLS Best XI (2004),
A Hawaiian, Brian Ching played his collegiate soccer with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He later signed professionally with Spokane Shadow in 1998. The most memorable part of his career would be with the Houston Dynamo, where he appeared 156 times, scoring 56 goals.
Brian is also a USMNT regular, having appeared 45 times with 11 goals. He was also named to the USMNT 2006 World Cup squad, although he did not play.
20. Thierry Henry
Position: Striker
Notable Teams: New York Red Bulls
Honors: MLS Supporters’ Shield (2013), MLS All-Star (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), MLS Best XI (2011, 2012, 2014)
Thierry Henry first developed his talent in Monaco before joining Arsenal in 1999. He was part of the invincible team that finished an entire season (2003 – 04) undefeated.
He joined the MLS in 2010, playing for the New York Red Bulls. In his 122 appearances spanning 4 seasons, Thierry scored 51 goals. That earned him multiple First XI and All-Star honors.
19. Clint Dempsey
Position: Forward / Midfielder
Notable Teams: New England Revolution, Seattle Sounders
Honors: MLS Cup (2016), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2014), MLS All-Star (2005, 2014, 2015, 2016).
Clint Dempsey grew up playing soccer with the local Mexican kids in his hometown of Nacogdoches, Texas. He later joined the New England Revolution in 2004 and then moved to play in the English Premier League with Fulham.
He later rejoined the MLS with Seattle Sounders. He played 186 MLS games, scoring 97 goals. He is also a regular with USMNT, with 141 appearances and 57 goals.
18. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Position: Striker
Notable Teams: LA Galaxy
Honors: MLS All-Star (2018, 2019), MLS First XI (2018, 2019)
Zlatan is one of the greatest strikers of his generation. Before joining MLS club LA Galaxy, he spent many years playing for European giants such as Juventus, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint Germain.
Despite spending only two seasons in the MLS, he scored 52 goals in 56 games. That is close to scoring a goal every game. He later returned to Europe to play with AC Milan.
17. Taylor Twellman
Position: Forward
Notable Teams: New England Revolution
Honors: MLS MVP (2005), MLS First XI (2002, 2005), MLS Golden Boot (2005), MLS 100 Goals Club,
Taylor Twellman played collegiate soccer with Maryland before joining German club TSV 1860 Munich II in 2000. He later joined the New England Revolution in 2002 and played out his career there.
In his eight seasons with the Revolution, he scored 101 goals in 174 appearances. Twellman announced his retirement in 2010 due to recurring concussions and whiplash injuries.
16. Carlos Ruiz
Position: Striker
Notable Teams: LA Galaxy, FC Dallas
Honors: MLS Cup (2002), MLS MVP (2002), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2016), MLS Golden Boot (2002, 2003)
Carlos Ruiz first joined the MLS in 2000 with La Galaxy. He made an immediate impact, scoring 50 goals over the next two seasons. That also earned him the MLS Cup, Golden Boot, and MVP awards.
He later played for FC Dallas and scored 31 goals in 68 appearances. Nicknamed’ El Pescado’ (The Fish), Carlos is known for his speed and deadly finishing.
15. Sebastian Giovinco
Position: Forward
Notable Teams: Toronto FC
Honors: MLS Cup (2017), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2017), MLS MVP (2015), MLS Golden Boot (2015), MLS Best XI (2015, 2016, 2017)
Sebastian Giovinco first played in Serie A Italy, with Juventus. He later went on loan with Empoli and Parma before joining Toronto FC in 2015. In his five seasons with Toronto FC, he played 114 matches, scoring 68 goals.
Giovinco won the Golden Boot in his first season in the MLS. His deadly foot also helped Toronto FC win the MLS Cup 2017. Sebastian later joined the Saudi club Al-Hilal, before returning to Italy to play for Sampdoria.
14. Josef Martinez
Position: Striker
Notable Teams: Atlanta United
Honors: MLS Cup (2018), MLS MVP (2018), MLS Golden Boot (2018), MLS Best XI (2017, 2018, 2019), MLS 100 Goals Club
Josef Martinez first played in his native Venezuela before taking his talent to Europe, playing with the Italian club Torino. He was later loaned to Atlanta United in 2017 before moving permanently.
In his 131 appearances with Atlanta United, he scored an impressive 93 goals. That is about 0.71 goals per game, matching the ratio of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Robert Lewandowski. Josef currently plays for Inter Miami.
13. David Villa
Position: Striker
Notable Teams: New York City FC
Honors: MLS MVP (2016), MLS All-Star (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), MLS Best XI (2016, 2017)
David Villa spent the earlier part of his soccer career playing in his native Spain. He was a prolific striker in La Liga, scoring 200+ goals for several clubs, notably Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. He later joined the MLS, playing with the NYCFC.
He became even deadlier in the MLS. From 124 appearances for the NYCFC over 4 seasons, he scored 80 goals. That helped him to land several individual honors, such as being named to the Best XI team.
12. David Beckham
Position: Midfielder
Notable Teams: LA Galaxy
Honors: MLS Cup (2011, 2012), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2010, 2011)
David Beckham is probably the first soccer athlete that transcends the sport into popular culture. He built his name with Manchester United and Real Madrid before moving to the MLS to join the LA Galaxy.
David lifted the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield multiple times with the MLS. His greatest contribution, however, was to lift the profile of MLS to soccer fans worldwide. He is now the owner of Inter Miami, a MLS club.
11. Carlos Valderrama
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Notable Teams: Tampa Bay Mutiny
Honors: MLS Supporters’ Shield (1996), MLS All-Star (1996), MLS MVP (1996), MLS All-Time Best XI Midfielder, MLS Assist Leader (2000)
Carlos was one of the earliest superstars born out of the league, one of the more colorful players who have ever graced the MLS. He spent most of his career in Colombia and Europe before joining Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1995.
He was the first MLS MVP and was named to the first MLS All-Star list in 1996. He continued to play for the Mutiny before transferring to Colorado Rapids in 2001 and retiring in 2002.
10. Eddie Pope
Position: Defender
Notable Teams: DC United, Real Salt Lake
Honors: MLS Cup (1996, 1997, 1999), MLS Supporters’ Shield (1997, 1999), MLS Best XI (1997, 1998, 2003, 2004), MLS Defender of The Year (1997)
Eddie Pope played his entire professional career in the US. After finishing his collegiate soccer career with North Carolina, he joined DC United and played in MLS’s inaugural season in 1996. His squad was the first winner of the MLS Cup.
He totaled over 254 appearances in his MLS career before retiring with Real Salt Lake in 2007. Eddie was also a regular with the USMNT, with 82 caps.
9. Diego Valeri
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Notable Teams: Portland Timbers
Honors: MLS Cup (2015), MLS MVP (2017), MLS Best XI (2013, 2014, 2017), MLS All-Star (2014, 2016 – 2018)
Diego first played in Argentina before he was loaned to Portland Timbers. He was eventually signed as a permanent player and played 8 seasons for the Timbers. He totaled 242 appearances, with 82 goals.
Valeri may be best remembered for his 2017 season, where he scored 21 goals in 37 games. That made him the MLS MVP for the year and listed in the Best XI and All-Star teams.
8. Jeff Agoos
Position: Defender
Notable Teams: DC United, San Jose Earthquakes
Honors: MLS Cup (1996, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2003), MLS Supporters’ Shield (1997, 1999), MLS Best XI (1997, 1999, 2001), MLS Defender of The Year (2001)
Hall Of Famer Jeff Agoos first played college soccer with Virginia before joining DC United for the inaugural MLS season. He was part of DC United, which won the first MLS Cup in 1996. He followed up with another 4 MLS Cups and multiple individual honors.
Jeff was among the most capped USMNT players, with 134 appearances over 15 years. He retired from soccer in 2005 and is now a Senior Vice President of the MLS.
7. Nick Rimando
Position: Goalkeeper
Notable Teams: DC United, Real Salt Lake
Honors: MLS Cup (2004, 2009), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2001, 2006), MLS All-Star (2010 – 2015, 2019), MLS Saves of The Year (2012, 2013, 2019)
Nick Rimando may best be remembered standing between the sticks, watching the goal for Real Salt Lake. With the Claret-and-Cobalt, Nick totaled 369 appearances over 12 seasons.
Nick was an amazing goalkeeper, despite his small stature of 5 foot 9. He was the lynchpin behind Real Salt Lake becoming the greatest defensive team in the history of MLS, allowing only 20 goals in a single season.
6. Marco Etcheverry
Position: Forward
Notable Teams: DC United
Honors: MLS Cup (1996, 1997, 1999), MLS Supporters’ Shield (1997, 1999), MLS Best XI (1996 – 1999), MLS MVP (1998), MLS All-Time Best XI
Marco Etcheverry first played for many South American clubs before joining DC United for the first MLS season in 1996. He was part of the squad that lifted the first MLS Cup in 1996, with Jeff Agoos, Eddie Pope, and many more.
Nicknamed’ El Diablo’ (The Devil), he totaled over 190 appearances for DC United, with 34 goals. He returned to his native Bolivia in 2004 and played for a season before retiring in 2005.
5. Robbie Keane
Position: Striker
Notable Teams: LA Galaxy
Honors: MLS Cup (2011, 2012, 2014), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2011), MLS Best XI (2012 – 2015), MLS All-Star (2015), MLS MVP (2014)
Robbie Keane spent the earlier part of his career playing in the English Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. He later moved to LA Galaxy in 2011. He brought his deadly touch along, scoring 83 goals in 125 games for the club.
That is a game-to-goals ratio of 0.66, which makes him one of MLS’s most prolific strikers. That earned him MVP awards and multiple MLS Cups.
4. Jaime Moreno
Position: Forward
Notable Teams: DC United
Honors: MLS Cup (1996, 1997, 1999, 2004), MLS Supporters’ Shield (1997, 1999, 2006, 2007), MLS Best XI (1997, 1999, 2004 – 2006), MLS All-Time Best XI, MLS 100 Goals Club
Jaime Moreno spent almost all his MLS career playing for DC United. Over 12 seasons with the club, he totaled 329 appearances, scoring 131 goals. This also qualifies him to join the MLS 100 Goals Club.
That earned him multiple MLS Cups, Best XI mentions, and Supporters’ Shields. He was also inducted into the MLS Hall Of Fame in 2021.
3. Dwayne De Rosario
Position: Attacking Midfielder, Forward
Notable Teams: San Jose Earthquake, Toronto FC, DC United
Honors: MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2006, 2007), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2005), MLS Best XI (2005 – 2007, 2009 – 2011), MLS All-Star (2006 – 2012), MLS MVP (2011), MLS Golden Boot (2011), MLS 100 Goals Club
Dwayne De Rosario had a long soccer career, with most spent playing in the MLS. He first became prominent in the league after scoring 5 goals and made 4 assists in 12 games. He formed a deadly partnership with Landon Donovan during this time.
He later transferred to other MLS clubs, bringing his deadly finishing along. He won many honors in his career, including the MVP, Golden Boot award, and more. He is also a member of the MLS 100 Goals Club.
2. Chris Wondolowski
Position: Forward
Notable Teams: San Jose Earthquakes
Honors: MLS Cup (2006, 2007), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2005, 2012), MLS Best XI (2010 – 2012), MLS All-Star (2011 – 2013, 2016, 2019), MLS MVP (2012), MLS Golden Boot (2010, 2012), MLS 100 Goals Club, MLS 25 Greatest Players
Chris Wondolowski may be one of the most iconic players ever playing with the MLS. From over 413 appearances over 16 seasons, he scored 188 goals. This led him to multiple MLS Cups, Golden Boots, and VP in 2012.
Chris was also part of the USMNT squad that played in the FIFA World Cup 2014. He totaled 11 goals in 35 appearances for the national team.
1. Landon Donovan
Position: Forward
Notable Teams: San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy
Honors: MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014), MLS Supporters’ Shield (2010, 2011), MLS Best XI (2002, 2008 – 2012, 2014), MLS All-Star (2001 – 2005, 2007 – 2014), MLS MVP (2009), MLS Golden Boot (2008), MLS 100 Goals Club, MLS Greatest Player Of All Time, National Soccer Hall Of Fame (2023 Inductee)
You can see why we listed him first by looking at the honors he won while playing in MLS. Landon Donovan is probably the best soccer athlete the US has ever produced.
He first played in Germany before joining the San Jose Earthquakes. However, it was at LA Galaxy that he made his mark. From over 340 appearances in MLS, he scored 145 goals. He was made a Hall Of Famer in 2023 and had the MLS MVP award named after him.
