In this article, we will be focusing on the top 10 MLS players of all time. These players have achieved remarkable feats and have left an indelible mark on the league’s history. From their skills on the field to their contributions to their teams, these players have earned recognition as some of the greatest to have ever played in the MLS.
Over the years, the MLS has attracted some of the world’s best players, but only a few have achieved the status of being among the league’s greatest players. These players have not only been successful individually but have also helped their teams achieve success in the league.
It is essential to note that choosing the top 10 MLS players of all time is no easy task, given the numerous talents that have graced the league over the years. However, the players on this list stand out as some of the greatest to have ever played in the MLS. They have achieved incredible milestones, won numerous awards, and set records that may never be broken.
So, without further ado, let us delve into the list of the top 10 MLS players of all time, and celebrate their remarkable achievements and contributions to the league.
1. Landon Donovan – LA Galaxy
Landon Donovan is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have ever played in the MLS. He is the league’s all-time leading scorer, with 145 goals, and has also provided 136 assists. Donovan played for San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy during his MLS career, winning six MLS Cup titles, two Supporters’ Shield titles, and two US Open Cup titles.
Donovan is widely regarded as the face of American soccer and has been a true ambassador for the sport. He played for the United States national team for 16 years, scoring 57 goals in 157 appearances. Donovan is also the only player to have won the MLS Cup MVP award a record six times.
2. David Beckham – LA Galaxy
David Beckham is one of the most recognizable footballers in the world, and his move to the MLS in 2007 was a significant moment for the league. Beckham played for LA Galaxy for six seasons, winning two MLS Cup titles, two Supporters’ Shield titles, and one US Open Cup title.
Beckham’s arrival in the MLS generated a lot of hype and increased the league’s popularity around the world. He was not only a great player on the pitch but also a great ambassador for the sport of it. Beckham’s influence on the league was so great that he is credited with raising the profile of the MLS in the United States and around the world.
3. Robbie Keane – LA Galaxy
Robbie Keane played for LA Galaxy for five seasons, during which he won three MLS Cup titles, one Supporters’ Shield title, and two US Open Cup titles. He scored 83 goals and provided 45 assists in 125 appearances for the Galaxy.
Keane was a dominant force on the pitch and was a fan favorite during his time in the MLS. He was named the MLS Cup MVP twice and was also named to the MLS Best XI three times. Keane’s contributions to the Galaxy were instrumental in their success during his time in the league.
4. Dwayne De Rosario – Toronto FC, Houston Dynamo, D.C. United, New York Red Bulls
Dwayne De Rosario played for four MLS clubs during his career and won four MLS Cup titles, two Supporters’ Shield titles, and one Canadian Championship. He scored 104 goals and provided 77 assists in 343 appearances.
De Rosario was a versatile player who played in various positions throughout his career. He was named the MLS MVP in 2011 and was also named to the MLS Best XI six times. De Rosario’s performances on the pitch were exceptional, and he was a key player for all the clubs he played for.
5. Carlos Valderrama – Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion, Colorado Rapids
Carlos Valderrama played for three MLS clubs during his career and was known for his creative playmaking abilities. He scored 16 goals and provided 26 assists in 114 appearances for the Mutiny, Fusion, and Rapids.
Valderrama was a key player for the Mutiny during their inaugural season in 1996 and was named the MLS MVP that year. He was also named to the MLS Best XI in 1996 and 1997. Valderrama’s style of play and skills on the ball was a treat for the fans to watch, and he is considered a legend of the league.
6. Jaime Moreno – D.C. United, New York Red Bulls
Jaime Moreno played for D.C. United and New York Red Bulls during his MLS career and won four MLS Cup titles, two Supporters’ Shield titles, and two US Open Cup titles. He scored 133 goals and provided 102 assists in 340 appearances.
Moreno was a fan favorite during his time with D.C. United and was instrumental in their success during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He was named the MLS MVP in 1999 and was also named to the MLS Best XI four times. Moreno’s contributions to the league and his clubs are remembered fondly by fans.
7. Preki – Kansas City Wizards, Miami Fusion
Preki was a creative playmaker and a prolific scorer during his time in the MLS. He was named the MLS MVP twice, in 1997 and 2003, and was also named to the MLS Best XI four times. Preki’s contributions to the league and his clubs earned him a place among the league’s greatest players.
8. Marco Etcheverry – D.C. United
Etcheverry was a creative playmaker and was known for his passing abilities. He was named the MLS MVP in 1998 and was also named to the MLS Best XI four times. Etcheverry’s contributions to D.C. United during their early years in the league are remembered fondly by fans.
9. Chris Wondolowski – San Jose Earthquakes
Chris Wondolowski has played for San Jose Earthquakes for over a decade and has won one Supporters’ Shield title and one MLS Golden Boot award. He has scored 166 goals and provided 41 assists in 370 appearances.
Wondolowski is the league’s all-time leading scorer among active players and is only behind Landon Donovan in the all-time scoring list. He has also been named to the MLS Best XI five times and was named the MLS MVP in 2012. Wondolowski’s contributions to the Earthquakes and the league are highly regarded by fans and experts alike.
10. Jeff Cunningham – Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, Toronto FC
Cunningham is the league’s second all-time leading scorer, behind Landon Donovan, and is widely regarded as one of the most prolific scorers in MLS history. He was named the MLS Golden Boot winner twice, in 2006 and 2009, and was also named to the MLS Best XI twice. Cunningham’s contributions to the league and his clubs have earned him a place among the league’s greatest players.
Closing Thoughts
The MLS has seen some of the world’s greatest footballers play in the league, and the players on this list are some of the best to have ever graced the league’s fields. Landon
Donovan, David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Carlos Valderrama, Jaime Moreno, Preki, Marco Etcheverry, Chris Wondolowski, and Jeff Cunningham are just a few of the players who have made a significant impact on the league.
These players have not only helped the MLS grow in popularity and recognition, but they have also left a lasting impression on the league’s history. From scoring incredible goals to creating spectacular plays, these players have done it all in the MLS.
Their contributions to the league have earned them a place among the greatest players to ever play in the MLS. These players have not only been successful individually, but they have also helped their teams win titles and achieve success in the league.
The MLS continues to attract top talent from around the world, and the league is expected to continue to grow and become more competitive in the coming years. With players like these on the field, fans can expect to witness some of the best football the world has to offer.
In conclusion, the MLS has seen some incredible players over the years, but the 10 players mentioned in this article stand out as some of the greatest to ever play in the league. Their contributions to the MLS have helped shape the league into what it is today, and their impact on the league’s history will be remembered for years to come.
