Since the league’s inception in 1996, the MLS has reached global status throughout the soccer world, not only for the established teams that play throughout the league but for the impressive talent the league has been able to attract. From some of the biggest soccer names to grace the game to league cult heroes, the MLS has been able to create a rich history full of superb players!
ProfitDuel, which is known for its amazing sportsbook promos and matched betting strategies, has decided to look through some of the very best players to grace the top American soccer league and what makes them some of the most iconic names throughout the MLS.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s arrival in MLS was one of the most seismic moments in the league’s history due to Messi’s sheer influence on the league. Even in his 30s, Messi still remains one of the best players in the world, with his impact being huge on Argentina’s charge to the World Cup win in 2022. With dribbling, vision, passing and finishing being some of his best attributes, he has been able to provide some magic moments already throughout his time at Inter Miami as he scored a stunning free-kick in the final of the Leagues Cup 2023.
Not only has Messi raised the level when it comes to ability in the league, but he has also elevated the league’s profile due to Messi being one of the most recognised names throughout the world of soccer. The fact that Messi chose MLS over other top European leagues shows that MLS is becoming an attractive destination for the top players.
Fans who are familiar with Messi will know what Messi can produce, and despite being in the last years of his career, he is still renowned as one of the greatest players in MLS throughout the history of the league.
Landon Donovan
Over the course of a 17-year MLS career, Landon Donovan has had an immense impact on the league and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever play in the league. He not only shaped the league’s growth, but he also set the standard for what it means to be an elite player in MLS.
Donovan was one of the first homegrown stars to emerge in MLS, and he was a key figure in the league’s early development. He began his professional career with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2001, where he immediately made an impact, helping the team to two MLS Cup championships in 2001 and 2003. His debut season led to him earning the MLS Rookie of the Year award!
However, it was his time with LA Galaxy between 2005 and 2014 which truly cemented his status as an MLS legend. In his time with the LA team, he was able to win four MLS Cup championships. He is the all-time leader in assists with over 130 assists, and he finished his career with 145 goals, which is ranked among the top scorers in league history!
Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane was one of the most successful and impactful foreign players in MLS history. His time with LA Galaxy from 2011 to 2016 was marked by incredible success, both as a prolific goal scorer and key playmaker. After spending the majority of his career at huge European clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, Inter Milan and Liverpool, Keane was a huge coup for the league.
Keane was able to score 104 goals in 165 appearances for LA Galaxy, making him one of the top goal-scorers in club history. With his skill set in clinical finishing, long-range striking, and deft headers, Keane was able to score all different types of goals.
Selected in the MLS best XI multiple times, Keane was part of the dominant LA Galaxy team, which won three MLS cups in 2011, 2012 and 2014, whilst also winning multiple Supporter’s Shields throughout his time at the club.
David Beckham
Despite not having a fantastic playing career throughout the MLS, the way that the arrival of David Beckham changed the landscape of the league needs to be mentioned! David Beckham arrived in the league in 2007 and changed the league massively. His impact on the growth and global recognition of the league cannot be overstated.
Prior to Beckham’s move, MLS was seen as a ‘retirement league’ for ageing players or a destination for young talent from Latin America. Beckham’s move shattered that perception due to his status as a global icon. With success at Manchester United, Real Madrid and the England national team, he brought an international spotlight to MLS.
He won two MLS Cups during his time as a player, and he has a lasting legacy across the league due to the purchase of Inter Miami in 2020! Alongside this, he was one of the first international superstars to join the league, opening the door for future MLS players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thierry Henry, Robbie Keane, Wayne Rooney and Lionel Messi.
