Ranking the 10 Best MLS Players | 2025

Major League Soccer (MLS) is one of the fastest-growing leagues in the world presently. And at the center of all this is the rapidly expanding league, and securing big names that have changed the face of the league. With billions of dollars being poured into league development, MLS has some of the best players in top-flight leagues around the world.

MLS was seen as a retirement house rather than a serious place for career growth, but things have been changing with players like Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Busquets, Marco Reus, and more coming to MLS clubs, which has uplifted the brand value of this league with their skills. These players have elevated the performance of the players and improved the quality of the league and its popularity. This article explores the players who have paved the path to success, exploring their careers and celebrating their achievements. Now, let’s take a look at the 10 best MLS players in 2025:

Ranking Factors

Performances: The primary factor while ranking the best MLS players is to look at their performances for the club during their tenure.

Impact and importance to the squad: The second parameter to rank the best player in MLS is to look at how important their contribution was for their team.

Top 10 Best Players in MLS

10. Kelvin Yeboah

Kelvin Yeboah is known for his strong physicality and dribbling, he joined Minnesota United for a 3.5-year contract in 2024. Yeboah can play in a wide position as well, thanks to his ability to drift in the box and send crosses. His first touch and flicks highlight his control and mastery over the ball. The 24-year-old striker’s finishing ability, especially inside the box, makes him one of the best MLS players in recent times.

Yeboah has scored four goals in 8 appearances for his team, Minnesota United, in the 2024-25 season. He has played 20 games so far, has netted 13 goals, and has assisted three times.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	8
Goals	4
Assists	0

9. Diego Luna

Diego Luna plays as an attacking midfielder and sometimes as a winger for MLS club Real Salt Lake. He has been making his name in the league with his ability and skills. The 21-year-old American player might lack athleticism, but his ability to dribble past defenders makes him one of the best players in the MLS in recent years.

Luna isn’t like soccer stars of today, he’s a bit short in comparison and stocky as well. But his traits like dribbling, holding the ball under pressure, and most importantly, his passing make up for it. This season, he has scored three goals in 7 games for Real Salt Lake.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	7
Goals	3
Assists	0

8. Roman Burki

Roman Burki joined St. Louis City SC from Borussia Dortmund in 2022. The Swiss goalkeeper had an impressive stint with the Bundesliga club, Borussia Dortmund, from 2015 to 2022. He is known for his sweeper-keeper role, as he tends to leave his goal line to intercept, unlike traditional goalkeepers. This may sound risky, but it has been beneficial for him and his clubs throughout his career.

Since 2022, he has played 76 games, conceding 115 goals, while keeping 18 clean sheets for St. Louis City SC, making him one of the best MLS players. This season, Burki has played 3 games and hasn’t conceded a single goal with 3 clean sheets, showing his class and goalkeeping skills.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	3
Clean Sheets	3
Goal Conceded	0

7. Wilfried Zaha

Wilfried Zaha has played for several well known clubs in Europe like Crystal Palace, Manchester United, Galatasaray, and Lyon. Zaha joined MLS club Charlotte FC on loan from Galatasaray in 2025. This season, he has played 6 games for his new club, scoring twice in succession, and has been one of the impactful players for them, making him one of the best players in MLS.

The former Crystal Palace winger has been influential in the dressing room due to his experience playing in big leagues. The 32-year-old winger is known for his dominant right foot and shooting ability.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	6
Goals	2
Assists	0

Also Read: Top 10 Most Valuable MLS Teams

6. Hugo Cuypers

In 6th position, we have Hugo Cuypers, who joined Chicago Fire from Gent in 2024 for a club record fee. Hugo has been playing exceptionally well for his club in the MLS this season. In 8 games so far, he has scored five times and assisted once. For the Chicago Fire, Hugo has played 39 games, netting 15 goals and assisting thrice.

The former Gent striker is known for his goal scoring ability and is good in aerial as well. His trivela technique is also impressive, which he consistently uses during games to pass or shoot.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	8
Goals	5
Assists	1

5. Brian White

At the 5th position on our list, we have Brian White, who plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. The Flemington-born striker is known for his goal-scoring ability and is one of the most prolific goal scorers in the MLS. With over 60 goals to his name for the Vancouver Whitecaps, he has established himself as the best player in MLS.

Brian has played 158 games for his team and has been on a roll for some time. This season, he has played 7 games and is the leading goal scorer at the moment with 6 goals to his name, cementing his place as one of the best MLS players.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	7
Goals	6
Assists	0

4. Evander

A modern-day MLS icon, Evander played a big role in the power shift in the Portland Timbers before moving to FC Cincinnati this season. His individual accolades are also jaw-dropping, representing the MLS Best XI once, MLS All-Star once, and two MLS MVP Player of the Month awards. This season, the Brazilian attacking midfielder played 6 games, scoring 4 goals and assisting one.

With 61 games to his name for the Portland Timbers, he has scored 26 times and assisted 22 times, showcasing his playmaking skill alongside his striking ability. He has played 10 games for his new club, FC Cincinnati, scoring six and assisting two.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	6
Goals	4
Assists	1

Also Read: MLS Top Goal Scorers: Major League Soccer’s Finest Since 1996

3. Christian Benteke

Christian Benteke’s arrival in the MLS from the Premier League was extraordinary, capturing the attention of the world. But Benteke did not treat it like a retirement league and has been smashing records. He put his heart and soul into playing for the badge with passion. His linking up with his teammates has been a treat to watch for American viewers.

Even at the age of 34, he’s not showing any signs of slowing down. He has scored 5 goals for D.C. United in 8 games this season, making him one of the best MLS players. The Belgian striker has played for some of the best clubs in Europe in his career, like Aston Villa, Crystal Palace, and Liverpool.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	8
Goals	5
Assists	1

2. Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez is one of the best strikers in football history. The former Barcelona striker joined Inter Miami in 2024 from Gremio. David Beckham‘s trust in him is evident as he has been one of the key players for his team since his debut. Although he has lost most of his pace but with his football IQ and finishing ability, he has continued to be one of the best MLS players. Suarez played a key role in winning the Supporters’ Shield in 2024.

This season, he has played games, scoring once while assisting five times. He is the third all-time goal scorer in the club’s history behind Lionel Messi and Leonardo Campana, with 29 goals in 50 games.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	7
Goals	1
Assists	5

1. Lionel Messi

There is nothing new one can say about Lionel Messi that has not been said. After a turbulent time in Paris in 2023, Messi moved to Miami to play for David Beckham’s newly formed club Inter Miami. Messi did not take long to show America why he’s the best and has increased the ceiling of the club tenfold. He helped them win their first-ever trophy, the League Cup, in his first season and the Supporters Shield in the current season, winning the MVP award for his contributions.

Messi is now the record goalscorer for the club and is likely to break more records, making him the best MLS player. There is no doubt that he can become the best player in MLS, even if he stays for a few more seasons. This season, he has played 5 games and scored three times while assisting twice.

Key Stats	Figures
Appearances	5
Goals	3
Assists	2

List of 10 Best Players in the MLS

Rank	Name	Position	Club
1	Lionel Messi	Forward	Inter Miami
2	Luis Suarez	Striker	Inter Miami
3	Christian Benteke	Striker	D.C. United
4	Carlos Vela	Forward	Los Angeles FC
5	Brian White	Striker	Vancouver Whitecaps FC
6	Hugo Cuypers	Forward	Chicago Fire
7	Wilfried Zaha	Winger	Charlotte FC
8	Roman Burki	Goal Keeper	St. Louis City SC
9	Diego Luna	Midfielder	Real Salt Lake
10	Kelvin Yeboah	Forward	Minnesota United

Also Read: Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players 2024 [Ranked]

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