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

In Major League Soccer, few players are remembered as strongly as the ones who found the back of the net consistently. The Major League Soccer top goal scorers are not just great athletes, they are legends who have made sure the league has the right shape to grow consistently, transcending the sport and playing a big part in the growth and prominence of soccer in the United States.

Netting goals is the ultimate indicator of success when it comes to soccer. Players who have regularly topped the Major League Soccer’s goal charts have had a lasting impact on the league. As the sport keeps on growing in North America, these players remain benchmarks for aspiring talents, with their records and achievements offering inspiration for the forthcoming generation of goal-scorers.

In this article, we will have a glance at the MLS goal leaders of all time, highlighting the impact of these great professionals, their magical moments, and the way it has shaped the MLS soccer landscape. Let’s dive into the top 10 players who are leading the top scoring charts in the Major League Soccer.

Top 10 MLS Goal Scorers

Over the years, the league has seen many MLS leading goal scorers​. However, only a few of these professionals have solidified their position in the history. Come along with us as we take a look at the current top MLS goal scorers:

10. Gyasi Zardes

Gyasi Zardes is a player acknowledged for his unmatched work ethic and consistent performance in Major League Soccer. The American forward’s journey began with the LA Galaxy, where he played for a lot of years before moving on to Columbus Crew SC before eventually making a move to Colorado Rapids.

Zardes’s speed, balance, and finishing traits have allowed him to become a mainstay in Major League Soccer’s top goal-scoring ranks. Over his career, he has set himself up as one of the most reliable forwards in the league, regularly contributing in his team’s attacking prowess.

Moreover, his goal scoring ability along with other quality traits allowed him to play a massive role in the USMNT. It further cemented his status as one of the respected forwards in the MLS.

• Goals: 96
• Matches: 228
• Seasons Played: 2013-2022

9. Jason Kreis

This is a name every MLS fan is known to. As one of the first true stars of the MLS, Kreis was a crucial figure in the initial years of the League. Having played for FC Dallas (Then known as Dallas Burn), Real Salt Lake, and later as a coach for RSL, Jason Kreis was acknowledged for his clinical finishing, positioning, and leadership on the pitch.

His sharp instincts in the box led to him becoming the first player in the Major League Soccer history to score more than 100 goals, a record that has since become a benchmark for aspiring forwards. Beyond the goal-scoring feats, Kreis made a lasting impact in the league as a coach, leading Real Salt Lake to an MLS Cup championship in 2009.

• Goals: 108
• Matches: 219
• Seasons Played: 1996–2007

8. Ante Razov

Ante Razov was acknowledged for his sharp movement off the ball, his perfect finishing, and his ability to score in different situations, whether inside the box or from distance. Throughout his career, the Croatian-American has proved to be a reliable goal scorer, contributing to his teams’ success over the years. His strong legacy is defined by his leadership and vital goals, making him a respected figure in MLS history.

His contributions to the Major League Soccer were both prolific and consistent. The Croatian-American striker enjoyed a long and successful career, playing for clubs like the Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, and the LA Galaxy.

• Goals: 114
• Matches: 220
• Seasons Played: 1996-2009

7. Bradley Wright-Phillips

Bradley Wright-Phillips was another English striker who made his mark on the Major League Soccer, playing most of his career for the New York Red Bulls. He was one of the MLS leading goal scorers​. A natural goal scorer, the Englishman quickly became one of the most lethal strikers in the league. His intelligent positioning, composure in front of goal, and ability to score from set-pieces or open play made him one of the best finishers that the Major League Soccer has ever seen.

He finished as the top scorer of the league two times during his time with the Red Bulls and formed one of the most dangerous attacking duos alongside the World Cup winner Thierry Henry. His consistency over the years earned him a place among the top scorers of the league.

• Goals: 116
• Matches: 220
• Seasons Played: 1996-2009

6. Josef Martinez

The Venezuelan forward is one of the most prolific strikers to grace the Major League Soccer. Josef Martinez, famous for his pace and shooting abilities, became a fan favorite right away. He holds the record for the most goals scored in a single season of MLS, with a stunning 31 goals in 2018, a feat that catapulted him into the elite ranks of goal scorers in the league history.

His tenure with Atlanta United has been nothing short of historic, with Martinez being a key figure in the club’s MLS Cup Victory in 2018. His natural ability to find the back of the net and his desire to him made him one of the most memorable players in the league.

• Goals: 117
• Matches: 158
• Seasons Played: 2017-Present

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5. Jaime Moreno

Jaime Moreno’s legacy in the Major League Soccer is as one of the league’s most consistent and skillful players. The Bolivian striker spent the better part of his career with D.C. United. It is in this club, where he became a club legend. Known for his dribbling, vision, and ability to score goals in the key moments, Moreno was the heartbeat of D.C. United during their early successes, including various MLS Cup victories.

His versatility and intelligent play in the attacking third made him a solid threat on the field. His goal and assist tally has been consistent throughout his tenure.

• Goals: 133
• Matches: 255
• Seasons Played: 1996-2010

4. Jeff Cunningham

When we speak of legends in the league who had blistering pace, quality finishing, and intelligent off-the-ball runs, Jeff Cunningham is a name the MLS will remember for decades to come. During his career, he played for several MLS clubs, including Colorado Rapids, Real Salt Lake, and FC Dallas.

He had a knack for scoring from almost any situation and was particularly famous for his ability to score in tight spaces. His goal-scoring consistency earned him the all-time goal-scoring title for a significant period and made him one of the most influential figures in Major League Soccer history.

His contributions to the league were immense, and he is fondly remembered by the fans of the clubs he played for.

• Goals: 134
• Matches: 318
• Seasons Played: 1998-2011

3. Kei Kamara

Kei Kamara is a forward who has carved out a distinguished career in the Major League Soccer through his physicality, aerial ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Born in Sierra Leone, the forward has played for multiple teams throughout his career in the MLS, like Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and Columbus Crew. His consistency and longevity in MLS have made him a well-respected figure in the league.

• Goals: 144
• Matches: 380
• Seasons Played: 2006-2021

2. Landon Donovan

One of the homegrown, Landon Donovan is famously acknowledged as one of the best American soccer players of all time. His impact on the Major League Soccer cannot be overstated. Playing the major part of his career for the LA Galaxy, Donovan not only scored brilliant goals but also was a key playmaker, helping to elevate the level of play in the league.

With his remarkable speed, vision, and ability to score clutch goals, Donovan became one of the most successful players of the league, winning more than one MLS Cup and individual honors. His leadership on and off the field has left a lasting legacy, and he remains a central figure in the history of Major League Soccer.

• Goals: 145
• Matches: 340
• Seasons Played: 1996-2014

1. Chris Wondolowski

Chris holds the prestigious title of MLS’ all-time leading goal scorer. He is one of the big names when it comes to MLS top goal scorers. The American forward, who spent the bulk of his career with the San Jose Earthquakes, built a reputation as a natural goal scorer with remarkable consistency.

His ability to finish in the box, his poise under pressure, and his hunger for scoring in the big matches made him one of the beloved in the Major League Soccer history.

• Goals: 171
• Matches: 400
• Seasons Played: 2005-2021

#	Name	Goals	Total Matches	Seasons Played
1	Chris Wondolowski	171	400	2005-2021
2	Landon Donovan	145	340	1996-2014
3	Kei Kamara	144	380	2006-2021
4	Jeff Cunningham	134	318	1998-2011
5	Jaime Moreno	133	255	1996-2010
6	Josef Martinez	117	158	2017-Present
7	Bradley Wright-Phillips	116	187	2013-2020
8	Ante Razov	114	220	1996-2009
9	Jason Kreis	108	219	1996-2007
10	Gyasi Zardes	96	228	2013-2022

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