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MLS: Top 5 South American players in league history

By Matt Coles

ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 14: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (7) holds the ball prior to a penalty kick during the Campeones Cup match between Club America and Atlanta United FC on August 14th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA AUGUST 14: Atlanta's Josef Martinez (7) holds the ball prior to a penalty kick during the Campeones Cup match between Club America and Atlanta United FC on August 14th, 2019 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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27 Jul 1996: Carlos Valderrama of the Tampa Bay Mutiny moves the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Mutiny won the game, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport
27 Jul 1996: Carlos Valderrama of the Tampa Bay Mutiny moves the ball during a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Mutiny won the game, 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Lyons /Allsport /

2. Carlos Valderrama

The distinctive hairstyle, the technical ability, the flair, Carlos Valderrama had it all. The Colombian midfielder takes the number two spot on our list of the best South Americans to ever play in MLS. Valderrama signed for Tampa Bay Mutiny ahead of the league’s inaugural campaign.

The Colombian was an instant hit as he became the league’s first-ever MVP thanks to his performances in 1996 when he scored four goals and set up 17 others. He then assisted 19, setting the single-season record, a year later, before moving to Miami Fusion for the 1998 campaign.

After a move back to Tampa midway through the 1999 term, Valderrama set a record that even an article on the MLS website believes is unbreakable. The midfielder assisted 26 goals in 32 matches, way more than anyone else has even got close to.

He also held the all-time assists record in the league when he retired before his tally of 114 assists was broken. Only Brad Davis, Steve Ralston and Landon Donovan have set up more goals in the American top-flight than Valderrama.

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