Which global stars have already played or are still playing in the MLS?

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the first half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 21: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts during the first half in the game against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Matt Kelley/Getty Images)

The soccer scene in the United States has witnessed an exciting revival in recent years, and the Major League Soccer (MLS) has played a vital role in this transformation. With a constellation of global stars illuminating the American soccer fields, the local soccer scene is increasingly becoming a force to be reckoned with globally.

The recent presence of legendary players, including sports icons such as David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, among others, in the MLS, has been a brilliant strategic move. Not only have they brought a healthy dose of excitement and skill to the local game, but they have also helped to awaken renewed interest among American viewers, previously more familiar with sports like basketball and American football.

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The rise of these international soccer stars in the MLS has not only elevated the standard of play but has also had a significant economic impact, boosting ticket sales, merchandising, and attracting a new audience to the stadiums. Furthermore, the influence of these players transcends the field of play, inspiring local young talents and encouraging them to pursue their own dreams of becoming global stars.

However, the challenge for the MLS is to maintain momentum and continue investing in the development of local talent, ensuring that the passion and enthusiasm generated by these international stars translate into sustainable growth for American soccer. It is crucial that clubs and the league as a whole seize this opportunity to strengthen the foundations of the sport and nurture the next generation of talents, in order to ensure a lasting legacy for soccer in the United States.

With a smart combination of global stars and strategic investments in the development of local talent, the MLS is positioning itself to become a global powerhouse in the world of soccer. The future looks bright for the sport in the United States, and fans can expect local soccer to continue shining under the spotlight of the global scene.

ORLANDO, FL – JULY 21: Kaka of Orlando City during the MLS match between Atlanta United and Orlando City at Orlando City Stadium on July 21, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JULY 21: Kaka of Orlando City during the MLS match between Atlanta United and Orlando City at Orlando City Stadium on July 21, 2017 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
  • Check out the global stars who have already played or are still playing in the MLS:
  1. Alessandro Nesta (Italy) – CF Montreal
  2. Andrea Pirlo (Italy) – New York City FC
  3. Antonio Nocerino (Italy) – Orlando City
  4. Ashley Cole (England) – LA Galaxy
  5. Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) – Chicago Fire
  6. Blaise Matuidi (France) – Inter Miami
  7. Carlos Vela (Mexico) – Los Angeles FC
  8. Chicharito (Mexico) – LA Galaxy
  9. David Beckham (England) – LA Galaxy
  10. David Villa (Spain) – New York City FC
  11. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – CF Montreal
  12. Douglas Costa (Brazil) – LA Galaxy
  13. Federico Bernardeschi (Italy) – Toronto FC
  14. Frank Lampard (England) – New York City FC
  15. Gareth Bale (Wales) – Los Angeles FC
  16. Giovani dos Santos (Mexico) – LA Galaxy
  17. Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) – Los Angeles FC
  18. Gonzalo Higuaín (Argentina) – Inter Miami
  19. Héctor Herrera (Mexico): Houston Dynamo
  20. Jelle Van Damme (Belgium) – LA Galaxy
  21. Júlio Baptista (Brazil) – Orlando City
  22. Júlio César (Brazil) – Toronto FC
  23. Jordi Alba (Spain) – Inter Miami
  24. Kaká (Brazil) – Orlando City
  25. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Inter Miami
  26. Lorenzo Insigne (Italy) – Toronto FC
  27. Nani (Portugal) – Orlando City
  28. Nigel de Jong (Netherlands) – LA Galaxy
  29. Rafa Márquez (Mexico) – New York Red Bulls
  30. Sebastian Giovinco (Italy) – Toronto FC
  31. Sergio Busquets (Spain) – Inter Miami
  32. Steven Gerrard (England) – LA Galaxy
  33. Thierry Henry (France) – New York Red Bulls
  34. Wayne Rooney (England) – DC United
  35. Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland) – Chicago Fire
  36. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden) – LA Galaxy