Which global stars have already played or are still playing in the MLS?
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.
Follow MLS Multiplex on X (Twitter).
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.
- Check out the global stars who have already played or are still playing in the MLS:
- Alessandro Nesta (Italy) – CF Montreal
- Andrea Pirlo (Italy) – New York City FC
- Antonio Nocerino (Italy) – Orlando City
- Ashley Cole (England) – LA Galaxy
- Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) – Chicago Fire
- Blaise Matuidi (France) – Inter Miami
- Carlos Vela (Mexico) – Los Angeles FC
- Chicharito (Mexico) – LA Galaxy
- David Beckham (England) – LA Galaxy
- David Villa (Spain) – New York City FC
- Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – CF Montreal
- Douglas Costa (Brazil) – LA Galaxy
- Federico Bernardeschi (Italy) – Toronto FC
- Frank Lampard (England) – New York City FC
- Gareth Bale (Wales) – Los Angeles FC
- Giovani dos Santos (Mexico) – LA Galaxy
- Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) – Los Angeles FC
- Gonzalo Higuaín (Argentina) – Inter Miami
- Héctor Herrera (Mexico): Houston Dynamo
- Jelle Van Damme (Belgium) – LA Galaxy
- Júlio Baptista (Brazil) – Orlando City
- Júlio César (Brazil) – Toronto FC
- Jordi Alba (Spain) – Inter Miami
- Kaká (Brazil) – Orlando City
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – Inter Miami
- Lorenzo Insigne (Italy) – Toronto FC
- Nani (Portugal) – Orlando City
- Nigel de Jong (Netherlands) – LA Galaxy
- Rafa Márquez (Mexico) – New York Red Bulls
- Sebastian Giovinco (Italy) – Toronto FC
- Sergio Busquets (Spain) – Inter Miami
- Steven Gerrard (England) – LA Galaxy
- Thierry Henry (France) – New York Red Bulls
- Wayne Rooney (England) – DC United
- Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland) – Chicago Fire
- Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden) – LA Galaxy