Best MLS Players in 2025

The MLS is little over a month away from the start of the 2025 MLS Season. Many top players shone last season and will be aiming to maintain their current form into the new campaign. In December, MLS announced the Best XI of 2024,  highlighting some players that delivered some standout performances.

Last year, Lionel Messi emerged as one of the top performers, alongside his teammate Jordi Alba. Soccer stars such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Carlos Vela, Marco Reus, Lorenzo Insigne and Sergio Busquets are playing a pivotal role in their team's fight for success. Now let's take a closer look at the best soccer stars that are currently playing in the MLS. 

Lionel Messi

Arguably one of the greatest players of all-time, Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023. Before his arrival, David Beckham's team was struggling, but Messi's presence marked a turning point. The team began winning games consistently, and although they finished 14th in the 2023 MLS Season, they topped their league with an impressive 74 points. The former Barcelona star and eight time Ballon d'Or winner was included in last season's Best XI, showing his immense impact on the squad. In the upcoming season, Messi is once again expected to be the star of the team, aiming to deliver another standout performance and guide the team to glory.

Lionel Messi reacting to his shot going wide in the 2024 Supporters Shield Final

Luis Suarez

Luis Suarez had a great season in the MLS 2024 season. The Uruguayan striker scored  20 goals in 21 appearances for Inter Miami, showing once again his reputation as a prolific striker. During his time at Liverpool FC and FC Barcelona, Suarez was widely regarded as one of the best strikers in the world, breaking numerous records and winning the treble with Barcelona in 2015 alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.  Having extending his contract for another MLS season, Inter Miami are hoping that Suarez can continue his goal-scoring form and lead the team to further success.

Luis Suarez scoring his first goal for Inter Miami against Orlando City last season

Christian Benteke 

Former Belgium striker, Christian Benteke joined DC United in August 2022 from Crystal Palace for a fee of around $6m. In his first full season , Benteke scored 14 goals in 31 matches, establishing himself as one of the most prolific goal scorers in the MLS. The 2024 MLS Season was a standout year for Benteke, scoring 23 goals and assisting 8 in 30 matches. His exceptional performances earned him a spot in the MLS Best XI for 2024, showing the high levels he has been producing. D.C. United will be counting on Benteke to maintain his impressive goal-scoring form in the 2025 MLS season, which starts next February.

Christian Benteke celebrating after scoring a bicycle kick against Charlotte FC 

Marco Reus

German hero Marco Reus signed for L.A Galaxy in the Summer of 2024 after leaving his boyhood club, Borussia Dortmund. Marco Reus is regarded as one of the best players to ever play for Borussia Dortmund. Reus spent 12 years at Dortmund, making him one of the longest servants of the club. After 12 years, seeking a new challenge, Reus chose the MLS, preferring not to play for another European club. Reus contributed to In his first six matches with L.A Galaxy, Reus scored 1 goal and assisted 3. His efforts helped L.A Galaxy secure the MLS Cup for the 6th time in their history. This season, many L.A. Galaxy fans are looking to Reus as their key player to lead the team to a second consecutive championship.

Marco Reus celebrating his debut goal against Atlanta United

Sergio Busquets

One of the most decorated midfielders of all time, Sergio Busquets, joined Inter Miami on a free transfer. After spending 15 years with Barcelona and winning 32 major trophies, Busquets moved to Miami to reunite with his former teammate Lionel Messi. Last Season, Busquets started nearly every match for his club, playing a pivotal role in the heart of the midfield. Although he wasn't included in the Best XI of 2024, his contributions to the team didn't go unnoticed. Busquets is gearing up for another strong campaign with Inter Miami, aiming to win silverware in the upcoming season.

Sergio Busquets in action against Los Angeles FC

Jordi Alba

Another FC Barcelona hero, Jordi Alba, signed for Inter Miami in 2023 on a free transfer. After spending 11 successful year in Barcelona, Alba reunited with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets in Miami. Last season, Alba played a total of 27 matches during last season, proving as an important member of the Inter Miami squad. He contributed 5 goals and 10 assists, placing him among the top 15 assist providers in the MLS. His standout performances earned him a well deserved spot in the Best XI squad of the 2024 MLS season. With expectations high, Alba is poised to deliver another impressive campaign in his second full season in the league.

Jordi Alba in action in a friendly against Hong Kong XI

Riqui Puig

Riqui Puig, a former Barcelona player, joined LA Galaxy in 2022 on a free transfer. Moving to the MLS at such a young age was not easy for Puig, as many expected him to continue his career in Europe. Luckily for him, the move turned out to be a great decision. Last season was a breakout year for Puig, as he delivered exceptional performances from midfield, scoring 17 goals and providing 12 assists. These performances also earned him a place with the Best XI of the year, highlighting his potential. To finish off an incredible season, Puig and his teammates celebrated by winning the MLS Cup, marking yet another successful chapter for both him and LA Galaxy.

Riqui Puig making his debut for L.A Galaxy in 2022

Lorenzo Insigne

On paper, Lorenzo Insigne is regarded as one of the best players in the MLS. The Napoli hero signed for Toronto in 2022 on a free transfer, earning him a substantial wage of $14m a year. Unfortunately, things haven't gone as planned for both the player and the club so far. Last season, in 17 appearances, Insigne scored 4 goals and assisted 6. Overall, it wasn't a great season for Insigne, considering the high standards that he has. Rumors have been circulating that Insigne is considering a return to Serie A, with several Italian clubs reportedly interested in his signature. As the situation unfolds, Toronto FC will be hoping he stays and rediscovers his best form in the MLS.

Lorenzo Insigne celebrating his goal in Toronto's 4-3 win against Nashville SC in 2022

Federico Bernardeschi

Former Juventus player Federico Bernardeschi joined Toronto FC in 2022 on a free transfer. Bernardeschi is earning around $9m per year with guaranteed compensation, putting amongst the highest earners in the MLS. In the 2024 season, Bernardeschi was pivotal for Toronto FC, scoring 8 goals and assisting 8. While many believe he has the potential to reach even higher levels, he remains one of the club's most important players. Toronto is counting on him for the upcoming season, but a potential transfer back to Italy is not being ruled out.

Federico Bernardeschi celebrating his amazing goal in the 2-2 draw against Charlotte FC in 2023

Carlos Vela

One of the most consistent players in recent years in the MLS, Carlos Vela returned to the league in 2024. After leaving at the end of the 2023 MLS Season, Vela resigned with LAFC in July 2024, marking a happy reunion for Vela and LAFC. Although he didn't contribute much to Los Angeles FC last season, Vela is working hard to get back into the first team and help LAFC have a successful season. A former 2019 Landon Donovan MVP winner, Vela is hoping to make the same impact he did in previous seasons.

Carlos Vela in action against San Jose in 2023

The MLS is proving yet again that another eventful soccer season is coming, with clubs tweaking their squads to get ready for the 2025 MLS Season , which starts in February. These players face extra pressure due to their abilities on the pitch, which is why their respective soccer club are relying on them for the upcoming season.

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