MLS Best XI 2025

The 2024 MLS Best XI is a testament to the growing quality and competitiveness of Major League Soccer. This season saw some familiar faces solidify their place among the league’s elite, as well as newcomers making their mark. Players like Riqui Puig, Jordi Alba, and Christian Benteke earned spots in the best XI for the first time since joining MLS. Columbus Crew and Inter Miami have the highest representation in the team, with two players each. Here's a closer look at the players who made the best XI for last season, all preparing for another successful campaign in 2025.

MLS Best XI

Kristijan Kahlina - Goalkeeper- Charlotte FC

The Croatian goalkeeper, Kristijan Kahlina, has been included in the MLS Best XI for the first time in his career. He managed an impressive 12 clean sheets, marking a personal career best. This season, the Croatian also conceded the second fewest goals (37) in the league. For Charlotte FC, it is a significant milestone, as Kahlina is the first-ever player from the club to be inducted into the Best XI of a season.

Kristijan Kahlina celebrating after his team scored a goal

Defenders

Yeimar Gomez Andrade - Centre Back - Seattle Sounders FC

The Seattle Sounders center-back, Yeimar Andrade, has been selected for the MLS Best XI for the second time in his career, with his first selection coming in 2021. He joins two other Seattle Sounders players, including Chad Marshall and Raul Ruidiaz. Seattle Sounders conceded the fewest goals in the MLS last season, conceding just 35 goals. When Yeimar was on the pitch, they kept 11 clean sheets out of their 13, highlighting his importance to the team. 

Yeimar Gomez Andrade celebrating after scoring for Seattle against Portland Timbers

Jordi Alba - Left Back - Inter Miami CF

The 2024 season was Jordi Alba's first full season with the club, and he lived up to expectations with an impressive performance. Alba was also included in the best XI for the first time since joining the club. He registered 14 assists, the most by any full-back. His performances helped Inter Miami win the Supporters Shield and achieve a record 74-point tally in the regular MLS Season. With this inclusion in the best XI, Alba became Inter Miami's first-ever defender to earn this honor. 

Jordi Alba in action for Inter Miami CF

Steven Moreira - Right Back- Columbus Crew

Cape Verde's right-back, Steven Moreira, earned his first Best XI inclusion in his four-year period with Columbus Crew. Moreira was also named the Best Defender of the year, beating the likes of Yeimar Gomez and Jordi Alba. During the MLS Season, the club set a record low by conceding just 40 goals. Columbus Crew kept 12 clean sheets throughout the season, with 7 of these coming when Steven Moreira was in the starting XI. This showed Moreira's importance to the squad, proving pivotal in the Crew's defense.

Steven Moreira in action for Columbus Crew

Midfielders

Evander- Attacking Midfielder - Portland Timbers

Evander had an exceptional 2024 season, which saw him finish joint top for assists alongside Luciano Acosta, both with 19 assists. He also had the second-most goal contributions of the season with 34, just two less than Lionel Messi, the eight-time Balon d'Or winner. He became the third Portland player to receive this prestigious honor and the third Brazilian in MLS history to secure a spot in the Best XI. Evander continues to prove pivotal for his team with each passing year, and he is gearing up for the new season.

Evander in action for Portland Timbers

Luciano Acosta - Midfielder - FC Cincinnati

After another great season, Acosta earned his third consecutive Best XI selection, becoming the Argentine player with the most Best XI honors. This was Acosta's fourth selection overall, solidifying his status as one of the most important players in his squad. With 33 goals contributions, this was Acosta's career-high, including 19 assists, making him the joint top assister in the league alongside Evander. Acosta has now provided 97 assists since joining the MLS, ranking 9th among all-time assist leaders.

Luciano Acosta celebrating after scoring for FC Cincinnati

Riqui Puig - Centre Midfielder - LA Galaxy

Riqui Puig is the first player LA Galaxy player in five years to be selected to the best XI of the year. Establishing himself as a key player in the squad, he achieved a personal best of 15 assists in the 2024 season. After this remarkable season, Puig is ranked 4th among all active players since his debut in 2022. He is establishing his place as one of the best midfielders in MLS with these exceptional performances.

Riqui Puig playing in his debut for LA Galaxy

Attackers

Denis Bouanga - Left Winger - LAFC

Denis Bouanga, one of the best forwards in MLS, has become the fourth player in history to score 20 goals in back-to-back MLS seasons. Following this remarkable season, he is also LAFC's first player to score over 15 goals in consecutive seasons. Bouanga is the second LAFC player to record 30+ goal contributions in a single season. Bouanga hopes to maintain his form next season and continue his goal-scoring run. 

Denis Bouanga playing for LAFC

Cucho Hernandez - Striker - Columbus Crew

Hernandez earned consecutive selections in the MLS Best XI for the fourth time in the club's history. This season, he surpassed Stern John's record for goal contributions with an impressive 33, compared to Stern's 31. Hernandez is ruthless in front of goal, scoring a career-high of 19 goals. He also earned the Leagues Cup Best Player award for his outstanding performances in the competition. 

Cucho Hernandez celebrating after scoring for Columbus Crew

Christian Benteke - Striker - D.C United

Christian Benteke is the first D.C. United player since 2018 to earn a spot with the Best XI. He won the Audi Golden Boot, scoring 23 goals in 30 matches. Benteke scored nearly half of D.C United's goals in the 2024 MLS Season, proving his vital role for the team. Benteke shares the single-season record of 23 goals with Raul Diaz Arce. His transition to MLS has been marked by scoring goals and leadership on the field, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable striker.

Christian Benteke scoring in his golden boot season for D.C United

Lionel Messi - Right Winger - Inter Miami CF

The 8th time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi, earned his first Best XI honor since joining Inter Miami in 2022. He scored an impressive 20 goals and provided 16 assists in just 19 matches, missing 15 matches due to injuries and national duties.

8th time Ballon d'Or winner, Lionel Messi after missing a chance for Inter Miami

These performances also earned Messi the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player in 2024, making him the first player in Inter Miami's history to receive this honor. His selection also marked the first time a forward from Inter Miami earned a spot in the Best XI. Messi is gearing up to replicate these performances in the 2025 MLS season.

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