Donovan's combination of goals, assists, MVPs, and championships makes him the consensus greatest MLS player. He was instrumental in growing the league's profile during the 2000s.
Other candidates include Chris Wondolowski (goal record), David Beckham (cultural impact), and Carlos Vela (single-season record). Lionel Messi's brief MLS career complicates the conversation given his status as perhaps the greatest player ever.