Top 50 MLS Players: The Definitive 2025 Rankings
Ranking the top 50 MLS players in 2025 with stats, analysis, and reasoning for every placement from 1 to 50.
Ranking the top 50 players in Major League Soccer requires balancing statistical production, team impact, positional value, and the eye test. No single metric captures what makes a player great, and reasonable observers will disagree on individual placements. What follows is a comprehensive assessment of the 50 best players in MLS for the 2025 season, with reasoning for each ranking.
The methodology weighs recent performance (2024-2025 seasons), advanced metrics (goals added, xG, xA, progressive actions), team context, and positional scarcity. Availability matters -- players who miss significant time through injury are ranked lower than comparably talented players who are consistently on the field.
Tier 1: The Elite (1-5)
1. Lionel Messi -- Inter Miami CF
Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder | Age: 38
Even at 38, with reduced minutes and selective availability, Messi remains the most talented player in MLS by a significant margin. His per-90 production -- goals, assists, key passes, through balls -- is not just the best in MLS; it would be elite in any league in the world. When Messi plays, Inter Miami's expected goals nearly double compared to matches without him. His vision, first touch, and finishing remain supernatural.
The availability question is real. Messi did not appear in every MLS match, and his minutes were managed carefully. But the quality-when-available is so far above every other player that even partial seasons produce enough evidence to justify the top spot. No defender in MLS can consistently stop him, and the tactical adjustments opponents make to account for his presence create opportunities for his teammates that would not otherwise exist.
Key stats (per 90): 0.78 goals, 0.52 assists, 4.2 key passes, 89.1% pass completion
2. Lucho Acosta -- FC Cincinnati
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 30
Luciano Acosta is the best full-season player in MLS. His creativity -- measured by assists, expected assists, key passes, and shot-creating actions -- leads the league year after year. Acosta is the engine of FC Cincinnati's attack, the player through whom everything flows. His ability to find space between defensive lines, receive under pressure, and deliver the precise pass into dangerous areas is unmatched by any other MLS midfielder.
What separates Acosta from other creative players is consistency. His monthly production rarely varies -- he does not have hot streaks and cold spells. He performs at an elite level from March through October, in rain, heat, on grass and turf, home and away. That reliability, combined with his statistical dominance, makes him the clear number two behind Messi.
Key stats: 19 assists, 7 goals, 3.8 key passes per 90, league-leading xA
3. Riqui Puig -- LA Galaxy
Position: Central Midfielder | Age: 26
Riqui Puig's Barcelona pedigree is evident every time he touches the ball. His technical quality -- the first touch, the weight of pass, the body feints that create space in tight areas -- is among the best in MLS history. But Puig is not merely a stylist. His combined goals and assists from central midfield rank him alongside the most productive midfielders in MLS history over a comparable stretch of games.
At 26, Puig is in his prime and still improving. His defensive work rate has increased since his early MLS days, and his decision-making in the final third has become sharper. If he continues on this trajectory, Puig could become the most productive midfielder in MLS history.
Key stats: 14 goals, 17 assists, 0.82 xG+xA per 90, 87.4% pass completion
4. Denis Bouanga -- LAFC
Position: Forward / Winger | Age: 30
Denis Bouanga is the most complete forward in MLS. He scores from open play and set pieces. He creates for others with intelligent movement and precise passing. He presses aggressively, winning the ball in the attacking third at a rate that ranks among the league leaders. And he does all of this consistently, appearing in virtually every match and maintaining his production across the full season.
Bouanga's versatility is a tactical weapon. He can play centrally as a number nine, drift wide as a winger, or operate as a second striker alongside a target man. This positional flexibility allows LAFC's coaches to adjust formation without losing Bouanga's production.
Key stats: 21 goals, 10 assists, 0.80 xG+xA per 90, 3.1 pressures in the attacking third per 90
5. Christian Benteke -- D.C. United
Position: Striker | Age: 34
Christian Benteke's goal-scoring record in MLS is extraordinary. The former Premier League striker has become the most prolific pure number nine in the league, combining aerial dominance, clinical finishing, and intelligent movement to produce a goals-per-90 rate that ranks among the best in MLS history.
Benteke's physical profile -- 6'3", powerful in the air, strong in hold-up play -- gives D.C. United a dimension they cannot replicate without him. His ability to score from crosses, set pieces, and through balls makes him dangerous in every attacking phase.
Key stats: 23 goals, 5 assists, 0.72 goals per 90, 62% aerial duel win rate
Tier 2: All-Star Level (6-15)
6. Cucho Hernandez -- Columbus Crew
Position: Forward | Age: 25
The most exciting player in MLS. Cucho scores goals that no one else in the league would attempt, let alone convert. His acrobatic volleys, overhead kicks, and solo runs produce highlights at a rate unmatched by any MLS player. Beyond the spectacular, his underlying numbers -- xG, shot volume, goal conversion rate -- are elite. At 25, Cucho is approaching his prime and could eventually claim the top overall spot.
Key stats: 19 goals, 6 assists, 0.65 goals per 90, 4.2 shots per 90
7. Evander -- Portland Timbers
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 26
Evander's combination of long-range shooting, set-piece quality, and creative passing makes him one of the most dangerous attackers in MLS. His free kick goals -- struck with power and precision that recall prime specialists -- add a dimension that few other players provide. Portland's attack flows through Evander, and his goals-plus-assists total puts him among the league's most productive players.
Key stats: 13 goals, 15 assists, 0.78 xG+xA per 90, 4.1 shot-creating actions per 90
8. Sergio Busquets -- Inter Miami CF
Position: Defensive Midfielder | Age: 37
Busquets at 37 still controls the tempo of matches better than any other MLS midfielder. His positional sense, passing range, and ability to receive the ball under pressure and recycle possession make Inter Miami's attack function. He does not run as much as younger players, but his tactical intelligence means he does not need to -- he is always in the right place. His pass completion rate (93.1%) is the highest among MLS midfielders with significant playing time.
Key stats: 93.1% pass completion, 8.4 progressive passes per 90, 2.1 interceptions per 90
9. Gabriel Pec -- LA Galaxy
Position: Winger / Forward | Age: 23
Gabriel Pec arrived from Vasco da Gama and immediately established himself as one of the most dangerous wingers in MLS. His pace, dribbling ability, and improving finishing have produced a goals-and-assists total that ranks among the best for players under 25. Pec's directness -- he takes on defenders rather than passing sideways -- creates chaos in opposing defenses and generates opportunities for teammates.
Key stats: 17 goals, 8 assists, 6.2 progressive carries per 90, 53% dribble success rate
10. Carles Gil -- New England Revolution
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 32
Carles Gil's creativity is evident in every match he plays. The former Aston Villa midfielder possesses a passing range that few MLS players can match, finding runners in behind defenses, threading balls through narrow windows, and delivering set pieces with consistent quality. Gil's xA has been among the league's highest for multiple seasons, and his ability to orchestrate New England's attack from the number ten position remains elite.
Key stats: 5 goals, 14 assists, 3.6 key passes per 90, 0.62 xA per 90
11. Patrick Schulte -- Columbus Crew
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 23
The best goalkeeper in MLS, as detailed in our goalkeeper rankings. Schulte's shot-stopping, distribution, and big-game temperament combine to make him the most valuable player at his position. His PSxG-GA (post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed) leads the league, meaning he prevents more goals than any other keeper relative to shot quality faced.
Key stats: 77.4% save percentage, +8.2 PSxG-GA, 13 clean sheets
12. Hector Herrera -- Houston Dynamo
Position: Central Midfielder | Age: 35
Hector Herrera's experience at Atletico Madrid and Porto shows in his composure and tactical intelligence. The Mexican international controls midfield through positioning and passing rather than physical dominance, distributing the ball with precision and marshaling Houston's midfield shape. His influence on Houston's improvement since his arrival has been significant.
Key stats: 4 goals, 9 assists, 90.2% pass completion, 7.1 progressive passes per 90
13. Thiago Almada -- Atlanta United
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 23
Thiago Almada is the most talented young player in MLS. The Argentine World Cup winner (he was part of the 2022 squad) combines technical brilliance with an increasingly mature understanding of when to take risks and when to keep things simple. His dribbling, through-ball passing, and ability to score from distance make him a multi-dimensional threat.
Key stats: 10 goals, 11 assists, 0.75 xG+xA per 90, 4.8 progressive carries per 90
14. Sebastian Driussi -- Austin FC
Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder | Age: 28
Sebastian Driussi's 2022 MVP-caliber season set a standard he has maintained at a high level. The Argentine can play as a false nine, second striker, or attacking midfielder, and his movement between the lines creates problems for defenders who do not know whether to follow him or hold position. Driussi's finishing has been clinical, and his pressing work rate matches his attacking output.
Key stats: 14 goals, 9 assists, 0.68 xG+xA per 90, 2.8 pressures in the attacking third per 90
15. Jordi Alba -- Inter Miami CF
Position: Left Back | Age: 36
Jordi Alba at 36 still overlaps and delivers crosses with the quality that made him one of the best left-backs in Barcelona's history. His chemistry with Messi -- honed over years at Camp Nou -- translates directly to Inter Miami, where Alba's overlapping runs and precise deliveries create chances that few other MLS full-backs can produce. His defensive contributions have declined, but the attacking output remains elite for his position.
Key stats: 2 goals, 11 assists, 3.1 key passes per 90, 7.8 progressive carries per 90
Tier 3: High Impact (16-30)
16. Hugo Lloris -- LAFC
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 38
World Cup-winning experience and organizational skills that make LAFC's entire defense better. Lloris's 14 clean sheets speak to his impact beyond individual shot-stopping.
17. Roman Celentano -- FC Cincinnati
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 24
The best aerial goalkeeper in MLS with a cross-claiming success rate above 91%. Celentano's reliability is a cornerstone of Cincinnati's defensive solidity.
18. Federico Bernardeschi -- Toronto FC
Position: Forward / Midfielder | Age: 31
The Italian international's versatility and technical quality make him Toronto's most important player. His ability to play across the front line and contribute goals and assists from multiple positions provides tactical flexibility.
Key stats: 11 goals, 8 assists, 0.60 xG+xA per 90
19. Hugo Cuypers -- Chicago Fire
Position: Forward | Age: 27
Hugo Cuypers brought goal-scoring instincts from Belgium to Chicago and immediately became one of the most efficient finishers in MLS. His movement inside the box and ability to find space in crowded penalty areas produce goals from situations where most strikers would not even get a shot off.
Key stats: 15 goals, 4 assists, 0.58 goals per 90
20. Giorgos Giakoumakis -- Atlanta United
Position: Striker | Age: 30
The Greek international is a throwback center forward -- physical, aggressive in the air, and lethal inside the six-yard box. His goal-scoring rate since arriving in MLS has been outstanding, and his partnership with Almada gives Atlanta one of the most dangerous attacking combinations in the league.
Key stats: 16 goals, 3 assists, 68% aerial duel win rate
21. Andre Blake -- Philadelphia Union
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 34
Three-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year with the best penalty-saving record in league history. Blake's shot-stopping remains elite even as his distribution shows signs of age-related decline.
22. Leo Campana -- Inter Miami CF
Position: Forward | Age: 25
The Ecuadorian striker has thrived in Miami's attacking system, benefiting from service by Messi, Busquets, and Alba while contributing his own intelligent movement and finishing. Campana's ability to make runs that exploit the space created by Messi's gravity is a skill in itself.
Key stats: 14 goals, 13 assists, 0.55 goals per 90
23. Xherdan Shaqiri -- Chicago Fire
Position: Forward / Midfielder | Age: 33
Shaqiri's left foot remains one of the most dangerous weapons in MLS. His ability to curl shots into the far corner, deliver precision set pieces, and create chances through intricate passing in tight spaces makes him a constant threat. Consistency has been the limiting factor -- Shaqiri produces moments of brilliance rather than sustained dominance.
Key stats: 9 goals, 10 assists, 3.2 key passes per 90
24. Djordje Petrovic -- New England Revolution
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 25
On loan from Chelsea, Petrovic's size (6'5") and reflexes make him a physical presence that few MLS attackers can beat in one-on-one situations. His shot-stopping from close range is among the best in the league.
25. Jesus Ferreira -- FC Dallas
Position: Forward | Age: 24
A technically skilled American striker whose movement and finishing inside the box are excellent. Ferreira's intelligence in finding space and his composure in front of goal have made him one of the most reliable scorers in MLS.
Key stats: 13 goals, 7 assists, 0.50 goals per 90
26. Cristian Arango -- Real Salt Lake
Position: Forward | Age: 29
Cristian "Chicho" Arango's goal-scoring instincts are among the sharpest in MLS. The Colombian striker has been prolific across multiple MLS clubs, and his current form at Real Salt Lake continues that trend. He scores from everywhere -- headers, volleys, tap-ins, long-range strikes.
Key stats: 15 goals, 5 assists, 0.56 goals per 90
27. Luca de la Torre -- San Diego FC
Position: Central Midfielder | Age: 27
The American midfielder brings Eredivisie experience and technical quality to San Diego's expansion roster. His passing and positional play provide the kind of midfield control that expansion teams typically lack.
Key stats: 3 goals, 8 assists, 88.5% pass completion
28. Aaron Long -- New York Red Bulls
Position: Center Back | Age: 32
Aaron Long remains one of the best center-backs in MLS. His combination of pace, aerial ability, and reading of the game makes him a dominant defender in a league where center-back quality can vary dramatically. Long's distribution from the back has improved, adding value to Red Bulls' buildup play.
Key stats: 3 goals, 1 assist, 72% aerial duel win rate, 2.4 interceptions per 90
29. Walker Zimmerman -- Nashville SC
Position: Center Back | Age: 32
A USMNT regular and one of the most physically imposing center-backs in MLS. Zimmerman's aerial dominance on both offensive and defensive set pieces makes him a dual-phase weapon, and his leadership organizes Nashville's defensive structure.
Key stats: 4 goals, 0 assists, 75% aerial duel win rate, 4.2 clearances per 90
30. Hany Mukhtar -- Nashville SC
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 29
The 2022 MLS MVP has maintained a high level of production even as Nashville's overall roster quality has fluctuated. Mukhtar's combination of goals, assists, and creative play from the number ten position makes him one of the most productive attacking midfielders in the league.
Key stats: 11 goals, 10 assists, 0.65 xG+xA per 90
Tier 4: Quality Starters (31-40)
31. Stefan Frei -- Seattle Sounders
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 39
The most experienced playoff goalkeeper in MLS history. Frei's veteran savvy compensates for declining athleticism, and his big-game performances continue to keep Seattle competitive in October and November.
32. Djordje Mihailovic -- Colorado Rapids
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 26
A creative American midfielder whose passing vision and set-piece delivery make him Colorado's most important player. Mihailovic's ability to produce in a difficult environment speaks to his individual quality.
Key stats: 7 goals, 12 assists, 3.1 key passes per 90
33. Cristian Espinoza -- San Jose Earthquakes
Position: Winger | Age: 29
The Argentine winger's direct style and crossing ability have made him San Jose's primary attacking threat for multiple seasons. Espinoza's assist numbers are consistently among the league's best for wide players.
Key stats: 5 goals, 12 assists, 5.8 crosses per 90
34. Diego Rossi -- Columbus Crew
Position: Forward / Winger | Age: 26
Diego Rossi's return to MLS after a European spell has been productive. His left-footed finishing, pace, and ability to play on either wing give Columbus attacking options, and his partnership with Cucho Hernandez has produced one of the league's most dangerous forward combinations.
Key stats: 12 goals, 6 assists, 0.52 goals per 90
35. Alexander Callens -- New York City FC
Position: Center Back | Age: 33
One of the most underrated defenders in MLS. Callens combines physical toughness with surprisingly good distribution from the back, and his defensive consistency has been a constant even as NYCFC's roster has changed around him.
Key stats: 2 goals, 1 assist, 70% aerial duel win rate, 2.8 interceptions per 90
36. Maarten Paes -- FC Dallas
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 26
An athletic goalkeeper whose shot-stopping and sweeping ability suit Dallas's high-line system. Paes's distribution is above average, and his spectacular saves generate highlights regularly.
37. Kristijan Kahlina -- Charlotte FC
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 32
The most reliable goalkeeper in MLS by error rate. Kahlina almost never makes mistakes that lead directly to goals, providing Charlotte with a consistency that is more valuable than occasional brilliance.
38. Dairon Asprilla -- Portland Timbers
Position: Winger / Forward | Age: 32
Asprilla's athleticism and versatility have made him a Timbers mainstay. His pace, directness, and ability to score spectacular goals (including memorable long-range strikes and acrobatic finishes) make him a fan favorite and a genuine attacking threat.
Key stats: 10 goals, 5 assists, 4.8 progressive carries per 90
39. Alan Velasco -- FC Dallas
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 22
The young Argentine's technical quality is evident, and his development in MLS has been encouraging. Velasco's dribbling ability and creativity from the left side of midfield provide Dallas with a genuine difference-maker when he is fully fit.
Key stats: 8 goals, 7 assists, 0.58 xG+xA per 90
40. Tai Baribo -- Philadelphia Union
Position: Forward | Age: 25
The Israeli international has adapted well to MLS, providing Philadelphia with goal-scoring punch from the center forward position. Baribo's movement and finishing inside the box have improved consistently since his arrival.
Key stats: 12 goals, 4 assists, 0.48 goals per 90
Tier 5: Impact Players (41-50)
41. Ryan Gauld -- Vancouver Whitecaps
Position: Attacking Midfielder | Age: 29
The Scottish playmaker's creativity and set-piece quality make him Vancouver's most important player. Gauld's vision and passing weight create chances that most MLS midfielders cannot produce.
42. Daniel Rios -- Houston Dynamo
Position: Forward | Age: 29
A reliable goal-scorer whose positioning and finishing inside the box are consistently effective. Rios does not dominate matches, but he converts the chances he receives with clinical efficiency.
43. Brian White -- Vancouver Whitecaps
Position: Forward | Age: 28
A hardworking American striker whose movement and pressing complement his finishing ability. White's goal-scoring rate has been solid across multiple MLS seasons.
44. Luca Orellano -- FC Cincinnati
Position: Winger | Age: 25
The Argentine winger's pace and dribbling provide Cincinnati with a different attacking dimension alongside Acosta's creativity. Orellano's directness in one-on-one situations stretches defenses and creates space for his teammates.
45. Dejan Joveljic -- LA Galaxy
Position: Forward | Age: 25
The Serbian striker has been a productive goal-scorer for the Galaxy, particularly effective as a substitute who changes matches with fresh energy and sharp finishing.
46. Obinna Nwobodo -- FC Cincinnati
Position: Defensive Midfielder | Age: 27
A physically dominant defensive midfielder whose ball-winning ability and tactical discipline anchor Cincinnati's midfield. Nwobodo's understated contributions allow Acosta to operate with creative freedom.
47. Matt Turner -- New York Red Bulls
Position: Goalkeeper | Age: 31
USMNT experience and improved distribution from his European stint make Turner a quality MLS goalkeeper. His command of the area and communication organize Red Bulls' defense effectively.
48. Kervin Arriaga -- Minnesota United
Position: Central Midfielder | Age: 26
The Honduran international's combination of physical presence and long-range shooting gives Minnesota a midfield weapon. Arriaga's goals from distance have won matches that Minnesota would otherwise have drawn or lost.
49. Robin Lod -- Minnesota United
Position: Forward / Midfielder | Age: 32
A versatile Finnish international who contributes goals, assists, and defensive work from multiple positions. Lod's consistency and professionalism make him a valuable member of any MLS roster.
50. Franco Jara -- FC Dallas
Position: Forward | Age: 36
The Argentine veteran's experience and positioning continue to produce goals in MLS. Jara's understanding of space inside the penalty area remains sharp, even as his physical tools decline.
Key Trends in the 2025 Rankings
Several patterns emerge from this top 50 list:
South American dominance: Players from Argentina, Colombia, Brazil, and other South American countries make up the largest contingent in the top 50. MLS has become the primary destination for South American talent that is not quite at the level of Europe's very top leagues but is too good for their domestic competitions.
The aging European star model still works: Messi, Busquets, Alba, Lloris, and Shaqiri all rank in the top 25 despite being in their mid-to-late 30s. The Designated Player model that brings established European stars to MLS continues to produce high-ranking players, though the emphasis has shifted toward younger South Americans.
Goalkeeper depth: Five goalkeepers make the top 50 (Schulte, Lloris, Celentano, Blake, Petrovic), reflecting the improved quality of goalkeeping in MLS and the recognition that elite keepers have outsized impact on team results.
Homegrown Americans are underrepresented: Relatively few American-born players make the top 50, with most of the best Americans playing in Europe rather than MLS. This trend may shift as MLS's quality continues to rise and as the 2026 World Cup draws attention (and potentially talent) back to the domestic league.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Player rankings reflect available statistics and performance analysis at the time of publication. Rankings are subjective assessments and individual opinions may differ.