Latino people have always had a big influence in the United States and even though it took a while, they did the same in MLS. Major League Soccer has seen some big names that left their mark and paved the way for the new generations.
Right now we have a lot of good Latino players in MLS and that doesn’t seem to be stopping. Instead of being a league where old stars come to retire, the league turned into a great platform for young players to develop before making the jump to Europe.
Some Latinos have taken that path while others landed in MLS trying to revitalize their careers. Some had more success than others but now it’s time to see who are the best Latino players that have ever played in MLS.
Carlos Valderrama
Carlos Valderrama was a very good player in the league, instantly making an impact and enchanting everybody with his game. The Colombian playmaker displayed his good game every week, dishing 114 assists over his MLS career. Valderrama was one of those pioneers who bet on this league and it paid off for him.
Jaime Moreno
Jaime Moreno landed in Washington DC to help DC United improve their level. The Bolivian striker was great for the capital team and to this day, he’s an idol for the team. He finished his MLS career ranking 4th all-time in MLS goals (133).
Marco Etcheverry
Marco Etcheverry created a great duo with Jaime Moreno in Washington DC and their production was really impressive. The midfielder was the perfect partner for Moreno and his numbers are the biggest proof of that. He finished his MLS career ranking 7th all-time in assists (101).
Cuauhtemoc Blanco
Cuauhtemoc Blanco was considered the first big Mexican name to actually thrive in the league; he joined Chicago Fire and made an instant impact on the team. The Mexican striker was really a good player that opened the doors for a lot of players that came after him.
Guillermo Barros Schelotto
Guillermo Barros Schelotto landed in the States after being dismissed by Boca Juniors. The Argentine striker was great for Columbus Crew, leading them to their first MLS Cup championship in 2008, earning MVP honors during that season.
Josef Martinez
Josef Martinez landed in Atlanta from Italy, where he played for Torino. The Venezuelan striker was a revelation for that Atlanta team coached by Gerardo Martino that took the league by storm. Martinez has been one of the most prolific strikers in league history and he’s not even done. Josef has scored 90 goals in 103 games.
Carlos Vela
One year after Martinez had his historical season, Carlos Vela made an appearance, demonstrating he’s one of the best players in the league right away. Even though he’s yet to win a championship with LAFC, Vela has confirmed he’s one of the best players in the league right now.