Compiling a list of the best imports in any league can be hard, there have been many great Argentine, Colombian, and World Cup winning players in MLS. When it comes to the European talents, we are examining name value, influence at their club, and honorable mentions.Not featured on the list are Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard who while had acceptable stints in MLS, they did not crack the best of the best.

This list goes back all the way to 1996, when the league kicked off, and mentions those European players who pioneered the way to MLS in the early days. Here are 25 top European players to have played in MLS.

Bastian Schweinsteiger

When Bastian Schweinsteiger came to MLS, he was expected to elevate the Chicago Fire, he did in a way, helping the club break a five-year drought in the MLS playoffs. Schweinsteiger was a class professional and while the Fire was at times below the German World Cup winner, Schweinsteiger was worth the price of admission. 8 goals in 85 games.

Roberto Donadoni

Roberto Donadoni was one of MLS biggest signings in its inaugural season in 1996. Donadoni was a workhorse player for the legendary AC Milan teams of the 1990’s, in MLS he set a standard for a foreign import. Donadoni was pure class on and off the field, a league that was below his level he trained harder, worked harder and even returned to the Italian national team to play in Euro 1996. A true example of what a name player must be, Donadoni played only 2 seasons in MLS and what did the Italian maestro do after 1997? He returned to AC Milan.

Romain Alessandrini

The French midfielder was a terror down the flank for the LA Galaxy, Romain Alessandrini scored 24 goals in 61 games, and while the club did not win any silverware during his time, Alessandrini was one of the few last home run signings for the Galaxy.

Hristo Stoichkov

The legendary Bulgarian forward Hristo Stoichkov came to MLS in 2000 and played very well for the Chicago Fire, again a name player leading by example, winning the US Open Cup in 2000. When he was traded to DC United in 2003, DC got a slower and crankier version of Stoichkov. Nonetheless Stoichkov was a very good signing for MLS.

Marco Di Vaio

Italian forward Marco Di Vaio signed with the then Montreal Impact and scored 34 goals in 76 games, he helped the club win two Canadian Championships in 2013 and 2014. The Impact would eventually sign better players in Piatti and Drogba, but Di Vaio was a home run DP.

Mo Johnston

Lost in the sands of time could be the signing of Scottish international Mo Johnston to the Kansas City Wizards in 1996. Johnston played from 1996-2001, scoring 31 goals in 149 games. He formed a great partnership with Preki and won the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield in 2000.

Daniel Royer

Some names may not be as glamorous but are equally as important, Daniel Royer played over 100 games for the New York Red Bulls and scored 39 goals being a menace on the wings. 2020 and 2021 saw a dip in form but fans should not forget how important Royer was to the New York team’s attack.

Joel Lindpere

Another Red Bull, Joel Lindpere was all about hard work in New York. Lindpere was a fan favorite for his hustle and his leadership on the field. He scored 17 goals in 104 appearances for the club in three seasons, Lindpere was an ironman in the Red Bulls midfield.

Maxime Chanot

Recently crowned MLS champion defender Maxime Chanot has been a leader at the back for NYCFC, putting in a memorable MLS Cup performance. Chanot has been with the club since 2016 and will now lead them in 2022 as the team to beat in all of MLS.

Robert Warzycha

Polish midfielder Robert Warzycha was one of the Columbus Crew’s first major signings in 1996 and played until 2002 with the club. Warzycha was an example and leader on the field, winning the US Open Cup in 2002 and becoming the club’s head coach from 2009-2013.

Nani

Nani is on this list because the Portuguese midfielder’s arrival to Orlando City was crucial in getting the Lions out of their MLS funk. Nani scored some amazing goals in MLS and in total netted 28 times in 76 games. Nani was an All-Star in 2019 and 2021.

Johnny Russell

Continuing Kansas City’s tradition of Scottish imports, Johnny Russell has been nothing but gold for now Sporting KC. 40 goals in 113 games, Russell has been one of MLS best players since his arrival in 2018, 2021 was his best season to date. Inexplicably not in consideration for the Scottish national team.

Albert Rusnák

Slovakian midfielder Albert Rusnák is still only 27 years old, but he’s an old man at this point in RSL. Rusnák has played 140 games and scored 41 goals for RSL, now entering his sixth season with the club Rusnák has been there from the best of times and the worst.

Víctor Vázquez

Silky Spanish midfielder Víctor Vázquez was the final piece of the puzzle to help Toronto FC win the 2017 MLS Cup. Only playing 2 seasons, Vázquez showed his class and skill, while Toronto FC fans may be high on Alejandro Pozuelo’s individual awards, Vázquez’s time had more substance.

Laurent Ciman

Defenders need love too, Laurent Ciman was a rock for the Impact and a leader at LAFC. Considered one of the best MLS defenders in recent memory, the Belgian was a three-time All-Star.

Stefan Frei

Switzerland netminder Stefan Frei took over the nets in Seattle from Michael Gspurning and has been one of the best keepers in MLS. Frei began his MLS adventure with Toronto and has played over 230 games for the Sounders.

Carles Gil

Spain has provided many great imports to MLS in recent memory and one that most stands out is Carles Gil of the New England Revolution. Gil received many individual awards since joining the Revs in 2019 and anchored the team in their record setting 2021 season.

Piotr Nowak

Polish midfielder Piotr Nowak was a classic number 10 that helped lead the Chicago Fire to the 1998 MLS Cup. Nowak also won 2 US Open Cups with the club playing in 114 games and getting 16 goals.

Sebastian Giovinco

The Atomic Ant, Sebastian Giovinco came to MLS in a record transfer from Juventus in 2015 to Toronto FC, and the little forward was a goal machine, 68 goals in 114 games. 1 MLS Cup, 1 Supporters Shields, and 3 Canadian championships. A club legend.

David Villa

In search of a new challenge David Villa came to expansion side NYCFC and delivered in every aspect, a role model to the young players and a name to get people through the gates. Villa netted 80 times in 124 games and helped get NYCFC off the ground.

Robbie Keane

Irish international Robbie Keane came to the Galaxy by way of the Premier League, and was an instant hit, scoring 83 goals in 125 games. Keane was a leader and won 3 MLS Cups.

Bradley Wright-Phillips

MLS is a league where a $20 million dollar signing struggles and a Championship forward is one of the league’s top scorers. BWP is a Red Bulls legend, and one of MLS all-time best strikers.

David Beckham

The man who invented the DP rule, the signing that may have saved MLS from oblivion, David Beckham raised the league’s profile, turned Beckham into a team owner and was world news every time he scored. It was not always rosy, but David Beckham is an MLS all-time best, even though he wanted out on many occasions.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic raised the bar, he outdid Beckham who was so squeaky clean, Zlatan was the best villain the league ever had. He scored goals, belittled his opponents, belittled his teammates, but was a pure winner. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was simply a superstar; one the league badly misses.

Thierry Henry

The greatest European import in MLS history is Thierry Henry, why? The class, the goals, the leadership, the example. Henry was tailor made for New York, Henry was tailor made for MLS, Henry is simply a tailor-made soccer player. Few in MLS have connected the dots like Henry, he scored, he was elegant, he was well spoken, and was a perfect ambassador to MLS. A CLASS ACT.

Unfortunately, his journey has come to anabrupt endand he was unable tobid farewellto a packed Camp Nou. Messi is now in PSG ready to embark on his first adventure awayfrom Barcelona, who – again – were incapable ofsaying goodbyeto a legend in the way he deserved.

Messi’s departure was probably the most hurtful one for Barca’s fans, but they’ve gone throughsimilar situations before. Here, we’ll take a look at the 13 renowned players who have left Barcelona on bad terms.

Lionel Messi

The day we thought we would never see has finally happened, Lionel Messi has left Barcelona to join another European club. Sadly, his problems with the previous board over the last few years proved costly and, even though Joan Laporta seemed to be on better terms with him, things weren’t turned around. Only a year ago, the soccer world was in shock as Messi wanted out amid a terrible relationship with Josep María Bartomeu.

Ayear left on his contract prevented him from leaving for free, but that situation had a big impact. He didn’t sign a new dealand, once a free agent, La Liga‘s regulations forbid Barca from affording his new contract. He left better than he would have done it in 2020, but the way in which he left is still sour after everything he had lived in Barcelona.

Luis Suárez

Messi’s desire to leave in 2020 didn’t come out of the blue. He wasn’t the only one to experience a bad moment at the club, if not ask Luis Suárez. The Uruguayan striker has scored 195 goals in six years at Barcelona and he could have left as the superstar he was.

Instead, a phone call was all he got. Ronald Koeman didn’t seem to have him on his plans but the situation could have been handled differently. Suárez didn’t take long to prove Barca were wrong on this one and went on to win La Liga 2020/21 with Atletico Madrid. Later, he reflected on his exit and stated that Koeman “didn’t have much personality.”

Samuel Eto’o

Samuel Eto’o‘s stint with Barcelona was one to remember, but things haven’t ended well. The Cameroonian star had an impactful first season in 2008/09when Pep Guardiola‘s boys won the treble in great fashion.

He had even scored the opening goal in the Champions League final, but Guardiola wouldn’t count on him for next season. Eto’o has even stated he loved Pep as a coach, but not as a person, and had a fantastic season with Inter Milan in 2009/10.

Rivaldo

The Brazilian megastar left Barcelonaafter five years in 2002 when Louis van Gaal returned to Camp Nou. Rivaldo had previously played under the Dutchman from 1997 to 2000, but their relationship was never great.

The Ballon d’Or winner had even said that he left because of van Gaal:“I don’t like him and I’m sure he doesn’t like me either.”Rivaldo was still in his prime after winning the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and joined AC Milan.

Luis Figo

When we talk about players who left Barcelona on bad terms, Luis Figo will probably be atop the list. The Portuguese star was an idol but the love was over when he joined lifelong rivals Real Madrid right away.

Amid back-and-forth with the Cules’board, Figo signed for the Merengues in 2000 and was part of the Galacticos era. From then on, there was no turning back and the Blaugranashave never forgiven him.

Ronaldinho

One of the most beloved players in world soccer, the Brazilian sensation was a complete standout during his time with Barcelona. Ronaldinho arrived at Camp Nou in 2003 and helped the club tasting continental glory three years later.

However, things have taken a differentdirection by 2008, when his relationship with the board was broken and his future at Barca seemed over. Ronaldinho then joined AC Milan, but a few years later he confessed that Pep Guardiola asked him to stay.

Hristo Stoichkov

Another player who left the club on bad terms with Louis van Gaal, Hristo Stoichkov played for Barcelona from 1990 to 1998 – although he spent a year on loan at Parma in 1995/96, during Johan Cruyff‘s era at Barca’s helm.

The Bulgarian star decided to end his contract with the Cules in 1998, blaming Louis van Gaal for not playing for more than a year. He didn’t leave on good terms with Josep Luis Nuñez, Barca’s president at that time, either.

Ronaldo

Ronaldo‘s departure from Barcelona was quite shocking. He made agreat impressionin his first season at Camp Nou, scoring an amazing 47 goals in 49 games in 1996/97, when he was only 20 years old.

They failed to get hold of him, though, as Inter Milan paid his buyout clause. Only five years later, Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid and joined the famous Galacticos in a huge blow for the Cules.

Michael Laudrup

Michael Laudrup was part of the so-called ‘Dream Team‘ under Johan Cruyff’s guidance. His best days were at Barcelona, where he landed in 1989 as the Dutchman was keen on signing him. He went on to win four leagues and the club’s first European Cup, but things didn’t end well.

While his relationship with Cruyff and the boardwasn’t good anymore, Romario‘s arrival in 1993 didn’t help either, as Barca neededto offload one of their foreign players.In 1994, Laudrup joined Real Madrid in another shocking move for the Catalans.

Romario

Romario had a great but short stint at Camp Nou. He signed for Barcelona in 1993, scoring an impressive 32 goals in 47 games in his first season, but didn’t last much longer as he and Johan Cruyff didn’t getalong anymore.

In January 1995, after winning the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, Romario returned home to join Flamengo. Cruyff mentioned that he couldn’t care less if he was unhappy and wanted to leave.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan signed for Barcelona in 2009 due to Pep Guardiola’s eagerness to land him while Samuel Eto’o was packing his bags. By the end of the season, however, Ibrahimovic was no longer a priority for Pep.

The Swedish star was replaced in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals against Inter when Barca were trailing, and that series seemed to end hisgood relationship with the Spanish manager. Zlatan never returned to the starting XI after Barcelona’s elimination and joined Milan in 2010.

Bernd Schuster

Bernd Schuster spent eight years in Barcelona before signing for Real Madrid in 1988. That was just one of the many controversial episodes in his career. Schuster had been in the eye of the storm for abandoning the 1986 European Cup final on a taxi after being replaced.

Despite being one of the Cules best players at the time, he left the club on such bad terms that he didn’t mind joining the rivals. In an interview with El Pais, however, he stated that he wasn’t looking for revenge, that he was even grateful for his eight seasons with Barca.

Diego Maradona

Barcelona were the first European club to sign the Argentine legend after the 1982 World Cup. Diego Maradona proved his talent with the Blaugrana and won three titles, but his two seasons were hit by injuries and illness.

In1982/83 Diego was ruled out for about four months with hepatitis. The following season didn’t begin well for him either, as he was sidelined for another three months after Andoni Goikoetxea‘s ugly challenge. His tenure at Barcelona ended with the infamous ‘Battle of Bernabeu‘, the brawl in the1983 Copa del Rey finalbetween the Cules and Athletic Bilbao.

They have won 74 trophies domestically: 26 in the La Liga, 30 in the Copa del Rey, 13 in the Supercopa de España, 3 in the Copa Eva Duarte, and 2 in the Copa de la Liga, as well as becoming the holder of the above four tournaments.

The Catalan club havewon 20 European and world trophies in foreign club football: 5 UEFA Champions League titles, an unprecedented 4 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, a joint-record of 5 UEFA Super Cup, a historic 3 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, and 3 FIFA Club World Cups.

20. Mariano Martin – 71 goals

Mariano Martin started his career at a Catalan club named Sant Andreu in 1936. He stayed there for three years before being noticed by Barcelona in 1939.

Having spent nine years at Barca, he appeared in 81 official games and scored 71 goals in all competitions. Martin retired in 1952, playing for his first club, Sant Andreu. He died on September 9, 1998, at the age of 78.

19. Javier Saviola – 72 goals

Before moving to Real Madrid in 2007, Saviola was widely known as a prolific Barcelona forward. He joined the Catalans from River Plate in 2001. The Argentine was just 19 when he moved to La Liga.

During his six-year stay, Saviola managed 72 goals in 172 appearances in all competitions. He hung up his boots in 2016, after spending the season at his boyhood club, River Plate.

18. Julio Salinas – 73 goals

Salinas is a product of the youth academy of Athletic Bilbao. He spent four years in their first team. In 1988, he joined Barcelona. There he met other Basque players, such as Jose Ramon Alexanko, Jose Mari Bakero, Txiki Begiristain, and Ion Andoni Goikoetxea.

In 198 games across all competitions, Salinas scored 73 goals for Barcelona. He retired in 2000, having spent the previous two seasons at Deportivo Alaves.

17. Estanislau Basora – 74 goals

Basora started his soccer adventure at the Catalan club Manresa in 1943. He stayed there for three seasons, before moving to Barcelona. During his first season at the Blaugrana, he only played one game, but he cemented his starting spot in the next campaign.

Estanislao, as he was known, featured in 203 official games for Barca, and scored 74 official goals. He stayed at Barcelona for 12 years, despite spending one season on loan at Lleida. The former Spanish forward retired in 1958, as he lived a long life until. He died on March 16, 2012, aged 85.

16. Txiki Begiristain – 78 goals

Txiki Begiristain started his career at Real Sociedad, as he is their youth product. In 1982, he earned the first-team call-up. He stayed there for six years, helping the Basque side finish runners-up before leaving for Barcelona.

From 1988 to 1995, he featured in 297 games and netted 78 times for Barcelona. Begiristain opted to end his career with Urawa Red Diamonds in 1999.

15. Ronald Koeman – 83 goals

Ronald Koeman took the high road on the way to Barcelona. He played for Groningen, Ajax, and PSV in the Eredivisie, before being noticed by the Spanish giants in 1989. The Dutchman rejoined his former Ajax coach, Johan Cruyff at Barca.

In 254 total appearances, Koeman scored 83 official goals for the Blaugrana in all competitions. He closed out his playing career in 1997 with Feyenoord. He is the current Barcelona head coach.

14. Xavi – 85 goals

Xavi is one of the many players on this list who graduated from the famous La Masia Academy. The ex-Spanish midfielder spent six years at the Barca youth teams, before being called up for the first team in 1998.

During his 17-year stay at the Camp Nou, Xavi scored 85 goals in 767 games across all competitions. He retired in 2019 at Al Sadd. He is the current head coach of the Qatari side.

13. Jose Mari Bakero – 94 goals

Just like Txiki Begiristain, Jose Mari Bakero was also part of the Real Sociedad youth academy. He debuted for the first team in 1980. It took him eight years to join Barcelona.

At Barca, he featured in 339 official games, marking 94 official goals. Bakero retired in 1997, one year after leaving the Catalan side for Veracruz.

12. Ronaldinho – 94 goals

Ronaldinho started his career in Brazil in 1998, but he stayed there until 2001 when he moved to Europe to join Paris Saint-Germain. Two years later, Barcelona snatched the Brazilian from the claws of Manchester United.

Until 2008, he managed 207 appearances for Barcelona and scored 94 total goals. Ronaldinho announced his retirement in 2015, with Fluminese being his final club.

11. Laszlo Kubala – 97 goals

Laszlo Kubala had a very colorful career, having played for a total of 10 clubs. In June 1950, Kubala joined Barcelona, and Ferdinand Daucík also became the Barcelona coach as part of the contract.

The Hungarian striker played in 119 games for Barcelona and he scored 97 goals in all competitions. Kubala retired from soccer in 1967 with Toronto Falcons. He died on May 17, 2020, aged 74.

10. Pedro – 99 goals

Pedro joined Barca’s youth academy in 2004, at the age of 17. He impressed most for Barcelona B, helping the side reach promotion from the Tercera Division. It was in 2008, four years later, when he got the first-team call-up.

The Spaniard scored 99 goals for the Blaugrana in 321 games. In 2015, he left Barca for Chelsea. His current side is Roma from Serie A.

9. Neymar – 105 goals

In May 2013, it was announced that Neymar would join Barcelona from Santos after the player was chased by many European top sides. The forward was unveiled in front of 56,500 fans at Camp Nou, a record attendance for a Brazilian player.

Neymar went on to score 105 total goals in 186 games for Barca in all competitions, before making a record move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. The 28-year-old is currently going through his fourth season at the Parc des Princes.

8. Luis Enrique – 108 goals

Enrique spent much of his playing days with the two largest clubs in Spain. He stayed at Real Madrid for five years from 1991 to 1996, and in summer 1996, he moved directly to Barcelona. The Barca fans were initially hesitant about him, but he quickly won their hearts.

From 1996 to 2004, Enrique played in 300 games for Barca, scoring 108 goals in all competitions. The Blaugrana were his final club in his career. He is the current head manager of the Spanish national team.

7. Hristo Stoichkov – 114 goals

Hristo Stoichkov played eight years in his homeland, for Hebros and CSKA Sofija. In 1990, he moved to Barcelona after five years with CSKA. He helped Barca win four La titles in a row between 1991 and 1994.

The Bulgarian scored 114 times in 249 games for Barcelona, marking two spells at the club, from 1990 to 1995 and from 1996 to 1998. He retired in 2003, at DC United.

6. Patrick Kluivert – 122 goals

Patrick Kluivert spent only one season away from the Netherlands, at Milan. Kluivert signed a four-year deal with Barcelona for a fee of in 1998, an hour before the transfer deadline. He was reunited with his mentor at Ajax, Louis van Gaal.

At Barca, the Dutchman stayed for six years, until 2004. He scored a total of 122 goals in 257 games during that period. Four years later, he retired from professional soccer, after spending one season at Lille. He is the current Barcelona director of youth soccer.

5. Rivaldo – 129 goals

Rivaldo spent his 28-year career playing for 14 different clubs and 15 spells in total. He left Deportivo La Coruna in 1997 to join Barca. The Blaugrana were tempted to sign Rivaldo ahead of Steve McManaman, as Sir Bobby Robson claimed the Brazilian will score more goals.

And indeed he did. During his five-year stay at the Camp Nou, Rivaldo brought in 129 goals in 199 games for Barcelona. He retired in 2019, at Mogi Mirim, at the age of 47.

4. Samuel Eto’o – 130 goals

Samuel Eto’o can also boast of a rich worldwide career, having featured for 13 different clubs in 14 spells. Despite the long talks with Real Madrid, Eto’o left Mallorca as the club’s all-time top national league scorer (54 goals) when he signed with Barcelona in 2004.

The ex-Cameroon striker went on to add 130 goals in 199 games he played while wearing the Barca jersey until 2009. Eto’o finally said ‘goodbye’ to professional soccer in 2019, at the age of 38, with Qatar SC.

3. Cesar Rodriguez – 195 goals

Barcelona snatched Rodriguez in 1939. The military service, however, saw him move the next year to Granada, and he spent two seasons there. In 1942, he returned to Barca and stayed there for 13 years.

The Spanish forward managed 195 goals with Barcelona in 290 total games. He retired in 1960 with Elche. Cesar Rodriguez died on March 1, 1995, at the age of 74.

2. Luis Suarez – 195 goals

Luis Suarez featured for Nacional, Groningen, Ajax, and Liverpool before making a dream transfer to Barcelona in 2014. He played in an attacking triangle alongside Lionel Messi and Neymar in his first season, helping the club secure a remarkable second treble of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League.

The Uruguay international stayed at Barca until summer 2020, making 283 total appearances and scoring 195 goals. He is currently defending the Atletico Madrid crest in La Liga.

1. Lionel Messi – 648goals

Messi has spent his entire career at Barcelona, after coming through the Blaugrana’s and Newell’s Old Boys’s youth ranks. In 2004, he made the breakthrough to the first team where he made his competitive debut at the age of just 17.

The Argentine has so far featured in 752games for the Blaugrana in all competitions and scored 648goals. The 33-year-old forward is going into his 16th season at the Camp Nou, and it’s safe to say that he’ll only keep improving his already-unreachable record.