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25 of the greatest European players to play in MLS

Kelvin Loyola — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 12:33:17 -0400

MLS has signed many European soccer players in its 27-year history. Here are 25 great players the league signed from Europe.

MLS is a melting pot of players from all over the world, from Europe, South America, Asia, it truly is a global league. When it comes to big name signings the league has its share, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Valderrama, or a Jorge Campos.

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

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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 (Getty Images)

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

Romain Alessandrini (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

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

Hristo Stoichkov (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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

Marco Di Vaio (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

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

Mo Johnston (Getty Images)

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

Daniel Royer (Photo by RichThe Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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

Joel Lindpere (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

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

Maxime Chanot (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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

Robert Warzycha (Getty Images)

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 (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

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

Johnny Russell (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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

Albert Rusnák (Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

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

Víctor Vázquez (Photo by Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images)

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

Laurent Ciman (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

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

Stefan Frei (Photo by Lyndsay Radnedge/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

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

Carles Gil (Photo by Tim Bouwer/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

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

Piotr Nowak (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

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

Sebastian Giovinco (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

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

David Villa (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

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

Robbie Keane (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

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

Bradley Wright-Phillips (Photo by RichThe Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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

David Beckham (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)

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 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)

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

Thierry Henry (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

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.

25 Top selling MLS jerseys for 2020

Kelvin Loyola — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 10:38:09 -0500

MLS revealed the top-selling jerseys of 2020, the list has a strong Latin American influence, as many of the top sellers are players of various Latin American countries.

The 2020 MLS season is nearly at its end and the league revealed the 25 top-selling MLS jerseys. As expected, the top sellers were the best players in the league, but there were some interesting surprises that cracked the top 25.

It has been a strange 25th anniversary for the league, MLS had planned a year-long celebration to remember it’s relatively short history. Then the covid-19 pandemic hit and put many if not all celebrations on hold.

Nonetheless, some celebrations did take place and the year will culminate in an MLS Cup Champion. Here are the 25 top-selling jerseys of the 2020 Major League Soccer season.

25. Ezequiel Barco

Ezequiel Barco Jersey

It might be strange to see Ezequiel Barco on this list, given that he has played relatively very little in his three MLS seasons. The Argentine midfielder has show flashes of brilliance but never truly became a star in the league or in Atlanta United.

24. Cristian Roldan

Cristian Roldan jersey

The Seattle Sounders fan favorite has been a key part of their midfield since 2015. CristianRoldan has played over 150 games for Rave Green and has also played for the USMNT. Fans may be shocked to find out that Roldan is only 25, seems like he has been around forever.

23. Lucas Zelarayan

Lucas Zelarayan jersey

One of the best newcomers to MLS this season, Lucas Zelarayan, came from Liga MX side Tigres and has been one of the best players in the league. The Argentine scored 6 goals in 16 games, but most importantly he revitalized the Columbus Crew’s midfield.

22. Walker Zimmerman

Walker Zimmerman Jersey

Say what? Yeah, Walker Zimmerman, is number 22 on the list, the Nashville SC defender has been solid for the expansion franchise, even helping them get to the playoffs. Zimmerman is one of the best defenders in MLS and he is a pool player on the USMNT.

21. Cristian Pavon

Cristian Pavon jersey

The lone bright spot in a dreadful 2020 for the L.A. Galaxy, Cristian Pavoncame via loan last season from Boca Juniors and has been a highlight reel week in and week out. The Galaxy on the other hand area trainwreck, get his jersey now, the chances he returns for 2021 are slim.

20. Jonathan dos Santos

Jonathan dos Santos jersey

Mexican national team players are very popular in MLS, Jonathan dos Santos has been a very decent player for the L.A. Galaxy, a hard worker, and a good passer, Dos Santos stepped out of his brother’s shadow and became a main piece in the Galaxy’s midfield.

19. Chris Wondolowski

Chris Wondolowski jersey

The MLS all-time leading goal scorer, Chris Wondolowski, continues to light up the nets in MLS at the age of 37. Rumors have it that he will return for 2021, although not certain for San Jose, Wondo is a shining example that Goonies never say die.

18. Johnny Russell

Johnny Russell jersey

One of the most underrated players in MLS the Scotsman Johnny Russell has been nothing short of gold for Sporting KC. He continued to be clutch in the 2020 season scoring 6 goals in 21 games.

17. Diego Rossi

Diego Rossi jersey

The MLS 2020 golden boot, Diego Rossi, had a breakout year for LAFC, although Rossi has gotten better in each of his three MLS seasons. Not only did he win the golden boot, but he finally got his long-awaited call up to the Uruguayan national team. Rumors have it that Rossi is Serie A bound and it looks unlikely he will return in 2021.

16. Edison Flores

Edison Flores jersey

The Peruvian international, Edison Flores, was supposed to take D.C. United to new heights but he along with D.C. had a poor 2020 season. Flores was injured and could only play 13 games and provide 3 assists. Flores will look to have a better 2021.

15. Nicolas Lodeiro

Nicolas Lodeiro jersey

The Uruguayan midfielder is one of the best players in Sounders history and quite frankly one of the best number 10’s in MLS history. The two-time MLS Cup champion looks to win his third with the Sounders this season.

14. Alan Pulido

Alan Pulido jersey

The high priced Mexican international did not disappoint in his first MLS season for Sporting KC. Alan Pulido scored 6 goals in 12 games and with one season under his belt, he will be one of the most entertaining players to watch in 2021.

13.Diego Chara

Diego Chara jersey

Mr. Portland Timbers, Diego Chara has been with the team since 2011, the strong and fun defensive midfielder is the heart and soul of the Timbers. At 34 he has proven very resilient to the tough grinds of MLS being one of the team fanfavorite players for well over 8 seasons.

12. Alejandro Bedoya

Alejandro Bedoya jersey

The Philadelphia Union captain and 2014 World Cup veteran for the USMNT, Alejandro Bedoya has been a vocal leader in Philadelphia, not only on the field but off the field. He was one of the first MLS players to speak out about social issues in the U.S. and has turned into one of the Union’s all-time best players.

11. Diego Valeri

Diego Valeri jersey

The Argentine maestro, Diego Valeri is the Portland Timbers. No player identifies so much with their club than Valeri at Portland. Valeri has done it all in Portland, winning MLS Cup, the MLSisBack tournament, and cementing himself in the community, a class-act.

10. Brenden Aaronson

Brenden Aaronson jersey

Get his jersey while you can because Brenden Aaronson is out of here. In his two seasons in MLS Aaronson has played 51 games and scored 7 goals for the Union. He has loads of talent and will transfer to RB Salzburg in Austria at season’s end. He is one of the most talented players to ever come out of MLS, and it won’t be long before he is with the USMNT.

9. Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi jersey

The World Cup winner came to Inter Miami to give the team a much-needed spark. Blaise Matuidi’s hard work and leadership were instrumental in turning things around for a franchise that was going south and fast. He will be a huge piece of the puzzle in 2021.

8. Raul Ruidiaz

Raul Ruidiaz jersey

The Peruvian international does one thing, put the ball in the back of the net. Raul Ruidiaz has been nothing but lethal for the Sounders, scoring 33 goals in 53 matches. A fan favorite and one of the best in the league he has some highlight-reel goals in his three years in the league.

7. Nani

Nani jersey

The former Manchester United midfielder, Nani, has reshaped Orlando City, helping them get to their first-ever MLS Cup playoffs. Nani has been a leader for Orlando City and has been extremely fun to watch this season with spectacular goals and assists.

6.Gonzalo Higuain

Gonzalo Higuain jersey

El Pipita comes with a pedigree few have in MLS, the Argentine international and former Juventus and Real Madrid striker is the league’s highest-paid player. Gonzalo Higuain provided a much-needed spark to an Inter Miami side in desperate need during 2020, although he scored only 1 goal his season was cut short when hetested positive for covid-19.

5. Rodolfo Pizarro

Rodolfo Pizarro jersey

The Mexican international and teammate of Higuain’s Rodolfo Pizarro took a bit to get adjusted to MLS but with some support turned his season around and showed his class. Pizarro and Higuain were just getting started but that magic will have to wait until 2021.

4. Jordan Morris

Jordan Morris jersey

A lot of expectations were put on Jordan Morris over the years and while he has lived up to them, the on again off again USMNT player has always been a contributor for the Seattle Sounders.

3. Josef Martinez

Josef Martinez jersey

The most lethal target man in MLS, Josef Martinez has badly missed this season by Atlanta United, who had a dreadful 2020. Martinez will be back in 2021 and the man who scored 72 goals in 81 matches will be putting all MLS goalkeepers on alert!

2. Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez jersey

Well, at least Chicharito Javier Hernandez is selling jerseys, cause he hasn’t done much else in his very disappointing first MLS Season. The LA Galaxy were a mess this season and Chicharito was equally as bad, scoring 2 goals in 12 outings. He will be back in 2021 and MLS hopes they can get that egg off their face.

1. Carlos Vela

Carlos Vela jersey

The Mexican and LAFC super star is the top-selling jersey in all of Major League Soccer. Carlos Vela has been nothing short of MVP class in MLS with great goals and strong leadership. 2020 was not LAFC’s nor Vela’s best but , in 2021 he might finally be able to lead the team to their first MLS cup.