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Some of the world’s most famous players have plied their trade in MLS
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Often appearing in the twilight of their careers, these legends have had a mixed impact on the league
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Read below for our compilation of the 10 most famous MLS players of all-time
Although yet to rival Europe’s top leagues on the field or as a subject of online betting, MLS has gone from strength to strength in the 21st century.
The sport and league are growing stateside, and much of the increase in viewership can be attributed to the ability to attract big-name talent.
While the standard has unquestionably improved since Carlos Valderrama was lighting up the early seasons of Major League Soccer, the league’s marketability has also soared.
The suggestion of elite talent moving to MLS is no longer far-fetched, even if it usually occurs in the final few years of their career.
These 10 stars have all played for MLS franchises, albeit with a large range of relevance from a football betting online perspective.
David Beckham
We all know that David Beckham net worth is a huge figure. Beckham was a business as much a footballer, one of the first of the modern era to turn himself into a brand.
While questioned by some, Beckham’s status as one of the world’s most marketable athlete made him the perfect acquisition for MLS. He made the move to America earlier than many of his fellow stars, arriving at the Galaxy in 2007.
The former England captain made over 100 appearances for the Los Angeles franchise, adding two MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields to an already stacked trophy cabinet.
Beckham’s involvement with the league didn’t end when he departed in 2012. He exercised his option for an expansion franchise in 2014, and saw Inter Miami make their debut in MLS in 2020.
Frank Lampard
Even though injuries impacted Frank Lampard’s short stay in the Big Apple, the former England international still managed to play an important role for New York City FC.
Lampard starred as NYCFC reached the playoffs in just their second season, and he scored the franchise’s first ever hat-trick.
Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer added a 2015 MLS All-Star selection and an MLS Player of the Month award to his loaded CV.
Andrea Pirlo
Paired with David Villa and Frank Lampard at New York City FC in 2015, Andrea Pirlo played the final three seasons of his illustrious career in MLS.
While the trio didn’t enjoy soccer prediction glory, Pirlo’s presence only helped to elevate the profile of the sport in New York.
An All-Star in 2016, l'architetto showed his class in Major League Soccer with his trademark incisive passing and unmatched reading of the game.
Steven Gerrard
England’s fourth-most capped player looked a strong contender to become a one-club man. That possibility was ended when Steven Gerrard made the surprise decision to sign with LA Galaxy in January 2015.
Gerrard had touched on the difficulties of playing in MLS, including the lengthy plane trips for away matches and changing altitude across the country.
It wasn’t a great surprise when he opted to leave the club after Los Angeles’ playoff shootout loss to the Rapids in 2016.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Cringey comments and meme-esque persona aside, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is unquestionably one of MLS’ most famous and greatest players.
Ibrahimovic followed in the footsteps of Gerrard and Beckham when he joined LA Galaxy in 2018. He enjoyed incredible success, scoring 53 times in 58 matches, earning two selections to the MLS Best XI.
Unlike many of his superstar predecessors in MLS, though, the outspoken Swede didn’t call it a day after his spell in the States.
Instead, he returned to Italy with Milan, proving he can still perform at the highest level in Europe.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry joined New York Red Bulls in 2010, just three years after David Beckham signed with LA Galaxy. Henry had won everything in Europe, and clearly still had plenty to offer when he made it to MLS.
The Red Bulls won the Supporters’ Shield during Henry’s spell, and he was named to the MLS Best XI on three occasions.
While unable to bring a first MLS Cup to the franchise, Henry put the club on the map. Just like Beckham, his relationship with the league has extended past his playing days into a managerial stint with Montreal Impact.
Wayne Rooney
It was no great surprise when Wayne Rooney headed to MLS to join D.C. United. The last few seasons in England had been underwhelming for the former teenage prodigy.
Once he got to the capital, though, Rooney flourished. He was superb for the Black-and-Red, resulting in a selection to the MLS Best XI in 2018 and winning club MVP in the same season.
A goal from the halfway line went viral, and Rooney brought moments of magic to Audi Field, but D.C. United fell at the first round of the playoffs in both of his seasons.
David Villa
Part of the headline-grabbing trio at New York City FC, David Villa was the franchise’s first ever player. He spent time at their sister club in Melbourne before debuting at the start of the 2015 season.
Winning league MVP in 2016, the sharp-shooting Spaniard lit up MLS in a manner that few have done in the league’s history.
Prolific throughout, Villa finished with 80 goals in 126 NYCFC appearances before joining Vissel Kobe in 2019.
Gonzalo Higuain
One of the highest paid MLS players in 2021, Gonzalo Higuain had long been rumoured as a target for MLS franchises when he finally made the move to Inter Miami in 2020.
The Argentina international had unsuccessful loans with Milan and Chelsea before hopping on a plane to Florida.
It’s fair to say he’s been a bit of a disappointment with The Herons, scoring just 13 times in 39 appearances.
Didier Drogba
After his heroics to win the 2012 Champions League with Chelsea, Didier Drogba went on a bit of a world tour. Stints in China, Turkey and a return to Chelsea were followed by a short spell with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Ivorian was prolific in Canada. Scoring 11 goals in 11 appearances in his first season, the Whitecaps made it to the Conference semifinals in 2015, but didn’t reach the postseason in 2016.
Drogba spent several months as a free agent after leaving Vancouver, ultimately signing with Phoenix Rising in the USL and becoming a minority owner.
FIRST PUBLISHED: 10th December 2021
