From Euro stars such as Messi and Beckham to U.S. heroes such as Donovan and Dempsey, each had unique impact on MLS
Since its founding in 1996, Major League Soccer has become central to growing the domestic game in the United States and Canada. The league has expanded tremendously in the 21st century, now standing at 29 total teams with a 30th coming in 2025 with the introduction of San Diego FC.
The growth of MLS can be attributed to many things, from ownership to fans to innovation, but nothing has been more influential than those who represent the clubs on the pitch.
From former European superstars such as Lionel Messi, David Beckham and Thierry Henry to American heroes such as Kasey Keller, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, they've all had an impact in their own unique ways. From MLS Cup titles to Open Cup trophies, individual awards and more, each made an impact on the league.
So, as we approach the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, GOAL is on hand to rank the top 25, with an important caveat: this list is ranked specifically on the players' contributions while playing in the MLS, not on the full span of their professional careers (especially for those who predominantly played in Europe before joining MLS squads later in their careers).
Getty Images Sport25Kasey Keller
A brilliant shotstopper in his day, Keller is widely-considered one of the best goalkeepers in league history. He only played three seasons in MLS, which many consider a knock to his domestic stardom, but during those three years, he helped establish a dynasty.
He was the starting goalkeeper for the Seattle Sounders in their first-ever MLS match in 2009 and in three seasons with the Western Conference side, he helped lead them to three straight Open Cup titles.
He was named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 2011 and was awarded MLS Save of the Year in 2010 and 2011 as well.
Beloved by the Seattle faithful, in his final match, 64,140 fans attended the contest to send him off.
AdvertisementGetty Images Sport24David Villa
Known for his brilliance in Spain with Barcelona, David Villa was just as clinical in MLS with New York City FC during his time in MLS. The Spaniard played with the Pigeons from 2015-2018, and was named 2016 MLS MVP as a result of his heroics on the pitch.
NYCFC rose from expansion to become one of the league's top teams with him on the pitch, with Villa scoring 77 goals across four years during his tenure in the Big Apple. He was NYCFC's top-scorer each campaign he played, and he was also named to the MLS Best XI twice, too.
Getty Images Sport23Ignacio Piatti
Piatti is one of those names where you sit there and think… "if you know, you know."
A truly superb footballer, the Argentine is a forgotten gem of Major League Soccer. He arrived with the Montreal Impact (now CF Montreal) midway through 2014 after helping San Lorenzo win the Copa Libertadores. He stayed there through 2019, where he scored 66 goals and recorded 35 assists across 135 regular-season appearances in Quebec.
He was a key figure in the Canadian side's run to the 2015 CONCACAF Champions Cup final, where they fell just short, but he achieved a trophy with the club in his final season, lifting the 2019 Canadian Championship. In addition, he was a two-time MLS Best XI selection and a three-time MLS All-Star.
Getty Images Sport22Thierry Henry
During his time in MLS, Henry was a spectacle. It was the final stage of a brilliant, storied career, and he was immediately the face of the league upon arrival – a true world-class superstar, another following in David Beckham's footsteps.
From 2010-2014, Henry plied his trade with the New York Red Bulls, becoming a three-time MLS Best XI selection and four-time MLS All-Star during the process. In 122 regular season games, the Frenchman bagged 51 goals and recorded 42 assists. In 13 playoff appearances, he notched another seven assists while scoring once, as well.
He led the Red Bulls to the 2013 MLS Supporters' Shield and two Eastern Conference titles across five seasons with the club.
