Over the past few years, Major League Soccer (MLS) has seen a host of renowned players, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Carlos Vela. And, the influx of famed players has only grown of late, with Thomas Müller arriving in the United States last year.
5) Rodrigo De Paul
After initially joining Inter Miami on a loan deal last July, Rodrigo De Paul relished a brilliant first six months in the MLS. He registered 2 goals and 7 assists in 23 games for the Herons in 2025, playing a vital role in his team’s maiden MLS Cup triumph.
De Paul, who turned his loan deal permanent and left Atletico Madrid earlier this January, is set to fill the void left by Sergio Busquets in Inter Miami’s midfield in 2026. The 31-year-old Argentine has won a FIFA World Cup and two Copa America trophies so far.
4) Son Heung-min
A one-time Premier League Golden Boot winner, Son Heung-min is deemed one of the best Asian stars of all time. The 33-year-old attacker showed his class at Los Angeles FC (LAFC) last year, netting 12 goals in just 13 overall outings for his new club, including the playoffs.
Son, who spent a decade at Tottenham Hotspur before joining LAFC, will be hoping to guide LAFC to a trophy next term. The South Korea ace helped his side finish third in the Western Conference and reach the MLS Cup quarter-finals in his first five months.
3) Thomas Müller
Müller, a bona fide German great, made an immediate impact at the Vancouver Whitecaps last year. The 36-year-old attacking midfielder helped his club seal a second-place finish in the Western Conference and reach the MLS Cup summit clash in 2025.
The 13-time Bundesliga champion found the back of the net nine times and registered four assists in 13 appearances in all competitions for the Whitecaps past year. He will be hoping to take his team one step further and help them win their first MLS Cup in 2026.
2) James RodrÃguez
Earlier this month, Colombia legend James RodrÃguez secured a Bosman move to Minnesota United, signing a five-month contract. The 34-year-old playmaker is expected to inject new enthusiasm into his side with his eye for a pass and technical ability on the ball.
RodrÃguez, an ex-Real Madrid and Bayern Munich man, produced five goals and nine assists in 34 overall matches for Mexican team Club Leon in 2025. The addition of the 2024 Copa América Golden Ball winner is likely to elevate Minnesota United to title-favorite status.
1) Lionel Messi
Since his free transfer to Inter Miami in July 2023, Messi has been a blessing for both his club and the MLS. He has helped the Herons win three major silverware trophies so far and has also contributed to improving the league’s quality and popularity.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is undoubtedly MLS’ best player, despite him set to turn 39 this June. The Argentine, who won his second Most Valuable Player (MVP) award last year, contributed 43 goals and 26 assists in 49 total games for his side in 2025.
