Who is the best player in MLS history?

Homegrown American icons, marquee European arrivals and South American maestros have all left their stamp on Major League Soccer. Where do you stand?

1

Landon Donovan

All-time MLS Cup leader and the league's defining homegrown star across the LA Galaxy era.

2

Lionel Messi

Argentine icon whose 2023 arrival at Inter Miami brought MLS its biggest-ever global spotlight.

3

David Beckham

LA Galaxy midfielder whose 2007 move transformed MLS marketing and on-field credibility.

4

Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend who lifted New York Red Bulls to a Supporters' Shield during his four MLS seasons.

5

Robbie Keane

Irish striker who won the 2014 MVP and led LA Galaxy to two MLS Cup titles.

6

Carlos Valderrama

Colombian playmaker and 1996 inaugural MLS MVP, a defining icon of the league's early years.

7

Marco Etcheverry

Bolivian playmaker who led DC United to three of the first four MLS Cup titles.

8

Preki

Two-time MVP whose Kansas City Wizards and Miami Fusion years stamped him onto MLS lore.

9

Cobi Jones

LA Galaxy winger and longtime MLS appearances record holder who spanned 12 seasons.

10

Tim Howard

Veteran American goalkeeper whose New York and Colorado MLS spells bookended a long Premier League career.

11

Chris Wondolowski

San Jose Earthquakes striker who became MLS's all-time leading scorer with 171 goals.

12

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Swedish striker whose two LA Galaxy seasons produced 53 goals and a 2018 Newcomer of the Year award.

13

Sebastian Giovinco

Italian Atomic Ant whose 2015 MVP season for Toronto FC is among MLS's most decorated debut campaigns.

14

Carlos Vela

LAFC playmaker whose record 34-goal 2019 MVP season is the high-water mark of modern MLS attacking play.

15

Josef Martinez

Atlanta United striker whose 31-goal 2018 MVP season powered the club to its MLS Cup.

16

Clint Dempsey

Hard-running American forward who returned home to Seattle Sounders and won the 2016 MLS Cup.