# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published May 14, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-player-in-mls-history*

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## Current results (0 votes)

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.

Tags: usa, football, players, mls