Major League Soccer has seen remarkable talents grace its fields since its inception in 1996. From iconic goal-scorers to midfield maestros and defensive titans, these players have left an indelible mark on the league. Here are the top 10 greatest league players of all time.
10. Carlos Valderrama

Teams: Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion, Colorado Rapids
Position: Midfielder
Years Active: 1996-2002
Achievements: MLS MVP (1996), 3-time MLS All-Star
Known for his exceptional passing and flair, Valderrama brought South American creativity to the leagu. His vision and playmaking defined the early years of the league.
9. David Villa

Teams: New York City FC
Position: Forward
Years Active: 2015-2018
Achievements: MLS MVP (2016), 77 goals in 117 appearances
A World Cup winner, Villa elevated NYCFC with his prolific goal-scoring and leadership, becoming the face of the franchise in its early years.
8. Jaime Moreno

Teams: D.C. United, MetroStars
Position: Forward
Years Active: 1996-2010
Achievements: 4 MLS Cups, 133 goals
A cornerstone of D.C. United’s dominance in the late 1990s, Moreno was one of the first prolific scorers in league history.
7. Sebastian Giovinco

Teams: Toronto FC
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Years Active: 2015-2018
Achievements: MLS MVP (2015), MLS Cup (2017), 83 goals
Giovinco’s technical brilliance and ability to score from anywhere made him one of the most electrifying players in League history.
6. Dwayne De Rosario

Teams: San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC, D.C. United, New York Red Bulls
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Years Active: 2001-2014
Achievements: 4 MLS Cups, MLS MVP (2011), 104 goals
De Rosario’s knack for scoring clutch goals and his consistency across multiple teams solidified his legendary status.
5. Robbie Keane

Teams: LA Galaxy
Position: Forward
Years Active: 2011-2016
Achievements: 3 MLS Cups, MLS MVP (2014), 104 goals
Keane’s arrival transformed LA Galaxy, as his goal-scoring prowess and big-game mentality led to three Cup triumphs.
4. Landon Donovan

Teams: San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy
Position: Forward/Midfielder
Years Active: 2001-2014, 2016, 2018
Achievements: 6 MLS Cups, MLS MVP (2009), 145 goals
Arguably the face of the league for over a decade, Donovan’s record for goals and assists, coupled with his leadership, cements his legacy.
3. Josef Martinez

Teams: Atlanta United, Inter Miami, CF Montreal
Position: Forward
Years Active: 2017-present
Achievements: MLS MVP (2018), MLS Cup (2018), 116 goals
Martinez’s scoring record and role in Atlanta United’s rapid rise to prominence make him one of the league’s most impactful imports.
2. Chris Wondolowski

Teams: San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo
Position: Forward
Years Active: 2005-2021
Achievements: MLS all-time leading scorer (171 goals), MLS MVP (2012)
Wondolowski’s poacher instincts and longevity make him an all-time great, holding the record for the most goals in league history.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Teams: LA Galaxy
Position: Forward
Years Active: 2018-2019
Achievements: 52 goals in 56 games, 2-time MLS Best XI
Despite his short stint, Ibrahimovic’s star power, audacious goals, and charisma captivated the league, leaving an unforgettable legacy.
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