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August 1, 2024
Numerous high-profile players have come and gone, enhancing the league’s reputation while concluding their storied careers in front of an ever-growing fanbase. Among these footballing stars, many have cemented their status as true MLS legends, standing tall as some of the best to ever grace the league in the United States.
Midfield, in particular, has been an area where the MLS has always been well-represented. The league has seen its fair share of talent, from dynamic playmakers to rugged defensive anchors and elegant central maestros. Iconic names like Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo, and Bastian Schweinsteiger brought their European pedigree to MLS, adding a touch of class to the heart of the field.
However, beyond these global superstars, some players have made the MLS a significant part of their careers, establishing themselves as some of the best midfielders in league history. These are the players who lived and breathed MLS football, and with that in mind, here are the 10 greatest midfielders to ever play in Major League Soccer. Midfield Players in Football History, Rank Ordered
MLS Career: 2001-2014
Arguably the most outstanding midfielder to ever play in MLS, Dwayne De Rosario was a versatile attacking force, equally comfortable in the No. 10 role or leading the line. A true journeyman, the Canadian international found success wherever he went, amassing 104 goals across his 13-year MLS career—a goals-per-season ratio matched by only a few, like Landon Donovan.
De Rosario’s accolades speak for themselves:
His blistering pace and proficiency in scoring and assisting made him a nightmare for defenders, and his legacy as the best MLS midfielder is cemented in league history.
Career Stats
Appearances: 342
Goals: 104
Assists: 56
MLS Cups: 4
MLS Career: 1996-2003
Marco Etcheverry was a creative genius in the heart of D.C. United’s dynasty and one of the league’s most prolific playmakers. The 1998 MLS MVP and a three-time consecutive MLS Cup winner, Etcheverry was the engine behind United’s early dominance. His silky footwork and explosive creativity made him one of the most feared players in the league.
Etcheverry’s individual accolades are equally impressive:
With 135 total goal contributions (34 goals, 69 assists) and three MLS Cups, Etcheverry’s legacy as one of the greatest to ever grace the league is undeniable.
Career Stats
Appearances: 191
Goals: 34
Assists: 69
MLS Cups: 3
MLS Career: 1995-2002
Carlos Valderrama made an indelible mark on MLS with his unmistakable hair and creative flair. Already a global icon with over 100 caps for Colombia, “El Pibe” brought his exceptional playmaking abilities to the U.S. Valderrama still holds the MLS record for most assists in a single season with 26 in 2000—a feat deemed “unbreakable” by MLS in 2012 and the only 20+ assist season in league history.
A two-time MLS All-Star and Best XI selection, Valderrama dazzled with his vision and creativity, making him a revered figure in the league despite never winning an MLS Cup. His legacy as a midfield maestro remains intact.
Career Stats
Appearances: 175
Goals: 16
Assists: 69
MLS Cups: 0
MLS Career: 2013-2023
The face of the Portland Timbers and one of the league’s true superstars, Diego Valeri, redefined what it meant to be an elite MLS midfielder. His debut season in 2013 earned him Newcomer of the Year honors with 13 goals, and he only got better there. Valeri was named league MVP in 2017, and over his 10-year stint in MLS, he earned four All-Star nods and three Best XI selections.
With 86 goals and 67 assists, Valeri is Portland’s all-time most outstanding player, leading them to an MLS Cup in 2015. His combination of creativity, consistency, and leadership made him a legend in Portland and one of the greatest midfielders in league history.
Career Stats
Appearances: 259
Goals: 86
Assists: 67
MLS Cups: 1
MLS Career: 2007-2012
David Beckham, a name that transcends football, arguably made the most significant impact as a high-profile signing in MLS history. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and England icon brought global attention to the league when he joined LA Galaxy in 2007, and his exceptional playmaking and set-piece prowess quickly became a staple in MLS.
During his time with the Galaxy, Beckham won two MLS Cups, three Western Conference titles, and two Supporters’ Shields, solidifying his reputation not only as a marquee player but also as one who delivered on the field. Beyond his playing career, Beckham’s legacy continues as the owner of Inter Miami, where stars like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets now play, thanks to the groundwork Beckham laid. His arrival was groundbreaking and paved the way for other footballing legends to follow.
Career Stats
Appearances: 98
Goals: 18
Assists: 32
MLS Cups: 2
MLS Career: 1996-2007
Cobi Jones, an LA Galaxy icon, dazzled with his speed, trickery, and relentless energy over an 11-year career. Renowned for his dribbling and creativity, Jones was instrumental in shaping the Galaxy’s success. His standout 1998 season saw him score 19 goals and register 13 assists, earning him U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year and a spot in the MLS Best XI.
Jones’s longevity and contributions to the Galaxy’s two MLS Cup triumphs and numerous playoff runs make him one of the greatest midfielders in league history, solidifying his legacy as one of MLS’s finest homegrown talents.
Career Stats
Appearances: 306
Goals: 70
Assists: 64
MLS Cups: 2
MLS Career: 2000-2020
Kyle Beckerman embodies grit and determination in MLS with his fierce tackles and unmistakable hairstyle. The Real Salt Lake and USMNT midfielder was known for his tireless work ethic, positional awareness, and leadership on the pitch. Over his 20-year career, Beckerman set the record for the most MLS appearances with 498, a testament to his longevity and consistency.
Beckerman led Real Salt Lake to their first MLS Cup in 2009 and was instrumental in their success in both the Eastern and Western Conferences during his tenure. His toughness and tenacity make him a stalwart of MLS history.
Career Stats
Appearances: 498
Goals: 41
Assists: 34
MLS Cups: 1
MLS Career: 1996-2005
Predrag Radosavljević, better known as Preki, was a midfield maestro who brought class and creativity to MLS. A dual MLS MVP and two-time Golden Boot winner, Preki’s ability to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and an attacking force made him one of the league’s most versatile players.
Born in Yugoslavia, Preki became a U.S. citizen in 1996 and represented the USMNT 28 times. He spent most of his career in MLS with Kansas City, scoring 79 goals across 242 appearances. His technical brilliance and eye for Goal made him one of the finest midfielders the league has ever seen.
Career Stats
Appearances: 242
Goals: 79
Assists: 75
MLS Cups: 1
MLS Career: 2004-2005 & 2014-2023
Michael Bradley is a leader on and off the pitch, one of MLS’s most consistent and influential midfielders. After stints in Europe with Borussia Mönchengladbach and Aston Villa, Bradley returned to MLS to captain Toronto FC, leading them to six trophies, including an MLS Cup 2017.
Known for his tactical intelligence, work rate, and Capacity to set the pace of a game, Bradley played a pivotal role in allowing attacking stars like Sebastian Giovinco and Victor Vázquez to flourish. While his silverware haul could have been even more significant, Bradley’s leadership and consistency have earned him a place among the league’s most important central midfielders.
Career Stats
Appearances: 285
Goals: 17
Assists: 21
MLS Cups: 1
MLS Career: 2009-Present
Osvaldo Alonso, aptly nicknamed “The Honey Badger,” has been one of MLS history’s most dominant and hard-hitting midfielders. Over a decade with the Seattle Sounders, Alonso earned a reputation for his tenacity, relentless work ethic, and fearless tackling. His aggressive playing style, superb ball distribution, and forward-thinking mindset made him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the field.
Alonso was more than just a midfield enforcer—he had the technical skills and vision to orchestrate attacks, contributing to his team’s dynamic play. Between 2014 and 2016, he consistently covered more ground than any other midfielder in the league, embodying the essence of a tireless worker controlling the game’s tempo. Opponents knew that with Alonso on the pitch, nothing would come easy.
His leadership and influence helped the Sounders secure their first-ever MLS Cup in 2016, further solidifying his standing as one of the greatest players in league history. Alonso is a player who could be Alonso’s. His blend of grit, intelligence, and skill makes him a worthy inclusion on any list of MLS legends.
Career Stats
Appearances: 347
Goals: 13
Assists: 11
MLS Cups: 1
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Katarzyna Nowak is a seasoned writer with over five years of experience in editorial content, news reporting, and football sportsbook app reviews. As an author for Football News Today, she combines her deep understanding of the sports betting industry with a passion for football, delivering insightful and accurate content that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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