Since its small beginnings in the early 1990s, MLS has grown into a footballing phenomenon. While still in its infancy, the brand has still managed to develop homegrown superstars and cultivate a passionate and ever-growing fanbase. As a result some of the best and brightest come to test their mettle on American shores. From European legends to World Cup winners, some true icons of the game have spent their twilight years in North America. The star power has legitimized the competition and the appeal of the sport as a whole has never been greater than it is today.
There is no better proof of this than Inter Miami’s newest acquisition, global megastar Lionel Messi. Now a World Cup winner, the Barcelona legend was able to secure a handsome wage packet for his services in a deal that would certainly have more world-class talent considering their options in the next few seasons. The 36-year-old Argentinian is the greatest player to ever grace the game and his decision to sign on with an MLS franchise shows just how far the league has come in its 30-year history. While Messi is by far the biggest name to make the move across the Atlantic, he was by no means the first. This is our run through of the most significant signings in the history of Major League Soccer
David Beckham
The former England international is the man that changed everything for the MLS. The global superstar’s move to LA Galaxy in 2007 changed the face of American soccer forever. His five years on the west coast were instrumental in shaping the league and how transfers are done still today. Without Beckham there is no Designated Player rule and without that regulation the majority of stars that have graced the MLS since would have remained on the European continent. In his spell at the Galaxy Beckham won two MLS Cups and two Supporter’s Shields and the club enjoyed the added-bonus of maintaining their reputation as the ‘Hollywood’ destination for footballers coming to the United States. His impact is still felt today with his ownership of Inter Miami, a franchise that has arguably conducted the most important piece of business since their owner’s arrival 16 years ago. Those wanting to bet on Beckham and Messi’s Inter Miami to win MLS this year can get free bets when they do. Beckham is a true pioneer of the MLS.
Thierry Henry
As one of the greatest players in Premier League history, Henry obviously raised the profile of MLS upon his arrival in New York. His four years with the Red Bulls are fondly remembered after living up to his hype as the star attraction at one of MLS’ newest franchises. The most significant aspect of his spell in the United States though is that he showed there’s more to the MLS than the glitz and the glamour of California’s premier franchise. The Frenchman’s decision to opt for the Empire State demonstrated to the world that the league was much more than a one trick pony. While in New York he maintained the standards he set for his career across some of Europe’s giants and brought his unique brand of style and charisma stateside. Not only did he bring a new level of professionalism to the MLS but he brought his goal scoring ability too, clocking 52 goals over the course of his MLS career.
Wayne Rooney
After spending 16 seasons on top in the Premier League, the greatest ever goalscorer of the world’s most famous club decided to make a move to the MLS. His best years were behind him at Manchester United but at 32 years old he still had plenty of life left in his legs and showed that to the world during his tenure at D.C. United. The England icon relished his new role as a mentor stateside, so much so it likely prompted an acceleration into managerial roles only a few years after his playing career was done. He was only around for a short stint but made the most of it with 25 goals from his 52 appearances. His status alone as one of the Premier League’s best ever earns him a place on this list but he certainly had plenty of famous moments that would make for a stellar MLS highlight reel.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The self-proclaimed ‘lion’ only needed two seasons to leave an ever-lasting mark on the MLS as he brought his unique aura and unrivaled confidence to Los Angeles. He made an immediate impact with an incredible debut in the inaugural El Trafico derby, the platform from which he built an impressive MLS career for himself. With 53 goals in 58 appearances the ‘lion’ proved he was still amongst the best players in the world even at the age of 36-years-old. He was the epitome of the Hollywood lifestyle while at the Galaxy created as many headlines as he did memories. His sign off summed it up best; “You’re welcome.” His iconic status is assured amongst the LA faithful.
The NYCFC trio
Granted this is no single transfer, but the importance of these three global superstars all arriving stateside in the same timespan cannot be understated. Frank Lampard, Andre Pirlo and David Villa were three of the biggest names Europe had to offer at the time. Their arrival at the new MLS franchise added some much-needed legitimacy to the league and gave credence to suspicions that MLS was becoming a favourable arena to test players’ mettle. Lampard and Pirlo never really settled in New York with injuries and age playing a factor but Villa was a revelation. The Spaniard scored 80 goals in over 120 games for NYCFC, earning him a recall to the national side in 2017, three years after his last international appearance. His performances, and more significantly his national side selection, proved that the standard was high and worthy of acclaim.
Gareth Bale
The Welshman was not in favour towards the end of his spell at Real Madrid despite being part of a side to secure three LaLiga title and an incredible five Champions League trophies. He was looking for a move and had plenty of Europe’s elite destinations vying for his signature, but instead he opted for MLS, at the time the most definitive statement MLS has to be taken seriously. He had plenty left in the tank and had a Welsh World Cup campaign to think about but instead of heading for the safe option, went to LAFC and helped secure the franchise’s first ever MLS Cup courtesy of a last-gasp equalizer against Philadelphia. His spell was short-lived and his game time limited, but that moment alone justified the move and will live forever in MLS folklore.
