Ranking the Highest-Paid MLS Players in 2025: From Rising Stars to Global Icons

October 8, 2025 Oliver Obel

Major League Soccer’s 2025 payroll paints a picture of a league transformed. Global icons like Lionel Messi and Heung-min Son share the stage with exciting new arrivals and homegrown American stars. From promising prospects to living legends, these are the 42 players earning the biggest paychecks in MLS this year.

42. Rafael Navarro – Colorado Rapids (€24,900 per week / €1.29 M per year)

The Brazilian striker has proven to be a reliable presence up front for Colorado. With his smart positioning and tireless work rate, Navarro is becoming one of the key figures in the team’s attacking structure. His steady performances justify his place among MLS’s best-paid emerging forwards.

41. Osman Bukari – Charlotte FC (€26,800 per week / €1.40 M per year)

Bukari’s explosive speed and sharp dribbling make him a nightmare for defenders. The Ghanaian winger’s energy and direct play have been pivotal for Charlotte FC’s attacking rhythm. His salary reflects both his international pedigree and his importance to the team’s tactical setup.

40. Luis Suárez – Inter Miami (€26,800 per week / €1.40 M per year)

The Uruguayan legend continues to defy age with his poacher’s instincts and footballing intelligence. Even in his late thirties, Suárez remains lethal inside the box and a natural leader on the pitch. His experience and chemistry with Lionel Messi make his $1.5 million salary a bargain for Miami.

39. Roman Bürki – St. Louis City (€28,200 per week / €1.46 M per year)

Burki — Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com

Bürki brings European class to the MLS goalkeeping ranks after years at Borussia Dortmund. His composure, communication, and command of the box have made him a cornerstone of St. Louis City’s defense. The Swiss stopper earns $1.57 million annually for his consistent excellence.

38. Diogo Gonçalves – FC Dallas (€29,500 per week / €1.53 M per year)

Gonçalves has brought Portuguese flair and creativity to FC Dallas’s left wing. His technical ability and crossing range have improved the team’s attacking balance. At $1.65 million annually, he represents strong value for a consistent European performer.

37. Thiago Martins – NYCFC (€30,400 per week / €1.58 M per year)

The Brazilian center-back remains one of the steadiest defenders in the league. Known for his aerial dominance and composure in possession, Martins provides stability to NYCFC’s backline. His $1.7 million deal highlights the club’s investment in defensive leadership.

36. Marcel Hartel – St. Louis City (€32,100 per week / €1.67 M per year)

The German midfielder arrived from St. Pauli and quickly adapted to MLS football. Hartel’s work rate and eye for key passes make him an essential part of St. Louis’s midfield. His $1.8 million annual salary is deserved for a player who contributes on both ends of the pitch.

35. Cristian Espinoza – San Jose Earthquakes (€32,500 per week / €1.69 M per year)

Espinoza’s creativity remains the heartbeat of San Jose’s offense. The Argentine winger consistently delivers assists and game-changing moments for his side. Earning $1.82 million a year, he continues to be one of the most productive wide men in MLS.

34. Giacomo Vrioni – New England Revolution (€35,800 per week / €1.86 M per year)

Vrioni’s physical presence and finishing ability have made him a reliable target man for New England. The Albanian forward is an aerial threat and a capable link-up player. His $2 million salary mirrors his role as a consistent goal source in the league.

33. Mikael Uhre – Philadelphia Union (€35,800 per week / €1.86 M per year)

The Danish striker has established himself as a key piece in Philadelphia’s attack. Known for his sharp movement and clinical finishing, Uhre offers European experience and poise. His $2 million yearly income keeps him among the MLS elite forwards.

32. Cristian Arango – Real Salt Lake (€35,800 per week / €1.86 M per year)

Arango’s instinctive finishing and leadership make him indispensable for Salt Lake. The Colombian’s consistency in front of goal continues to impress. His €1.86 million salary is a reward for pure productivity.

31. Manu García – LA Galaxy (€37,600 per week / €1.95 M per year)

The Spanish playmaker’s technique and vision shine through in every match. García’s ability to unlock defenses adds another layer to LA’s creativity. His €1.95 million salary marks him as a shrewd acquisition.

30. Petar Musa – FC Dallas (€40,200 per week / €2.09 M per year)

Musa’s physicality and control have quickly made him Dallas’s offensive anchor. The Croatian striker combines European class with MLS intensity. His €2.09 million deal reflects high expectations met.

29. Jordan Morris – Seattle Sounders (€40,200 per week / €2.09 M per year)

Morris remains a symbol of consistency and loyalty in Seattle. His direct play and strength make him a constant menace on the flank. The American’s €2.09 million salary rewards years of service and success.

28. Albert Rusnák – Seattle Sounders (€46,000 per week / €2.40 M per year)

Rusnák’s passing precision makes him Seattle’s creative hub. The Slovakian’s calmness under pressure drives the team’s rhythm. His €2.4 million salary underlines his influence.

27. Ezequiel Ponce – Inter Miami (€46,300 per week / €2.41 M per year)

The Argentine striker’s composure in front of goal complements Messi and Suárez perfectly. Ponce’s understanding of space makes him a clever tactical fit. His €2.41 million salary is a reflection of Miami’s attacking depth.

26. Wilfried Zaha – Charlotte FC (€47,700 per week / €2.48 M per year)

Zaha’s flair and confidence have brought Premier League quality to MLS. The Ivorian winger remains a match-winner capable of producing moments of magic. His €2.48 million pay matches his pedigree.

25. Luis Muriel – Orlando City (€44,700 per week / €2.33 M per year)

Muriel’s technical mastery continues to shine in Orlando. The Colombian forward’s unpredictable style keeps defenders guessing. His €2.33 million salary rewards both creativity and experience.

24. Jonathan Rodríguez – Portland Timbers (€49,600 per week / €2.59 M per year)

Rodríguez’s finishing ability and consistency make him one of MLS’s best strikers. The Uruguayan’s leadership in attack is vital for Portland. His €2.59 million salary reflects that reliability.

23. Diego Rossi – Columbus Crew (€48,700 per week / €2.54 M per year)

Rossi’s energy and flair make him one of the league’s most exciting wingers. The Uruguayan delivers goals and assists in equal measure. His €2.54 million earnings are well deserved.

22. Hugo Cuypers – New England Revolution (€57,900 per week / €3.01 M per year)

The Belgian striker’s aerial ability and finishing have made him an instant hit. Cuypers’ movement and work rate fit perfectly in New England’s setup. His €3.01 million contract marks him among MLS’s top new arrivals.

21. Brandon Vázquez – FC Cincinnati (€57,200 per week / €2.98 M per year)

Brandon_Vazquez — By Hayden Schiff – https://www.flickr.com/photos/oxguy3/52916027213/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=132215385

Vázquez continues to impress as MLS’s leading American striker. His strength, finishing, and leadership make him invaluable to Cincinnati. The €2.98 million salary highlights his rise to stardom.

20. Kévin Denkey – St. Louis City (€68,000 per week / €3.53 M per year)

Denkey’s explosive pace and strength have terrorized defenders all season. The Togolese forward’s composure in front of goal has been exceptional. His €3.53 million deal underlines St. Louis’s bold ambitions.

19. Dejan Joveljić – LA Galaxy (€53,700 per week / €2.79 M per year)

Joveljić’s finishing instincts make him one of the Galaxy’s most reliable scorers. The Serbian striker’s positioning and timing set him apart. His €2.79 million salary is richly earned.

18. Denis Bouanga – LAFC (€54,000 per week / €2.81 M per year)

Bouanga’s speed and direct play make him a nightmare for defenders. The Gabonese winger’s goal output has been crucial for LAFC. His €2.81 million contract keeps him among the league’s elite.

17. Joseph Paintsil – LA Galaxy (€56,100 per week / €2.92 M per year)

Paintsil’s dynamism and flair have reinvigorated LA’s attack. The Ghanaian winger’s creativity and work ethic keep defenders on edge. His €2.92 million pay underscores his importance.

16. Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting – NY Red Bulls (€57,200 per week / €2.98 M per year)

Choupo-Moting’s experience and calmness have brought balance to the Red Bulls. The Cameroonian’s versatility and intelligence have been vital. His €2.98 million deal recognizes his global pedigree.

15. Walker Zimmerman – Nashville SC (€57,200 per week / €2.98 M per year)

Zimmerman remains MLS’s premier defender. His aerial dominance and leadership continue to define Nashville’s defensive strength. The €2.98 million salary cements his reputation as the league’s top center-back.

14. Emmanuel Latte Lath – Charlotte FC (€63,200 per week / €3.29 M per year)

Latte Lath’s blend of energy and precision makes him one of MLS’s best young forwards. The Ivorian’s relentless style keeps Charlotte competitive. His €3.29 million salary reflects his rising profile.

13. Ryan Gauld – Vancouver Whitecaps (€62,600 per week / €3.25 M per year)

The Scottish midfielder orchestrates everything in Vancouver’s attack. Gauld’s vision, composure, and set-piece quality make him indispensable. His €3.25 million deal ranks him among MLS’s best playmakers.

12. Aleksey Miranchuk – Atlanta United (€64,400 per week / €3.35 M per year)

Miranchuk’s creativity and control have transformed Atlanta’s offense. The Russian playmaker’s touch and timing stand out every match. His €3.35 million contract reflects his elite skill.

11. Hany Mukhtar – Nashville SC (€69,800 per week / €3.63 M per year)

Mukhtar remains one of the league’s most complete attacking players. The German’s blend of creativity and scoring has powered Nashville for years. His €3.63 million pay reflects MVP-level consistency.

10. Carles Gil – New England Revolution (€76,000 per week / €3.95 M per year)

Gil’s elegance and tactical intelligence define New England’s attack. The Spaniard continues to dictate tempo and create scoring chances. His €3.95 million salary confirms his DP status.

9. Christian Benteke – D.C. United (€80,500 per week / €4.19 M per year)

Benteke’s physicality and finishing have brought him back to top form. The Belgian striker’s experience has lifted D.C. United’s standards. His €4.19 million salary acknowledges his comeback.

8. Jonathan Bamba – CF Montréal (€89,400 per week / €4.65 M per year)

Bamba’s pace and skill have revitalized Montréal’s wing play. The Ivorian’s direct approach keeps opponents constantly on alert. His €4.65 million wage fits his game-changing ability.

7. Riqui Puig – LA Galaxy (€91,600 per week / €4.77 M per year)

Puig’s control, creativity, and flair make him one of MLS’s brightest stars. The Spaniard dictates the rhythm of every Galaxy match. His €4.77 million salary mirrors European excellence.

6. Emil Forsberg – NY Red Bulls (€96,700 per week / €5.03 M per year)

Forsberg’s vision and playmaking have elevated the Red Bulls’ attack. The Swedish veteran’s intelligence and experience shine in every performance. His €5.03 million contract underlines his enduring class.

5. Jordi Alba – Inter Miami (€107,300 per week / €5.58 M per year)

Alba continues to perform at an elite level both offensively and defensively. His chemistry with Messi remains telepathic. The veteran’s €5.58 million pay rewards world-class consistency.

4. Miguel Almirón – Atlanta United (€108,300 per week / €5.63 M per year)

Miguel Almiron — ph.FAB / Shutterstock.com

Almirón’s return has reignited Atlanta’s dynamic attack. The Paraguayan’s pace, flair, and tireless running make him indispensable. His €5.63 million salary highlights his star status.

3. Sergio Busquets – Inter Miami (€152,000 per week / €7.90 M per year)

Busquets continues to dictate games with intelligence and poise. His understanding of space and tempo remains unmatched. The €7.9 million deal honors a true football master.

2. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami (€214,600 per week / €11.16 M per year)

Messi’s presence has reshaped the global perception of MLS. His brilliance on the pitch continues to inspire both teammates and fans. At €11.16 million a year, he remains the league’s biggest attraction.

1. Heung-min Son – LAFC (€232,500 per week / €12.09 M per year)

Son’s arrival has elevated MLS to a new commercial and competitive tier. The South Korean superstar’s humility and professionalism match his world-class ability. His record €12.09 million contract makes him the highest-paid player in league history.