The 25 Highest-Paid Players in MLS – Ranked from Lowest to Highest
Major League Soccer continues to grow, attracting top talent from around the world with increasingly competitive salaries. While the league still operates under financial constraints compared to Europe’s biggest clubs, the presence of high-profile stars like Lionel Messi and Lorenzo Insigne has elevated its global appeal.
Despite the wide salary range among players, some earn wages comparable to top-tier European footballers. We have taken a closer look at the league’s highest-paid players and ranked them from lowest to highest based on their weekly and annual salaries.
23. Karol Świderski – £32,747 per week / £1,702,828 per year
The Polish forward, currently playing for Charlotte FC, has established himself as a key attacking option. Known for his versatility, Świderski can play as both a center forward and an attacking midfielder, contributing goals and assists for his team.
22. Liel Abada – £34,235 per week / £1,780,320 per year
The Israeli winger made a name for himself at Celtic before moving to MLS. His pace, dribbling ability, and knack for scoring make him a valuable asset, and his salary reflects his potential to be a game-changer in the league.
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21. Aleksey Miranchuk – £35,724 per week / £1,857,648 per year
The Russian playmaker brings European experience to MLS, having previously played in Serie A. Miranchuk’s technical ability and vision make him a creative force in midfield, and his salary puts him among the league’s top earners.
20. Sam Surridge – £37,212 per week / £1,934,975 per year
The English striker arrived in MLS with a reputation for scoring crucial goals. His aerial ability and finishing skills make him a reliable target man, and his wages indicate high expectations for his performance.
19. Ezequiel Ponce – £38,105 per week / £1,981,473 per year
The Argentine forward has played in various top leagues, including Russia and Greece, before coming to MLS. Ponce’s physicality and goal-scoring instincts make him a dangerous striker in any attacking setup.
18. Diego Rossi – £39,817 per week / £2,070,485 per year
A familiar face in MLS, Rossi has consistently delivered strong performances as a winger. His technical skills, combined with his ability to score and assist, have earned him a significant contract in the league.
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17. Olivier Giroud – £41,678 per week / £2,167,263 per year
The World Cup-winning French striker brings world-class experience to MLS. Known for his aerial dominance and hold-up play, Giroud remains a clinical finisher despite being in the latter stages of his career.
16. Luis Muriel – £42,166 per week / £2,192,637 per year
The Colombian forward is renowned for his speed and dribbling ability. Muriel’s experience in Serie A has made him a valuable addition to MLS, with his salary reflecting his goal-scoring capabilities.
15. Ryan Gauld – £42,868 per week / £2,229,137 per year
The Scottish playmaker has been a standout performer in MLS, often compared to elite European midfielders. His creativity, passing accuracy, and leadership make him a vital asset for his club.
14. Denis Bouanga – £43,464 per week / £2,260,118 per year
The Gabonese forward has been a consistent attacking threat in MLS. With a strong ability to create and score goals, Bouanga’s presence in the league has made him one of the top-paid players.
13. Luciano Acosta – £44,059 per week / £2,291,078 per year
Acosta has long been one of MLS’s most entertaining attacking midfielders. His dribbling, quick decision-making, and playmaking skills make him one of the highest earners in the league.
12. Federico Bernardeschi – £46,515 per week / £2,418,790 per year
The Italian winger, who previously played for Juventus, brings top-tier European experience to MLS. His skill set and tactical awareness make him a dangerous attacker on the field.
11. Joseph Paintsil – £46,679 per week / £2,427,305 per year
The Ghanaian winger is known for his pace and dribbling ability. His impressive performances in European leagues have earned him a big contract in MLS.
10. Teemu Pukki – £47,632 per week / £2,476,841 per year
The Finnish striker, famous for his goal-scoring exploits in England, has continued his impressive form in MLS. His intelligence and movement make him a valuable striker.
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9. Walker Zimmerman – £47,632 per week / £2,476,841 per year
One of the best defenders in MLS, Zimmerman is a key player for both his club and the U.S. national team. His leadership and defensive skills justify his high salary.
8. Hugo Cuypers – £48,197 per week / £2,506,254 per year
The Belgian forward is an emerging star in MLS. With his ability to score goals consistently, Cuypers has quickly become one of the league’s highest-paid players.
7. Hany Mukhtar – £56,562 per week / £2,941,249 per year
A former MLS MVP, Mukhtar is known for his creativity and goal-scoring ability. His influence on the pitch has made him one of the most valuable players in the league.
6. Riqui Puig – £59,539 per week / £3,096,052 per year
The Spanish midfielder, formerly of Barcelona, has thrived in MLS with his technical brilliance and vision. His salary reflects his potential to dominate the league.
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5. Carles Gil – £59,539 per week / £3,096,052 per year
One of the most skillful midfielders in MLS, Gil is a playmaker capable of unlocking defenses. His consistency and leadership make him one of the highest earners.
4. Christian Benteke – £63,261 per week / £3,289,555 per year
The former Premier League striker has brought his physicality and experience to MLS. Benteke remains a powerful presence in the attack, justifying his significant wages.
3. Emil Forsberg – £80,453 per week / £4,183,540 per year
The Swedish midfielder has enjoyed a successful career in Europe before moving to MLS. His vision, passing, and leadership make him a marquee signing for the league.
2. Lorenzo Insigne – £111,636 per week / £5,805,097 per year
A high-profile signing from Serie A, Insigne remains one of the league’s most talented attackers. His dribbling and finishing ability make him one of MLS’s most exciting players.
1. Lionel Messi – £178,618 per week / £9,288,155 per year
The Argentine superstar is, unsurprisingly, the highest-paid player in MLS history. Messi’s presence in the league has brought global attention to MLS, and his salary reflects his unmatched talent and marketability.
