The 15 Best MLS Players Right Now – Ranked

June 8, 2025 Oliver Obel

Major League Soccer has never boasted as much top-tier talent as it does today. From iconic legends to rising stars, the league is brimming with players who continue to raise the bar. Based on recent form, stats, and FC25 ratings, here are the 15 best players currently lighting up the MLS.

15. Aleksey Miranchuk (Atlanta United)

Aleksei_Miranchuk — By Bryan Berlin – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=166558017

The Russian midfielder joined Atlanta midseason from Atalanta and quickly showed his class. With 3 goals in 9 appearances, including a stunning curling strike vs Inter Miami, he’s become an instant impact player.

14. Kévin Denkey (FC Cincinnati)

Kevin Denkey — By Supporterhéninois – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76373311

MLS’s record signing arrives with a big reputation, having netted 27 goals in Belgium last season. The Togolese striker is expected to form a fearsome duo with Luciano Acosta.

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13. Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)

Luna exploded in 2024 with 8 goals and 12 assists, helping RSL reach 59 points. The 21-year-old was named MLS Young Player of the Year and debuted for the USMNT.

12. Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC)

“Chucky” Lozano brings star power to San Diego in their debut MLS season. A proven talent in Europe, he’s known for his pace, unpredictability, and goal-scoring flair.

11. Yeimar Gómez (Seattle Sounders)

Yeimar anchored the league’s best defense last season with 57 interceptions and 13 clean sheets. The Colombian center back is a defensive rock and five-time club Defender of the Year.

10. Carles Gil (New England Revolution)

The Spaniard remains one of the most elegant midfielders in MLS. With his left-foot magic, vision, and creativity, he can change any match in an instant.

9. Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)

Alba hasn’t missed a beat since coming from Barcelona, racking up 5 goals and 15 assists in 2024. His overlaps and link-up play are still elite, making him vital for Miami.

8. Denis Bouanga (LAFC)

Bouanga has scored 69 goals and 31 assists in just over 100 games for LAFC. The Gabonese forward blends power and pace, and is nearly impossible to contain on his day.

7. Luciano Acosta (FC Cincinnati)

Last season’s MLS MVP was in sublime form with 15 goals and a league-best 19 assists. A creator and finisher, Acosta is the heartbeat of one of MLS’s top teams.

6. Evander (Portland Timbers)

The Brazilian was a revelation in 2024 with 15 goals and 18 assists. Known for his strength and technique, Evander is a complete midfielder with big ambitions.

5. Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew)

Cucho led Columbus with 19 goals and 14 assists last season, dominating in both the regular season and Leagues Cup. He’s as dangerous a striker as there is in the league.

4. Christian Benteke (D.C. United)

The big Belgian topped the MLS scoring charts with 23 goals in 30 games. His physical dominance and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders.

3. Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy)

Before injury cut his season short, Puig was the driving force behind LA Galaxy’s MLS Cup win. With 17 goals and 14 assists, his creativity was unmatched in midfield.

2. Luis Suárez (Inter Miami)

Despite injuries and age, Suárez scored 25 times in 2024. His instincts, link-up play, and world-class IQ continue to torment MLS defenses.

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)

Messi remains the league’s undisputed best player, dazzling with every touch. Whether scoring screamers or slicing through defenses, he brings global stardom and unmatched quality to MLS.