Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic…we could keep going, but this might turn into one long article listing and talking about some of the most successful football players that have made the journey to the US Major Soccer League (MLS). They’re the types of players you’re always putting your money on for the best soccer odds on 10bet Canada.
Did these players move for the love of the game, the paycheck, or the lifestyle? You should ask them or the players making the journey the opposite way to Saudi Arabia.
There’s no question that the MLS doesn’t have and has had incredible talent, but is it a good place for young players looking to establish a career? Read on to find out.
A New Wave of Talent
Over the years, MLS has been more of a league for youngsters learning the game or aging European veterans looking to ride off into the Miami sunset. Then came a whole new breed of players: stars in the middle of the aging portion of their careers – the ones you’d always bet on soccer odds on 10bet to score, the ones you’d fan girl over. According to them, they move for another chance to succeed.
Riqui Puig, for example, spent time in Barcelona’s La Masia academy and was once considered one of the brightest talents to come from there, yet at Camp Nou, he has failed to make an impact. Now thriving with the LA Galaxy at only 24, Puig scored seven goals and added four assists last season.
Making history as the youngest player to start in an @MLS Cup, @AidanZMorris of the @ColumbusCrew is part of the new wave of MLS Academy talent electrifying the league ⚡️
MLS Academy Spotlight presented by @Audi #GoalsDriveProgress pic.twitter.com/rLrtARheBL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 21, 2021
Equally, Ryan Gauld’s buzz was underwhelming at Sporting CP, but he is now starring for the Vancouver Whitecaps.
These examples illustrate a trend: MLS is more than just a league for the young or the old. It’s for the stars.
Infrastructure and Development
What goes in MLS’s favor is the improvement of its stadiums and infrastructure.
According to new DC United general manager Lucy Rushton, MLS teams now have “beautiful stadiums and training grounds” with fully staffed support systems. These advancements create an ideal atmosphere for improving as a player—they mimic European-style club-level facilities.
The league has also widened its scouting and recruitment networks, especially in South America. MLS teams have been reaping the rewards of acquiring young talents like Thiago Almada, Facundo Torres, and Alan Velasco in a culture that promotes growth.
Monetary Rewards and Exposure

The MLS Designated Player (DP) rule has allowed clubs to offer huge contracts outside the salary cap to attract young talent in competitive financial offers. David Beckham started this many moons ago when he joined the MLS.
This ensures MLS remains an appealing destination for young talent and, more importantly, that they are adequately paid. MLS is a highly visible proposition as one of the few North American Soccer Leagues broadcast in Europe and attracts viewers from around the world. It’s more of a scouting opportunity, but we’d still say it’s rare for a player to go to Europe from the MLS.
For example, Thiago Almada became the MLS player to win the World Cup with Argentina. Still, that was the World Cup, nothing to do with Europe, but he was still in front of the eyes of all of Europe.
It’s Competitive
Clubs are paying more attention to bringing on board ready-made players regardless of background or age. Carles Gil of the New England Revolution and Hany Mukhtar from Nashville, SC, have become key figures in demonstrating this trend.
Columbus Crew director of player scouting and recruitment Neil McGuinness said MLS has since evolved into a league that relies on competitiveness and quality. For young players looking to prove themselves and get experience, it’s the perfect incubator. Its parity ensures that every match is a lesson which rewards experience and exposure to the various play styles.
Long-Term Career Prospects
MLS – by offering such a secure base for young players to find their feet (a significant one, of course) – throws up obstacles. Young players need to bring their A-game to earn play time – even Messi has barely played, considering the time he’s been in the MLS. On the flip side, it forces players to become resilient and adaptable.
MLS is becoming more integrated into global soccer markets. MLS is known for having great talents, and many of its players have ended up with top European clubs, such as Ricardo Pepi, who went to Eredivisie club PSV, or Daryl Dike’s move to West Bromwich Albion.
MLS has become a place where young, talented players have an opportunity to succeed. Yes, it’s not as big as the Premier League or European Leagues, but there’s no denying it is a place for young players looking to establish careers.