While many of us regular folk consider the USA the ‘land of opportunity’, it’s fair to say that’s been the case for soccer players too. In fact, long before the MLS even existed the likes of Johan Cruyff, Bobby Moore and George Best made their way from Europe to play in America’s top flight.
That’s been the case since the birth of Major League Soccer too, kick-started by the David Beckham revolution back in 2007. But who are the best MLS stars to have made their way from Europe to touchdown in the States?
Kate Richardson, European football expert, weighs in on the matter…
The Top 10 European Players Who Moved to the MLS from Europe
1. Lionel Messi
- European clubs: Barcelona, PSG
- MLS clubs: Inter Miami
There’s perhaps only one place to start, and that’s with current Inter Miami player and one of the GOATs, Lionel Messi. Even at 37-years-old he’s always one of the hotly tipped players to score in Major League Soccer game previews, and that doesn’t seem like it’ll end anytime soon.
In fact, such has been the impact of Messi, he’s not only helped them to Leagues Cup and Supporters’ Shield success, they’re also hotly tipped with the sportsbooks this year to win the MLS Cup alongside Messi as top scorer, just ahead of teammate Luis Suarez.
2. David Beckham
- European clubs: Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, PSG
- MLS clubs: LA Galaxy, Inter Miami (owner)
Tim Leiweke, who was CEO of AEG (owner of six MLS teams) at the time of David Beckham’s arrival in the MLS has said in more recent years, “There was no one else on the face of the Earth that could have done what David Beckham did for Major League Soccer.”
It’s hard to argue. A global icon, he transformed the profile of MLS soccer when signing for LA Galaxy, with the league even creating the Designated Player Rule just for him. That paved the way for many more global stars to arrive over the following decade and a half.
3. Wayne Rooney
- European clubs: Everton, Manchester United, Derby County
- MLS clubs: D.C. United (player and manager)
Former teammate of Becks, Wayne Rooney made the trip over to Washington DC back in 2018, making 52 appearances and scoring 25 goals for the Black-and-Red Eagles.
Rooney had a distinguished career in European soccer, winning five league titles with Manchester United, one FA Cup, three League Cups and the UEFA Champions League, becoming United’s all-time leading scorer in the process.
4. Lorenzo Insigne
- European clubs: Napoli
- MLS clubs: Toronto FC
Currently playing for Toronto FC, the 33-year-old winger is a Napoli legend, coming through the ranks and making 434 appearances for his boyhood club. Joining the MLS in 2022, he’s gaining a similar reputation in Ontario where he’s now coming to the end of a $15million four-year contract.
5. Frank Lampard
- European clubs: West Ham United, Chelsea, Manchester City
- MLS clubs: New York City
Frank Lampard was actually named one of the “worst signings in MLS history”, having played just 31 games across two seasons for New York City. It never quite worked for the England legend, who was plagued by injuries, spent time doing TV work and joined sister club Manchester City for a period too.
However, his icon status in soccer cannot be understated and he will go down as one of the best players to put on an MLS jersey, even if it did finish with a 7-0 playoff defeat.
6. David Villa
- European clubs: Sporting Gijon, Real Zaragoza, Valencia, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid
- MLS clubs: New York City
Another who joined NYC FC with such promise, although this time did deliver, making 126 appearances for the club and bagging 80 goals in the process. He was named the club’s MVP three times, as well as making the MLS’ Best XI twice.
The Guardian journalist, Matt Pentz, said of Villa’s time at NYC FC, “MLS is a better place for his efforts, and when all is said and done, Villa will hold an exalted place in its all-time hierarchy.”
7. Thierry Henry
- European clubs: Monaco, Juventus, Arsenal, Barcelona
- MLS clubs: New York Red Bulls
One of the true great MLS players, Thierry Henry is a four-time MLS All Star and secured the league’s Best Player award back in 2013. He netted 52 goals over his five season stint for New York Red Bulls, and that’s all following an illustrious career in Europe.
For both Arsenal and Barcelona the Frenchman lifted 14 trophies, adding the Supporters’ Shield to his collection in his penultimate season with the Red Bulls.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- European clubs: Malmo, Ajax, Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG, Manchester United
- MLS clubs: LA Galaxy
There are few players with a reputation quite like Zlatan. Joining the Galaxy in 2018, announcing his arrival in the LA Times with a full-page advert that simply said, “Dear Los Angeles, you’re welcome.”
Fans of the club certainly were, with the Swede scoring 53 in 58 games, as well as a host of individual awards. Sadly, he couldn’t help secure a trophy for the club before he moved on to AC Milan, where he’d inspire the Italian giants to another Serie A title at the ripe old age of 40-years-old.
9. Steven Gerrard
- European clubs: Liverpool
- MLS clubs: LA Galaxy
Gerrard’s move to the MLS was perhaps a reluctant one. Phased out of the Liverpool side by manager Brendan Rogers, the Reds icon signed a Designated Player contract with LA Galaxy, linking up with former teammate Robbie Keane.
He played just two seasons in the MLS, retiring at the end of the 2016 season, citing the long travel time to away fixtures, as well as diversity of altitude and weather a factor.
10. Carlos Valderrama
- European clubs: Montpellier, Real Valladolid
- MLS clubs: Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion, Colorado Rapids
One of the true greats of Colombian soccer, Carlos Valderrama spent nine seasons in the MLS, joining Tampa Bay Mutiny from the league’s inception. He won the Supporters’ Shield in that very first year in 1996, as well as enjoying MLS All-Star status five-times.
He also became the first player to secure over 20 assists in a season, back in 2000 while at the Mutiny, a record that has yet to be broken. A real icon of the MLS and perhaps saving the best until last!