Major League Soccer has become more and more prominent over the last decade or two. It all began with David Beckham’s shocking switch from Real Madrid to Los Angeles Galaxy back in 2007, and plenty of players followed Golden Balls to the Land of the Free in the years that followed. Stars such as Thierry Henry, Kaka, David Villa and Steven Gerrard all plied their trade Stateside at one point or another, each doing their bit to further bolster the league’s standing on the global stage.
The growth of America’s number-one soccer league has prompted plenty of interest from a number of different media outlets. Television networks are falling over themselves to secure the broadcasting rights to the league, while online bookmakers have upped their offering. Popular sportsbooks now provide live betting odds on markets such as match winner, under/over, goalscorers and much more, and that is expected to increase further following even more marquee signings over the last year.
Toronto FC also turned plenty of heads when they brought Italian European Championship-winning duo Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernadeschi to BMO Field shortly after their triumph over England at Wembley with the Azzurri. But they pale in comparison to Inter Miami’s signing of the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi. In his first few months in Florida, the Argentinian magician netted 11 goals and provided a further five assists in his first 14 games in all competitions, and more Is expected when the new season gets underway early next year.
While we would never write Messi off, at the age of 37, it’s highly unlikely that he will ever top the all-time charts when it comes to goals scored. But in his honour, we have decided to take you through the four overseas stars with the most netbusters in MLS history.
Kei Kamara – 144 Goals
Kei Kamara of Sierra Leone is the most prolific foreign goal scorer in the history of the MLS. He scored a whopping 144 goals during his time in the league, making him the second-highest goal-scorer in MLS history overall. Kamara’s most productive year in the MLS was in 2015 when he scored 22 goals with Columbus Crew, helping his team to the MLS Cup final in the process.
Despite being 39 years of age, the former Norwich City loanee is still performing at the highest level with the Chicago Fire, netting five goals in 27 games last term. His impressive scoring record has seen him develop a reputation for elaborate goal celebrations, which often involved backflips, dance moves, and other acrobatics.
Jaime Moreno – 133 Goals
Next, we have Jaime Moreno, a forward from Bolivia who spent the bulk of his career with D.C. United, where he won four MLS Cups and was an integral part of the team’s success in the late 90s and early 2000s. He scored 133 goals in his MLS career, good enough for fifth place on the all-time goal-scoring list behind the likes of Chris Wondolowski, Landon Donovan, the aforementioned Kamara and Jeff Cunningham.
Fans loved Moreno’s fancy footwork and creative style on the field, and his impact on the game can still be felt today as he is still involved with D.C. United in both a coaching and ambassadorial capacity.
Bradley Wright-Phillips – 117 Goals
Our third foreign goal-scoring machine is Bradley Wright-Phillips, an English forward who played for the New York Red Bulls for several years before moving on to Columbus Crew. During his time in MLS, the former Manchester City youngster scored an impressive 117 goals, quickly cementing himself as a fan favourite and one of the league’s top stars.
Known for his speed, agility, and deadly finishing ability, Wright-Phillips was a force to be reckoned with on the field. He was instrumental to the success of the Red Bulls in the mid-2010s, twice winning the MLS Golden Boot in 2014 and 2016, as well as three Supporter’s Shield trophies.
Josef Martínez – 105 Goals
Fourth on our list is former Atlanta United star Josef Martínez. The Venezuelan striker netted 93 goals in 131 league appearances at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, helping the team to the MLS Cup in 2018 – a campaign in which he would secure the league’s MVP award off the back of 31 goals. Despite attracting plenty of attention from overseas, just like former teammate Miguel Almiron, Martinez opted to remain in the United States and made the move to Inter Miami at the start of last season.
He may well have thought that he would be the main man with Beckham’s franchise however seven goals was a disappointing return. Add to that the arrival of Messi, and he has certainly fallen down the pecking order somewhat at DRV PNK Stadium. but the current Argentina captain is no stranger to striking up partnerships with the planet’s best marksman, and if the pair can hit off anywhere close to the level that Messi did with Luis Suarez did at the Camp Nou, surely further goals will follow. That’s provided the Uruguayan star doesn’t take his place in the first team once next season gets underway.
