Jonathan Dilan López
From 1996 to the present, various world class figures have paraded through MLS, but only some of them have had the ability to show a high level of demand reflected in goals, good performances, collective titles and individual distinctions. On this occasion we introduce you to elite stars who demonstrated that their stage in this CONCACAF league was not for retirement, but to devote themselves even more as figures. Here some European cracks in their passage through Major League Soccer.
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Stars of Europe in the MLS
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic
- Milan
- Forward
- Sweden
- News
- Statistics
Many doubted the arrival of Zlatan at LA Galaxy in 2018 and several bet that it would be the beginning of his retirement as a professional. However, the Swedish star was able to silence his critics and in two seasons with the Angels he showed a good level, leaving a figure of 53 goals and 15 assists. Today he is back in Europe defending the colors of AC Milan.
David Beckham
Beckham
- PSG
- Midfield player
- England
- News
- Statistics
What generated and caused the English star in the MLS was brutal. Thanks to him and his arrival at LA Galaxy, the league first established the franchise players, at the time it broke records in terms of selling shirts and football contributed with all its class and category to the Los Angeles franchise.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney
- DC United
- Forward
- England
- News
- Statistics
There were two seasons that Wayne Rooney remained in Major League Soccer carrying the shield of DC United. Because of their experience and quality, it was not hard for him to be the captain and leader of the team, he also led them to the playoffs and in individual terms their numbers in the league were 23 goals and 13 assists. He returned to his country this 2020 to play with the modest Derby County of the Championship.
Fredrik Ljungberg
He is considered one of the best players in the history of Sweden and remained for almost a decade with the Arsenal of England. Between 2009 and 2010 the midfielder played for the Seattle Sounders and Chicago Fire, demonstrating that he was in a good level to compete in the first division. He also won a US Open Cup with the Sounders in 2009.
David Villa
town
- New York City
- Forward
- Spain
- News
- Statistics
The "Guaje" was World Champion and EuroCup Champion with Spain. For four years he left the soul for the colors of New York City FC, and although he could not conquer the league title, his team was repeatedly in the playoffs, while individually he was able to score 80 goals in 125 games played between league and postseason.
Sebastian Giovinco
Giovinco
- Juventus
- Midfield player
- Italy
- Statistics
The Italian attacker arrived in Toronto FC in 2015 and there he stayed until 2019. During his four seasons he established himself as leader of the team based on goals, assists and good performances, which in turn led him to win a league title, two editions of the Canadian championship, two titles of Eastern Conference and one edition of the MLS Supporters' Shield. In addition, he played a Concacaf Champions League final.
Thierry henry
It is true that the French star came to MLS to play his last years as a professional, but it was five seasons where he marked a trend for his quality and not only lived by his name or his past. With New York, Red Bulls left a special mark, won two Eastern Conference titles and an edition of the MLS Supporters' Shield.
Tim cahill
Cahill
- Millwall
- Forward
- Australia
- News
- Statistics
The Australian attacker is considered one of the best players in the history of his country and his team. In the MLS he stayed from 2012 to 2014, wearing the colors of New York Red Bulls. With this franchise he won a title of the Eastern Conference and an MLS Supporters' Shield. Then he went through the league of China, Australia and India.
STARS OF AMERICA
Regarding figures of the American Continent, we reviewed those who also demonstrated game by game that not only leaned towards the economic issue, but also let their football speak for them on the court.
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Stars of America in the MLS
Pibe Valderrama
He was a pioneer of the Latino community in MLS and opened the way for later generations. In addition, he became the first Colombian to play in this league and played with Tampa Bay Mutiny, Miami Fusion and Colorado Rapids. Among other things, Valderrama holds the record as the player with the most assists (26) in a single MLS season, when he achieved it in the year 2000.
Michael Bradley
Bradley
- Toronto FC
- Midfield player
- U.S
- Statistics
Although American by birth, Bradley did almost his entire career as a professional in Europe, playing in clubs in the Netherlands, Germany, England and Italy. For 2014 he returned to MLS after signing with Toronto FC and won a league title, two Canadian championships, two Eastern Conference titles and an MLS Supporters' Shield.
Clint Dempsey
Dempsey
- Tottenham
- Midfield player
- U.S
- Statistics
Another American who also passed through Europe and returned to succeed in Major League Soccer was Clint Dempsey, who played in his last stage with Seattle Sounders. In four campaigns with the US team, the offensive midfielder won a league title, a Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, a Supporters' Shield and a Western Conference title.
Carlos candle
Candle
- Los Angeles FC
- Forward
- Mexico
- News
- Statistics
The Mexican ended his European dream and since 2018 he has written his name with gold letters in the history of LAFC. He was already a champion of goalscorer, chosen MVP of the 2019 season and as captain and team leader he has given the fans assists and superlative goals that show that there are “Carlitos” for a while in football.
Cuauhtémoc Blanco
C. White
- Puebla
- Forward
- Mexico
- Statistics
The "Temo" played for Chicago Fire from 2007 to 2009, and although he failed to conquer titles, he left his special mark with high manufacturing goals and even played the MLS-All Star Game. Cuauhtémoc is fondly remembered by Major League Soccer fans. After this stage he played in Mexico with teams such as Santos Laguna, Veracruz, Irapuato, Dorados de Sinaloa, Lobos BUAP and Puebla.
Rafael Marquez
Marquez
- Atlas
- Midfield player
- Mexico
- News
- Statistics
The experienced Mexican defender, World Cup and former Barcelona played for three seasons with New York Red Bulls, bringing all his experience and leadership behind. Once he finished his cycle with this franchise, he went into the colors of the León Club of Mexico and the Hellas Verona of Italy.
Jorge Campos
For many he is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Mexico. He also had his time in Major League Soccer and is remembered for his stage with LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire. With this last club he won the league title in 1998.
