As the days are numbered for the start of Major League Soccer 2025, the expectation levels for the new season are at an all-time high. The MLS’ popularity continues to grow with each passing year due to a handful of highly-coveted young talents and high-profile superstars plying their trade. Especially for prominent players in Europe who are at the ebb of their careers, the MLS has become a popular attraction.
The financial wealth of the clubs also proves to be a key factor in luring some of the most famous names in the game to the United States. Lionel Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami in 2023 changed the landscape of Major League soccer as not only did he help Miami reach newer heights but he also played a big role in the hike of the popularity of the entire league.
Here are the five veteran superstars to look forward to in Major League Soccer 2025.
#5 Olivier Giroud – Los Angeles FC
Following a prolific career in Europe, Olivier Giroud moved to Los Angeles FC last year, thereby linking up with his French compatriot Hugo Lloris in the team. However, Giroud’s debut season didn’t pan out as he would have hoped to, failing to register a single goal in the MLS. This season, the former AC Milan and Chelsea striker will be determined to show his class.
#4 Emil Forsberg – New York Red Bulls
Sweden’s Footballer of the Year in 2021, Emil Forsberg’s move from RB Leipzig to New York Red Bulls – a sister club of Leipzig – last year was considered one of the highly-anticipated transfers. After establishing himself as one of the pivotal and successful figures in the rise of Leipzig in the last decade, Forsberg hit the ground running in MLS, racking up 10 goals and four assists, as well as helping the Red Bulls end as the runners-up of the MLS Cup.
#3 Sergio Busquets – Inter Miami
Sergio Busquets was the first of a series of high-profile players to secure a move to Inter Miami in 2023 following an illustrious spell at Barcelona and the Spanish national team, which helped him become one of the best midfielders of all-time. As good as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were for Miami last season, Busquets also played an instrumental in the team’s MLS Supporters Shield win. The Spanish midfield appears to have a lot left in his tank and will look to play an integral role in the upcoming season as well.
#2 Marco Reus – LA Galaxy
Marco Reus couldn’t have dreamt of a successful start to his spell in the United States as he won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy last season – which also marked his first-ever trophy in his long career. The former Borussia Dortmund legend, who only managed to show a glimpse of his talent, will look to make a big impact with LA Galaxy this term.
#1 Lionel Messi – Inter Miami
Lionel Messi had a profound impact on and off the pitch for Inter Miami, transforming them from an underperforming side to trophy winners as well as helping the side grow in popularity. The Argentine World Cup winner led Miami to the Leagues Cup in 2023 and the Supporters Shield last year. His numbers were also extraordinary last season, racking up 21 goals and 11 assists. The record Ballon d’Or winner will be aiming to add more accolades to Miami in the forthcoming season.
