With the MLS 2025 just around the corner, the excitement for the new season continues to grow among the league’s fans with each passing day.
Last season marked a high-water mark in Major League Soccer’s history due to the transfer of Argentine legend Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, which turned the world’s attention to American soccer.
However, not only has the MLS become a haven for superstars who are on the brink of their careers, but it is also becoming a breeding ground for the best young talents.
Here are the five best youngsters to look forward to in the upcoming season.
5. Diego Luna ( Real Salt Lake)
Real Salt Lake’s young prodigy continued his stellar rise with an exceptional 2024 MLS season. The United States winger racked up eight goals and assists apiece, topped by a string of impressive displays, which earned him the MLS Young Player of the Season award. He also made his breakthrough into the United States senior team and stood out for his courageous display in a friendly against Costa Rica despite a broken nose.
The 21-year-old will be looking to stomp his authority and achieve newer heights in the forthcoming season.
4. Peyton Miller ( New England Revolution)
Peyton Miller turned everyone’s head after breaking into New England Revolution’s first team last year, thus becoming the second-youngest debutant for the club after Diego Fagundez. The 17-year-old also hit the ground running with his terrific performances, featuring in 10 league games while racking up two assists. It has raised the expectations level on the prodigious defender ahead of the new season, with many citing him as the future of United States soccer.
3. David Martinez ( Los Angeles FC)
Another young talent who made huge strides in MLS last year was Los Angeles FC teenager David Martinez. The 19-year-old Venezuelan burst onto the scene at Monagas while grabbing the headlines with his stupendous performances for his nation at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2023, which earned him a place in The Guardian’s list of the best players born after 2006. Moving to LAFC last year, it didn’t take long for him to make his mark, registering four goals and two assists in 19 games.
2. Cavan Sullivan (Philadelphia Union)
15-year-old Cavan Sullivan’s name was on everyone’s lips when he signed his professional contract with Philadelphia Union last year while agreeing to join the Premier League giants when he turns 18. Considered the next big thing in world soccer, Sullivan made history by becoming the youngest debutant in MLS last year at the age of 14.
Dubbed the next Lionel Messi, Sullivan has already expressed his desire to represent the United States national team in the 2026 World Cup. All eyes will be on him and how he is going to climb the ladder at Philadelphia this year.
1. Julian Hall
Drawing interest from heavyweights like Barcelona and Real Madrid at the age of 16 is no easy feat, but not for New York Red Bulls’ sensation Julian Hall. The prodigious forward became the second youngest scorer in Red Bulls’ history last year and is looking to take even bigger strides this season.
