Top 10 Highest Paid MLS Players in 2025 (Updated Rankings)

Here’s The 2025 Ranking List Of Top Ten Highest Paid MLS Players.

The Evolution of MLS: From Retirement League to Global Football Powerhouse

Major League Soccer has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, shedding its reputation as a “retirement league” and emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic football competitions. This dramatic shift is reflected in the league’s financial growth, with Forbes valuing MLS at over $1.2 billion in 2025 – a figure that continues to rise steadily each season.

The league’s transformation can be traced through several key developments:

The Designated Player Revolution

The introduction of the Designated Player Rule in 2007 marked a turning point for MLS, allowing teams to sign up to three players whose salaries exceeded the league’s salary cap. This innovative mechanism enabled clubs to attract global stars like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimović, who brought unprecedented attention to North American soccer.

The Messi Effect

The 2023 signing of Lionel Messi by Inter Miami created seismic waves throughout global football. Messi’s arrival not only elevated the league’s profile but also triggered a domino effect of high-profile transfers. Former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba followed, while other clubs responded by pursuing elite talent like Luis Suárez and Sergio Ramos. This influx of world-class players has dramatically raised the league’s competitive level and international appeal.

Changing Player Demographics

Modern MLS rosters now feature:

Established international stars in their prime (ages 27-32)

Promising young South American talents using MLS as a springboard to Europe

Developed domestic players competing at higher levels than ever before
The average age of Designated Players has dropped significantly, reflecting this strategic shift in recruitment.

Financial Growth and Expansion

MLS’s financial health continues to strengthen through:

Lucrative broadcasting deals with Apple TV and other partners

Soaring franchise values (average team now worth $500+ million)

Record-breaking attendance figures across multiple markets

Strategic expansion to 30 teams by 2025

Our Ranking Methodology

This comprehensive analysis of MLS salaries is built on four key pillars:

Guaranteed Compensation Data

We utilize official figures from the MLS Players Association, the most reliable source for player earnings. This includes base salaries and guaranteed bonuses, providing an accurate picture of total compensation.

Designated Player Status

We examine how teams utilize their three DP slots, which allow for higher salaries outside the league’s budget constraints. This mechanism has been crucial in attracting top talent.

Financial Context

Player net worth estimates and endorsement deals provide additional perspective on their overall earning power and marketability.

Performance Metrics

On-field production remains the ultimate justification for these salaries. We analyze goals, assists, defensive contributions, and overall impact on team success.

This multi-faceted approach ensures our rankings reflect both financial realities and sporting merit, offering readers the most complete picture of MLS’s highest earners in 2025. The league’s continued growth suggests these salary figures may represent just the beginning of MLS’s financial ascent in global football.

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Top Ten Highest-Paid MLS Players in 2025 – Detailed Analysis

10. Carles Gil (New England Revolution) – $4 Million/Year

Carles Gil continues to be the creative engine for New England Revolution, maintaining his status as one of MLS’s elite midfielders. The 32-year-old Spanish playmaker has been with the Revolution since 2019 and shows no signs of slowing down. In the 2024 season, Gil contributed 6 goals and 2 assists, demonstrating his continued importance to the team’s attacking play.

Gil’s $4 million annual salary reflects his Designated Player status and consistent performance since winning the 2021 MLS MVP award. His technical ability and vision in midfield make him invaluable to New England’s system. With a net worth estimated at $12.5 million, Gil has established himself as one of the most successful Spanish exports to MLS in recent years.

9. Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire) – $3.24 Million/Year

Belgian striker Hugo Cuypers has made an immediate impact since joining Chicago Fire in 2024. The 28-year-old forward scored an impressive 12 goals in his debut MLS season, quickly adapting to the physical demands of the league. Cuypers’ clinical finishing and movement in the box have made him Chicago’s primary attacking threat.

His $3.24 million salary positions him among MLS’s top earners and reflects Chicago Fire’s investment in a proven European goalscorer. While his exact net worth isn’t publicly available, industry estimates place it between $5-10 million. Cuypers represents the new wave of MLS signings – players in their prime years rather than veterans nearing retirement.

8. Christian Benteke (D.C. United) – $4.25 Million/Year

Christian Benteke has proven to be worth every penny of his $4.25 million salary with D.C. United. The 34-year-old Belgian striker scored 15 goals in 2024, establishing himself as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. Benteke’s physical presence and aerial ability have translated perfectly from the Premier League to MLS.

With a career net worth of $64.9 million from his time at clubs like Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, Benteke brings world-class experience to D.C. United. His performances have made him a Golden Boot contender and helped elevate the profile of the entire franchise. The veteran striker continues to demonstrate that top European talent can thrive in MLS.

7. Héctor Herrera (Houston Dynamo to Toluca) – $5.2 Million/Year

Mexican international Héctor Herrera earned his $5.2 million salary through outstanding leadership and production during his time with Houston Dynamo. The 35-year-old midfielder recorded 8 goals and 22 assists in 82 appearances before returning to Liga MX with Toluca in 2025.

Herrera’s $18 million net worth reflects his successful career in Europe with Porto and Atlético Madrid before coming to MLS. His ability to control games from midfield and contribute both defensively and offensively made him one of the league’s most complete midfielders during his tenure. Houston’s midfield has struggled to replace his quality since his departure.

6. Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls) – $5.4 Million/Year

Swedish international Emil Forsberg has justified his $5.4 million salary with an excellent debut MLS season. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder contributed 10 goals and 4 assists in 2024, immediately becoming New York Red Bulls’ most creative force. Forsberg’s experience from RB Leipzig in Germany has proven invaluable to his new team.

With a net worth of $40.5 million, Forsberg represents the growing trend of established European players choosing MLS in their prime. His technical quality and understanding of the game have elevated the Red Bulls’ attacking play. The Swedish playmaker’s ability to dictate tempo and create chances makes him worth every dollar of his substantial salary.

5. Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC) – $3.13 Million/Year

Italian winger Federico Bernardeschi continues to be one of Toronto FC’s most important players with his $3.13 million salary. The 31-year-old has contributed 4 goals and 3 assists in the 2025 season, showcasing the flair and technical ability that made him a Juventus star.

Bernardeschi’s $43.8 million net worth reflects his successful career in Serie A before moving to MLS. While his production hasn’t always matched his salary, his ability to change games with moments of brilliance makes him valuable to Toronto. The Italian international remains one of the league’s most watchable players when in form.

4. Sebastián Driussi (Austin FC → River Plate) – $6.72 Million/Year

Argentine forward Sebastián Driussi was Austin FC’s franchise player before his 2025 move to River Plate, earning every dollar of his $6.72 million salary. The 29-year-old striker contributed 7 goals and 3 assists in his final MLS season in 2024, maintaining his status as one of the league’s most clinical finishers. Driussi’s technical quality and intelligent movement made him the focal point of Austin’s attack during his tenure.

While his exact net worth remains undisclosed, Driussi’s salary placed him among MLS’s top earners, reflecting his importance to Austin FC’s project. The former Zenit St. Petersburg star adapted quickly to MLS after arriving in 2021, becoming the face of the expansion franchise. His departure leaves a significant void in Austin’s attacking lineup that will be difficult to fill.

3. Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) – $8.5 Million/Year

Spanish midfield maestro Sergio Busquets continues to justify his $8.5 million salary as the defensive anchor for Inter Miami. The 36-year-old veteran was instrumental in the club’s 2024 Supporters’ Shield victory, providing the tactical intelligence and positional awareness that comes from his legendary Barcelona career. Busquets’ ability to control the tempo of games remains unmatched in MLS.

With a net worth of $45 million, Busquets represents the growing trend of world-class veterans choosing MLS for their final career chapters. His partnership with Lionel Messi has been crucial to Inter Miami’s success, recreating their Barcelona chemistry in South Florida. While no longer the most mobile player, Busquets’ reading of the game and passing range make him worth his substantial salary.

2. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) – $7.5 Million/Year

Italian star Lorenzo Insigne remains one of MLS’s highest earners at $7.5 million per year with Toronto FC. The 34-year-old winger contributed 4 goals and 5 assists in the 2024 season, showing flashes of the brilliance that made him a Napoli legend. Insigne’s technical quality and creativity make him one of the league’s most watchable players when fit.

With a staggering net worth of $84.4 million, Insigne’s move to MLS represented one of the biggest coups in league history when he arrived in 2022. While injuries have limited his impact at times, the Italian international remains capable of moments of magic that justify his status as the league’s second-highest earner. His left-footed curlers from the right wing continue to be a trademark of Toronto’s attack.

1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) – $12 Million/Year

Lionel Messi’s $12 million salary makes him not just MLS’s highest-paid player, but the league’s most transformative signing in history. The 37-year-old Argentine legend has already contributed 10 goals and 5 assists in the 2025 season, following his 2024 MLS MVP campaign. Messi’s presence has elevated the entire league’s global profile and commercial value.

With an estimated net worth of $850 million, Messi’s move to Inter Miami represents more than just a playing contract – it’s a franchise-altering business decision. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner continues to perform at an elite level, demonstrating that even in the latter stages of his career, he remains one of the world’s best players. Messi’s impact extends beyond statistics, as his presence has helped attract other top talents to MLS and dramatically increased attendance and viewership figures league-wide.

MLS Salary Trends

The salary structure of Major League Soccer reveals several important trends about the league’s development:

Lionel Messi’s unprecedented $12 million annual salary sets a new benchmark for MLS compensation, demonstrating the league’s growing financial power to attract global superstars in their prime.

Inter Miami’s strategy of reuniting Barcelona legends has proven successful, with Messi and Busquets accounting for two of the league’s three highest salaries and delivering immediate on-field success.

Toronto FC continues to invest heavily in European talent, with Insigne and Bernardeschi representing significant salary cap hits as the club chases its first MLS Cup since 2017.

The emergence of younger Designated Players like Hugo Cuypers (28) and Emil Forsberg (33) signals a shift away from the “retirement league” stereotype, with more players now choosing MLS during their peak years.

The salary gap between top earners and rank-and-file MLS players remains substantial, with the league’s average salary around $530,000 compared to the eight-figure deals for elite talents.

These trends suggest MLS is entering a new era of financial competitiveness, with clubs increasingly willing to invest heavily in proven international stars while also developing younger talent through the league’s growing academy systems.

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FAQs

Q: Who is the highest-paid MLS player in 2025?
A: Lionel Messi ($12M/year).

Q: What is the average MLS salary?
A: ~$530,000 (2025 estimate).

Q: Which MLS team spends the most on salaries?
A: Inter Miami (Messi, Busquets, Suárez).

Q: Can MLS teams pay unlimited salaries?
A: No—Designated Player Rule allows 3 exceptions per team.

MLS salaries are skyrocketing, with Messi leading a wave of elite talent. As the league grows, expect more European stars to follow.

Who do you think is overpaid/underpaid? Comment below!

Sources: MLS Players Association, Capology, Forbes.
Last Updated: July 2025.