- more commonly known as the MLS - is quickly growing in popularity. It might not be one of the but that could quickly change. The United States of America is starting to fall in love with the sport — and hosting the 2026 World Cup, alongside Mexico and Canada, may accelerate it further.
The progress the nation has made has been helped by several of the plying their trade there. Due to the likes of and , two of the , joining Inter Miami, and other clubs across the vast nation making major signings, attendances have soared. English players have played their part in this as well.
The nature of the , one of the , is frantic; it can burn players out, so naturally, some have opted for a more relaxed life and luxury paycheck across the pond. We have outlined the nine best English players to play in the MLS — and it will only lengthen over the coming years. Best English Players to Play in the MLS 1.
David Beckham LA Galaxy 2007-2012 2. Steven Gerrard LA Galaxy 2015-2016 3. Frank Lampard New York City 2015-2016 4.
Wayne Rooney DC United 2018-2019 5. Ashley Cole LA Galaxy 2016-2018 6. Bradley Wright-Phillips New York Red Bulls 2013-2019 7.
Jermain Defoe Toronto FC 2014 8. New York Red Bulls 2015-2016 9. Kieran Gibbs Inter Miami 2021-2023 Unlike most major leagues around the world, the MLS has an incredibly different format which can prove confusing.
From being mistakenly sent off for Arsenal to playing for England five times, had a chaotic career. He was never one of the , but he .