Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to attract a number of players from far and wide to join the league’s clubs in an attempt to continue to build the appeal around the sport within the country.
Of course, competing with the likes of the National Football League (NFL) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) can be extremely difficult, however the sport of soccer has tried their best in recent decades.
Indeed, using vast sums of money has certainly helped to further build the appeal of playing in the United States, especially for those world-class individuals who are starting to come into the twilight of their careers. That’s not to say that there are some extremely talented young and emerging talents coming through the league, though.
Take Gonzalo Higuain, for example, as he is expected to sign for David Beckham’s Inter Miami franchise in a deal that is worth a reported $7 million base salary (£5.45m). Bettors that use online casinos would be more than happy with a win of that magnitude!
There are a number of quality players currently involved with the MLS, although they have come at the cost of a few dollars for each franchise. Here are the top 10 earners in the MLS as of 2020 to date.
Gustavo Bou, New England Revolution – $2.4 million
Having signed in 2019, Bou has been a consistent threat for the New England Revolution and has become one of their most important players.
Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers – $2.41 million
A member of the exclusive 80/80 MLS Club, Valeri has managed to score 80 goals and provide a further 80 goals for the Portland Timbers since joining in 2013, therefore arguably making him one of the best in the history of the MLS.
Nani, Orlando City – $2.48 million
A world-class player in his own right, the former Manchester United winger has become a hugely influential member of the Orlando City side. Nani quickly established himself as the captain and has seen the squad be built around him.
Sebastián Blanco, Portland Timbers – $2.85 million
The MLS is Back player of the tournament, Blanco has been another star for the Portland Timbers. He has been so consistent, that he was considered to be an early runner for the 2020 MVP award prior to be injured.
Josef Martínez, Atlanta United – $3.05 million
Martinez has been a star for Atlanta United and has continued to go from strength-to-strength with his performances. He has been one of the best strikers in the MLS over the years, as he has regularly found the back of the net despite injury problems.
Alejandro Pozuelo, Toronto FC – $3.8 million
Pozuelo was brought to Toronto FC to replace Sebastian Giovinco and Victor Vazquez and has looked exceptional in the role. An All-star and MLS best 11 debut season in which he scored 12 goals in 30 games would certainly prove that he did rather well.
Carlos Vela, LAFC – $6.3 million
A former Arsenal striker, it would be safe to say Vela landed on his feet in the MLS. The Mexican forward has been considered to be one of the best players to have ever played in the league and holds the record for the most goals scored in a single season (34).
Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC – $6.33 million
For fans that follow English football, Altidore certainly would not be considered to be one of the highest earning players in the MLS. He struggled dearly in the Premier League, scoring just once in 42 appearances, however the MLS were desperate to bring players back to the league following their 2014 FIFA World Cup efforts and Altidore was more than happy to come back.
Michael Bradley, Toronto FC – $6.5 million
Arguably one of the best players to have ever featured for the international side (USMNT), Bradley sits second (soon to be third) on the list of highest earners, as he followed Altidore in rejoining the MLS after the 2014 FIFA World Cup after a less-than-impressive stint in Europe.
Javier Hernández, LA Galaxy – $7.2 million
LA Galaxy perhaps managed to secure the biggest signing in the League’s history when they managed to acquire Javier Hernandez. The Mexican forward has been a target that has long-escaped the MLS and is a player that carries a huge brand within the region. No wonder LA Galaxy pay him $7.2m a year!
