Five biggest transfers in MLS history - ranked
- One former Real Madrid and Manchester United player changed MLS forever back in 2007
- Many high-profile figures have made the switch to the North American league over the years
- The league continues to grow thanks to the recent arrival of game's greatest ever player
There have been several high-profile names to make the switch to Major League Soccer in the leagues 29 years of existence.
If you're a soccer fan, there's a very high chance you thoroughly enjoy catching up on transfer news. With MLS still being a fairly new league in comparison to competitions across the ponds, plenty of experienced players who excelled in Europe finish out their careers in MLS with young players alike joining the league, too.
As these players join with eye-popping price tags and or salaries after calling it quits across the pond, the world typically turns their eyes to MLS to see how the biggest names of the sport get on in their new surroundings.
Here are the top five biggest transfers in Major League Soccer history.
Top five biggest transfers in MLS history
5. Sebastian Giovinco - Toronto FC (2015)
The Sebastian Giovinco era at Toronto FC was one that will live in the hearts of MLS fans forever. Upon arriving in the winter of 2015 from Juventus, Giovinco set out on a mission to rack up goals and assists.
The five foot three winger caused problems for just about every defense he came up against, never backing down from a fight. Before the Italian departed in 2019, he managed to get his hands on one MLS Cup and three Canadian Championships while recording 83 goals and 51 assists in 142 appearances for TFC.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic - LA Galaxy (2018)
Very few professional athletes can match the pressure that comes with playing in a big city like Los Angeles. However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an exception to that after his move to LA Galaxy from Manchester United.
Many thought Ibrahimovic was 'finished' when he made the move to MLS, when actually it was the exact opposite as he managed 53 goals in 58 appearances for the Galaxy before moving back to Europe to shine for AC Milan and ultimately retiring last summer.
3. Thierry Henry - New York Red Bulls (2010)
After a few seasons in sunny Spain with Barcelona, Premier League and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry decided to make the switch to New York Red Bulls in July 2010.
Even though he was nearing the end of his career, the Frenchman was still at the top of his game when he came to the U.S. Henry would go on to dazzle in MLS with a whopping 52 goals and 42 assists in 135 appearances before calling it quits in late 2014.
2. Lionel Messi - Inter Miami (2023)
The eight-time Ballon d'Or that is Lionel Messi won just about everything there is to win during his time at Barcelona and PSG. The legendary Argentina opted for a change of scenery last summer, joining Inter Miami on a free transfer over a return to Barcelona and Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
It's safe to say Messi's free transfer to the south Florida side has been quite a success so far. The 36-year-old guided Miami to their first ever title last summer in Leagues Cup and could soon take over the number one spot from David Beckham should he continue to add to his 23 goals and 16 assists in 27 outings for the Herons.
1. David Beckham - LA Galaxy (2007)
David Beckham set MLS up for future success with his stunning transfer to LA Galaxy in the summer of 2007 from European giants Real Madrid.
Beckham -- who is part-owner of Inter Miami -- went on to lift two MLS Cups and two Supporters' Shields during his time in Los Angeles. Even though he did go out on a few loan spells to AC Milan while he was still contracted to the Galaxy, without Beckham's arrival in California, MLS might've never taken off.
After all, the Designated Player rule was established the summer he joined the league.