The top 10 most valuable Major League Soccer players
- Player valuations continue to increase as MLS stature grows
- A pair of notable Argentinians take the top two spots
- 2023 Golden Boot winner makes the list while one USMNT figure also makes an appearance
With the 2024 Major League Soccer season set to begin in just under a month, it's time we have a look at the most valuable players who currently participate in the North American competition.
There are plenty of figures in the list you'd expect to see, as well as two Argentina internationals who were part of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad. Last term's Golden Boot winner is quite low on the list, while an ex-Barcelona midfielder makes an appearance despite his team's struggles in 2023.
Here are the top 10 most valuable players in MLS according to Transfermarkt.
10. Jesus Ferreira (FC Dallas) - $9.7m
FC Dallas just continue to churn out exceptional homegrown players who blossom into stars in MLS, and Jesus Ferreira is no different.
Many keep asking when he'll make the jump to Europe given his outstanding performances with the Texan side as well the USMNT, but he doesn't appear to be in a huge rush to do so. Dallas will look to make waves in the postseason this year while they still have Ferreira in their ranks.
9. Talles Magno (New York City FC) - $10.8m
Talles Magno's 2022 campaign was as solid as it gets for foreign players finding their footing in a new league, but his 2023 season wasn't the best.
Magno has reportedly garnered interest from Serie A side Bologna and NYC are destined to bring home a healthy transfer fee when the day comes for the Brazilian to depart for Europe.
8. Denis Bouanga (LAFC) - $10.8m
It's a little bit of a surprise 2023 Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga is so low on this list. In fact, he doesn't even crack the top five.
He enjoyed a terrific first full season in MLS and inspired the Black and Gold to three finals appearances, but he recently expressed his desire to return to Europe, causing some annoyance to the LAFC higher-ups.
7. Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) - $13m
A large part of Nashville SC's success in their first four seasons in MLS can be attributed to Hany Mukhtar.
The German has done just about all he can but the Coyotes have yet to take home any silverware, and they'll aim to change that in the 2024 campaign.
6. Riqui Puig (LA Galaxy) - $13m
Riqui Puig's first full season in the league didn't disappoint, even if LA Galaxy were near the bottom of the Western Conference.
Many questioned why he departed Barcelona on a free transfer in August 2022, but he's continued to show his quality as the five-time MLS Cup winners look to return to postseason contention in the new season.
5. Sebastian Driussi (Austin FC) - $13m
Austin FC's 2023 campaign was one to forget after their stellar 2022 season in which they finished in second place in the Western Conference standings.
However, Sebastian Driussi's play didn't falter as he kept the Verde and Black in the playoff conversation up until the final few games of the season despite their struggles.
4. Cucho Hernandez (Columbus Crew) - $14.1m
Cucho Hernandez stepped up when Columbus Crew needed him most in the second half of the 2023 season.
The former Watford player lived up to expectations in his first full season in MLS despite Lucas Zelarayan's departure in the middle of the campaign, proving himself as a do-it-all style of striker to help Columbus lift MLS Cup over LAFC.
3. Facundo Torres (Orlando City) - $15.2m
Facundo Torres has been critical to Orlando City's rise up the Eastern Conference table as well as their 2022 US Open Cup victory, their first-ever trophy in club history.
The Lions are set to compete in the upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup for just a second time, and they'll look to set new records this term with Oscar Pareja remaining at the helm.
2. Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) - $29.3m
Atlanta United's Thiago Almada would be the most valuable MLS player if it weren't for a certain Barcelona legend.
After back-to-back impressive seasons, Almada's future transfer fee continues to rise after his record-breaking $16m move to the Five Stripes in early 2022. Atlanta looks to have a squad that can really push for the title in 2024, but will Almada be around to play his part?
1. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) - $38m
It's no surprise to see eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi come in at first place as he gears up for his second season with the Herons.
Although Miami missed out on the MLS Cup playoffs due to their terrible first half of the 2023 season, Messi still guided the Eastern Conference club to Leagues Cup glory and will aim to do more of the same in 2024.
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