Best players in MLS 2023: Top stars for all 29 clubs in Major League Soccer

The 2023 Major League Soccer season is in full swing, and several clubs will believe they have what it takes to emerge as champions, with new arrivals, young players, and big-money imports hoping to tilt the balance of power in MLS.

Stars of all varieties, ages, and playing styles dot the MLS landscape and there is an excitement to see how the campaign plays out. There are international stars with World Cup and Champions League pedigree, top domestic-based talent from the U.S. and Canadian national teams, and young talent looking to break into the league's elite.

Reigning MVP Hany Mukhtar will have plenty of challengers for his crown, but if he recreates the magic he produced for Nashville SC last season, it will be tough to dethrone the German.

Still, players like Sebastian Driussi, Carlos Vela, Josef Martinez (with another team), and Lorenzo Insigne all have something to prove as they look to lead their respective sides to glory. Furthermore, players in less flashy positions like goalkeeper Andre Blake and central defender Miles Robinson are hoping to be influential in their own way.

As the 2023 season plays out, the top talents in MLS will separate themselves from the rest of the pack and lead their teams into the playoffs, which features a new format that allow for teams to put their best players in the spotlight.

MORE: Who will win the Major League Soccer title in 2023?

Top 10 players in MLS for 2023 season

There is exceptional star power across MLS for the 2023 season, but it's not always about scoring goals. 

Some players, like Hany Mukhtar, Sebastian Driussi, and Carlos Vela are established stars in the league, while (relatively) new arrivals like Riqui Puig and Lorenzo Insigne still need to prove they can provide enough high-quality production across an entire campaign.

Here are the best players right now in Major League Soccer ahead of the 2023 season, with many appearing below as the top player on their club.

MORE: Best young players in Major League Soccer for the 2023 MLS season

Best player for every MLS club in 2023

Atlanta United: Miles Robinson (25, Defender)

After the U.S. international went down with an Achilles injury last season, the Atlanta United defense was left in complete disarray. They conceded 54 goals last season, more than all but eight other MLS teams, and Robinson's absence was felt.

He has plenty to prove coming off a major injury, but if he returns to his former level, Robinson is one of the best defenders in the league. Thiago Almada is another supremely talented player on this Atlanta side, and he will be critical after Josef Martinez's departure, but Atlanta can't win with just attacking play, and they'll need their World Cup-caliber defender, just like the U.S. will as well heading towards the 2026 World Cup.

MORE: MLS league rules, playoff format, and other changes for 2023 season

Austin FC: Sebastian Driussi (27, Midfielder)

There are few more versatile players in MLS than Sebastian Driussi, who passes like a midfielder, scores like a forward, and dribbles like a winger. After collecting 22 regular season goals and three more in the playoffs, Driussi is primed for another season carrying the high-flying Austin FC attack. He's as good a player as there is in the league, and while expecting another 22-goal campaign may be a lot for a midfielder to repeat, he'll no doubt be considered one of the top contenders to carry his side deep into the playoffs.

Charlotte FC: Karol Swiderski (26, Forward)

Charlotte FC are not a team of stars, and are not yet ready to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference, but they have some quality pieces. They have a deep goalkeeping room, a promising new arrival in Enzo Copetti, a promising young midfielder in Ben Bender, and a top developmental prospect in 20-year-old Hamady Diop. Yet nobody really shines as bright as Poland international Karol Swiderski.

The 26-year-old scored 10 goals across 30 appearances last year in Charlotte's inaugural season, and of the eight games he netted in, Charlotte won seven. Copetti, who arrived from Racing Club this offseason, could eventually take over the star role depending on how his first season goes, but right now Swiderski is the best on a team full of role players.

Chicago Fire: Xherdan Shaqiri (31, Winger)

This Chicago Fire team has a long way to go, but they have one of the most versatile players in the league in Xherdan Shaqiri. A man with Champions League pedigree in his career, Shaqiri did his best to carry an otherwise lacking Chicago roster last season, and while he ultimately couldn't push them to a playoff challenge, he remains the clear top talent in this side.

FC Cincinnati: Brandon Vazquez (24, Striker)

The 24-year-old made his mark on the U.S. National Team in January camp, and now he's ready to push for an MLS goalscoring title. FC Cincinnati's rapid rise to prominence last season wasn't down to just Vazquez, as they made significant improvements in key areas like the back line and goalkeeping departments, but Vazquez is the most important single piece of the puzzle. If he continues pouring on the goals, Vazquez will have a real chance to solidify a more permanent place with the U.S. national team as the 2026 World Cup cycle begins.

Colorado Rapids: Diego Rubio (29, Forward)

In truth, this Colorado Rapids squad needs a lot of work. Cole Bassett, 21, was supposed to gain valuable minutes in the Netherlands on loan but fell short of earning a place with Fortuna Sittard. Kevin Cabral is a Galaxy castoff who arrives with lots to prove, while Jack Price has had to shoulder lots of progressive responsibilities, doing his best to will this attacking unit forward in recent years.

Yet despite the lack of quality players throughout the side, Diego Rubio still managed to score 16 goals and assist eight more last season, and will look to reprise those numbers and help the Rapids at least hope for a playoff push. 

Columbus Crew: Cucho Hernandez (23, Striker)

Cucho joined Columbus in the summer of 2022, and in 16 games he completely changed the club's fortunes. The Colombian scored eight goals in his first eight games in the league, finishing with nine in 16 matches. After he arrived, the Crew lost just three games the rest of the regular season, and while it just wasn't enough to reach a playoff spot, they'll have high hopes for their new talisman up front.

FC Dallas: Jesus Ferreira (22, Striker)

This FC Dallas team is talented, with Alan Velasco, Sebastian Lletget, and Paxton Pomykal, plus a number of quality role players. Yet nobody is more talented or more important to this side than Jesus Ferreira, who will be expected to take his 18-goal haul from last season and improve up on it this year. Ferreira may be headed to Europe sooner rather than later, but for now, he stands as one of the most lethal finishers in the league.

D.C. United: Taxiarchis 'Taxi' Fountas (27, Forward)

This D.C. United squad is still a work in progress, and as the likes of Christian Benteke and Ravel Morrison have yet to prove they still have anything left in the tank, Greek international Taxi Fountas has taken the reigns up front.

With 10 goals last season, Fountas gave D.C. a somewhat dangerous presence up front, and when he wasn't in the lineup towards the end of the year — due to an alleged racist slur which he denies ever using — they completely fell apart. Fountas is a quality player amidst a squad of has-beens and speculative young talent. Wayne Rooney has his work cut out for him, but at least he has a player like Fountas to help make his weekly selection a little easier.

Houston Dynamo: Adalberto Carrasquilla (24, Midfielder)

The Houston Dynamo midfield should be good, but it's hard to make up for all the deficiencies elsewhere on the roster. Hector Herrera arrived from Atletico Madrid last summer, but he failed to make an impact, and his performances for both club and country indicate he may be on his last legs.

That leaves Adalberto Carrasquilla as the midfield lynchpin, and he will look to improve on last year, hopefully given some assistance progressing the ball forward with the arrival of Amine Bassi from Metz.

Inter Miami: Josef Martinez (29, Forward)

This Inter Miami team has a lot to prove this season, and at the top of that list is Josef Martinez, who now has to show the MLS world he's still worth the trouble. The manner in which he departed Atlanta United left a sour taste in a lot of fans' mouths, and while there's no doubt he's a top player, he's got something to prove.

Martinez should have no problem brushing aside the doubts. He's not the same player he was prior to his ACL tear in 2019, which is a shame, but he's still a top goalscoring talent, and with a change of scenery, this should be a year to show the league he's still able to carry a team up front.

LA Galaxy: Riqui Puig (23, Midfielder)

With respect to Chicharito, the Mexican forward hasn't been able to truly change the fortunes of the Galaxy like Riqui Puig did in his short time with the club after joining last summer. The turnaround was stark, injecting life into a sputtering Western Conference team and spurring them on to a second-half spree which pushed them to the Western Conference semifinals.

Puig is a budding MLS star, and this season he can carry the Galaxy back to their former glory as a top MLS club. A lot still has to go right for that to happen, but they hit a home run with this acquisition, and that's good for a playoff spot on its own.

LAFC: Carlos Vela (33, Forward)

This is actually a tough call, given the abilities of midfielders Jose Cifuentes and Kellyn Acosta, and new signing Denis Bouanga, but there's no doubting what Carlos Vela means to this team and league, and what he can do on any given matchday.

Vela was forced to share the spotlight last season with the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristian Arango, but now that those players are gone, this attack is once again his, and his alone.

Minnesota United: Emanuel Reynoso (27, Midfielder)

While Minnesota are missing a truly lethal finisher, they have a highly talented chance creator in Emanuel Reynoso. The Argentine is exceptional at taking on defenders as well as passing through traffic, and his defensive abilities are serviceable as well. Minnesota need to improve at the back to challenge for anything more than a lower-level playoff spot, but their attack is in good hands with Reynoso pulling the strings.

CF Montreal: Victor Wanyama (31, Midfielder)

CF Montreal's best player is still Kenyan lynchpin Victor Wanyama, who continues to star from his defensive midfield position. He's not a flashy player who racks up interceptions or tackles, but instead uses his European experience and savvy reading of the game to clog passing lanes and shield the back line. His passing vision is also solid, helping move progressive actions forward.

Nashville SC: Hany Mukhtar (27, Midfielder/Forward)

Nashville SC have plenty of quality players, but there's no looking past the reigning MLS MVP and top goalscorer. Mukhtar is a genuine MLS star, exploding into the league with 43 goals and 20 assists in just 79 games across two seasons.

While Mukhtar gets lots of plaudits for his goalscoring, rightly so after leading the league in that regard, but his abilities as a No. 10 go well beyond that. According to FBRef, Mukhtar is in the 98th or 99th percentile in the following statistical categories: expected assists, shot-creating actions, progressive passes, and progressive carries, while he's in the 96th percentile for progressive passes received. It's hard to find a more well-rounded attacking player who can not only lead the league in goals but also contribute so much creativity as well.

New England Revolution: Carles Gil (30, Midfielder)

The Revs No. 10 still hasn't quite been able to replicate his exceptional first season in MLS, when he scored 10 goals and assisted 12 more in 2019. That's what an Achilles injury will do to a great player, but he seemed close to his old self last year, despite fading late. Still, Gil is an exceptional player at his best, with a massive load to carry in the New England attacking department. He can create chances with both his incredible vision and dangerous take-on abilities, and will get goals himself as well. If he can take that next step back to his 2019 form, this New England team can make some noise in the East.

New York Red Bulls: Lewis Morgan (26, Winger)

John Tolkin is a budding young talent who could potentially net this club a significant transfer fee in the coming years, and Luquinhas is a real quality player, but neither has yet put together the kind of raw production that Lewis Morgan has brought to the Red Bulls since joining.

The 26-year-old Scottish international had two mediocre seasons at Inter Miami, but at the Red Bulls he flourished, providing 10 goals last season and looking like a quality final-third player. Once healthy again, if he can create more chances for teammates he could add yet another dimension to his already quality toolbox.

NYCFC: Talles Magno (20, Winger)

The young Brazilian took a huge step forward in 2022, advancing from promising young prospect to full-fledged contributor, creating chances on the dribble and also picking out quality passes. His finishing still needs work, which will be crucial to the club's success this season. No longer is Talles Magno a young player with loads of promise, he's now a player of extreme importance to his club, especially given the departure of Maxi Morales.

Orlando City SC: Facundo Torres (22, Winger)

One of the brightest young talents in MLS right now, Facundo Torres was part of Uruguay's World Cup squad and provides plenty of promise for the future. Yet there's plenty to like right now as well, and Orlando City will be relying on that as they place a lot of the creative weight on his back in 2023. 

Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake (32, Goalkeeper)

The way this Philadelphia Union squad is constructed, it's more about the sum of the parts rather than each individual component. Yet as young talented players come and go, and manager Jim Curtin pieces together a beautiful patchwork quilt, one individual remains an ever-present constant, and that's the man between the sticks.

Andre Blake remains one of the best goalkeepers in the league year-in and year-out, and that's no different this season. As one of the top performers both statistically and against the eye test, he's easily the best and most important player on this squad.

Portland Timbers: Aljaz Ivacic (29, Goalkeeper)

Portland have good pieces up front, but they were so disorganized at the back last season, and while they eventually missed the playoffs with the leaky back line, it could have been much worse had it not been for the man in goal. Ivacic put together the fourth-best xGOT to goals conceded differential in the league at +5.7, and he faced significantly more volume than the three men before him. Portland did little to shore up their defensive frailties this offseason, and Ivacic will have a full load on his shoulders again this season.

San Jose Earthquakes: Jackson Yueill (25, Midfielder)

Once touted as a possible future midfield option for the U.S. national team, Jackson Yueill's star has dimmed somewhat as he has reached his peak years. He should be allowed a little more freedom for a box-to-box role now that Carlos Gruezo has arrived to help offer defensive cover, which means this season could be a make-or-break year for Yueill. If Yueill doesn't run the show, the Earthquakes will have a tough year.

Seattle Sounders: Nicolas Lodeiro (33, Midfielder)

The Sounders have several quality players in the squad, and their 11th-place finish in the West last season was an unexpected disappointment. Their U.S. internationals Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan are fan favorites, Albert Rusnak and Joao Paulo are midfield maestros, and Stefan Frei is a top quality goalkeeper.

Yet at 33, Nicolas Lodeiro still remains the most valuable piece in this team. The forward buildup is centered around the Argentine, who FBRef ranked in the 99th percentile in progressive passes last season. Lodeiro is not a national star due to his lack of eye-catching flair, but he's undoubtedly the best player in this talented squad.

Sporting KC: Willy Agada (23, Striker)

It is quite shocking how this Sporting KC team has deteriorated, slowly bleeding talent and failing to add any solid pieces over the last five years. The result last season was a group of mid-level players that lacked difference-making star power and finished near the bottom of the Western Conference.

The 2023 campaign is shaping up to be worse, but perhaps it can help determine whether Nigerian striker Agada can be counted on after scoring eight goals in 12 appearances last season after joining from the Israeli league. He transformed the Sporting KC attack and helped provide a target for Daniel Salloi in the final third. More of that will be desperately needed this year.

St. Louis City SC: Eduard Lowen (26, Midfielder)

This St. Louis City SC team has a few recognizable players on the roster, such as former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki or young U.S. international Nicholas Gioacchini, but all of them are looking for a career revival and have lots to prove. Lowen is the best of the unproven bunch, an attack-minded midfielder who arrives from Bundesliga side VfL Bochum and should be the main box-to-box progressive focus in the attack.

Toronto FC: Lorenzo Insigne (31, Forward)

One of the most expensive signings in MLS history still has a lot to prove in Toronto. Insigne joined last summer and provided six goals in 11 appearances, a very good haul, but it remains to be seen whether he can keep up that pace for an entire season while also staying healthy.

If he and fellow Italian Federico Bernardeschi manage to put it all together, with Sean Johnson and Matt Hedges locking things down defensively, Toronto could have a season worth remembering. It all hinges on what Insigne can provide from start to finish through his first full campaign in the league.

Vancouver Whitecaps: Julian Gressel (29, Defender/Winger)

The Whitecaps have always been less about star power and more about maximizing the talent on the roster by building a collection of parts that create a greater sum. That means there are several options for this selection, like playmaker Ryan Gauld, midfield DP Andres Cubas, or new goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.

Yet Julian Gressel showed his worth in January camp with the U.S. national team, and the 29-year-old still has what it takes to spark a team from the full-back spot. Whether he plays along the back line or moves up into a wide attacking role, Gressel is an energetic player who provides two-way production for 90 minutes on a regular basis. He's key to their success.