Best Players (All Positions) in the MLS (Oct 2026)
746 players tracked across 31 clubs. Updated October 2026.
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Use the search bar below to find specific players, or apply filters to narrow results by club, age range, or market value. Click the chart icon next to any player to view their historical value trajectory and forecast.
Player Rankings
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index. Click any player to view full profile, or click the chart icon to see value history.
Lionel Messi
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 39 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.0M
71.7
Evander
Football Club Cincinnati • 28 years old
€16.9M
€16.0M
-5.4%
Expected: €13.4M
69.6
Josh Sargent
Toronto FC • 26 years old
€13.8M
€16.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €16.0M
69.1
Rodrigo De Paul
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 32 years old
€18.1M
€14.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.0M
68.4
Anders Dreyer
San Diego Football Club • 28 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €12.4M
68.3
Heung-min Son
Los Angeles Football Club • 34 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
68.1
Kévin Denkey
Football Club Cincinnati • 25 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
66.1
Petar Musa
FC Dallas • 28 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
65.5
Riqui Puig
Los Angeles Galaxy • 27 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
60.1
Facundo Torres
Austin FC • 26 years old
€8.6M
€10.0M
+15.6%
59.6
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Sign up freeLionel Messi
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami · 39 years old
71.7
ASI
Current Value
€15.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€6.3M - €9.6M
Evander
Football Club Cincinnati · 28 years old
69.6
ASI
Current Value
€16.0M
% Change
-5.4%
1yr Forecast Range
€11.7M - €15.1M
Josh Sargent
Toronto FC · 26 years old
69.1
ASI
Current Value
€16.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€13.1M - €18.8M
Rodrigo De Paul
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami · 32 years old
68.4
ASI
Current Value
€14.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€7.0M - €9.1M
Anders Dreyer
San Diego Football Club · 28 years old
68.3
ASI
Current Value
€15.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
€10.1M - €14.6M
Heung-min Son
Los Angeles Football Club · 34 years old
68.1
ASI
Current Value
€15.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Kévin Denkey
Football Club Cincinnati · 25 years old
66.1
ASI
Current Value
€12.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Petar Musa
FC Dallas · 28 years old
65.5
ASI
Current Value
€12.0M
% Change
-22.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Riqui Puig
Los Angeles Galaxy · 27 years old
60.1
ASI
Current Value
€10.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
Facundo Torres
Austin FC · 26 years old
59.6
ASI
Current Value
€10.0M
% Change
+15.6%
1yr Forecast Range
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Sign up freeMarket Overview: MLS Players (All Positions) (updated October 2026)
Our database tracks 746 MLS Players (All Positions) as of October 2026, representing 31 clubs with a combined market value of €1.4B. The average market value for MLS Players (All Positions) is €1.8M, with the average age at 26 years old.
The most valuable player in the MLS is Lionel Messi, worth €15.0M and playing for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami at 39 years old. The top 5 Players (All Positions) average €15.2M in market value, including Evander and Josh Sargent.
Age distribution shows the youngest tracked player is Julian Hall (18 years, Red Bull New York, €8.0M), while the oldest is Óscar Ustari (40 years, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, €600K). Research shows Players (All Positions) typically peak at age 26.
Our 1-year forecast model projects 296 Players (All Positions) (40%) will increase in market value over the next 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Players (All Positions) remains highly competitive with significant transfer activity expected as of October 2026.
Explore Market Size by Position in MLS
Interactive bubble chart showing predicted 2-year growth vs current age for all MLS Players (All Positions). Identify undervalued assets and track market momentum across 31 clubs with €1.4B combined value.
Age Distribution: MLS Players (All Positions)
The MLS ALL market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 24-26 bracket (183 players, 25% of market). The 27-29 age group holds the most value at €392.7M, averaging €2.5M per player.
Top Players (All Positions) by Age Bracket
U21 Years (75 players)
21-23 Years (158 players)
24-26 Years (183 players)
27-29 Years (154 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 75 Players (All Positions) (10% of players) control €503.0M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with high (€15-30m) tier representing 1% of the MLS ALL pool.
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Emerging (<€5M)
Club Distribution: MLS Players (All Positions)
Among 31 MLS clubs, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami leads with 25 Players (All Positions) worth €81.5M (averaging €3.3M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 34% of tracked Players (All Positions).
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (25 Players (All Positions))
Football Club Cincinnati (29 Players (All Positions))
Los Angeles Football Club (22 Players (All Positions))
Vancouver Whitecaps FC (28 Players (All Positions))
Scout Tools
Advanced analytics for scouting and recruitment decisions. Each tool provides unique insights into player value, potential, and market dynamics.
Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Identifies pre-peak players offering exceptional value relative to their age bracket. Higher PPVE = better value.
Understanding Pre-Peak Value Efficiency (PPVE)
Red Bull New York's Julian Hall at 18 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 17.78×. That means Julian Hall is valued 17.78× higher than the median player in the U21 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Real Salt Lake's Zavier Gozo, who is 19 years old, with a 13.33× PPVE. Third is Mateo Silvetti of Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, who is 20 years old with a 13.33× PPVE.
How PPVE is calculated: PPVE compares a player's current market value to the median value of all players in their age bracket. A PPVE of 17.78× means the player is worth 1678% more than typical players their age-making them high-value targets before they reach peak value.
PPVE by Age Bracket
| Rank | Player | Age | Bracket | Current Value | Bracket Median | PPVE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Julian Hall Red Bull New York | 18 | U21 | €8.0M | €450K | 17.78x |
| #2 | Zavier Gozo Real Salt Lake | 19 | U21 | €6.0M | €450K | 13.33x |
| #3 | Mateo Silvetti Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 20 | U21 | €6.0M | €450K | 13.33x |
| #4 | Kévin Denkey Football Club Cincinnati | 25 | 24-26 | €12.0M | €1.0M | 12.00x |
| #5 | David Martínez Los Angeles Football Club | 20 | U21 | €5.0M | €450K | 11.11x |
| #6 | Peyton Miller New England Revolution | 18 | U21 | €4.5M | €450K | 10.00x |
| #7 | Lucas Herrington Colorado Rapids | 19 | U21 | €4.5M | €450K | 10.00x |
| #8 | Sebastian Berhalter Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 25 | 24-26 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #9 | Diego Luna Real Salt Lake | 23 | 21-23 | €8.0M | €1.0M | 8.00x |
| #10 | Kaick FC Dallas | 20 | U21 | €3.5M | €450K | 7.78x |
| #11 | Gabriel Pec Los Angeles Galaxy | 25 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €1.0M | 7.00x |
| #12 | Gennadiy Synchuk Club de Foot Montréal | 20 | U21 | €3.0M | €450K | 6.67x |
| #13 | Aiden Hezarkhani Real Salt Lake | 19 | U21 | €3.0M | €450K | 6.67x |
| #14 | Luis Otávio Orlando City Soccer Club | 19 | U21 | €3.0M | €450K | 6.67x |
| #15 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €1.0M | 6.00x |
| #16 | Telasco Segovia Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 23 | 21-23 | €6.0M | €1.0M | 6.00x |
| #17 | Jorge Ruvalcaba Red Bull New York | 25 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €1.0M | 6.00x |
| #18 | Taha Habroune Columbus Crew | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €450K | 5.56x |
| #19 | Luca Bombino San Diego Football Club | 20 | U21 | €2.5M | €450K | 5.56x |
| #20 | Matthew Dos Santos Red Bull New York | 18 | U21 | €2.5M | €450K | 5.56x |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Unlock Return-to-Peak analysis for MLS Players (All Positions).
Upgrade to FanRisk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Unlock Risk-Adjusted Upside for MLS Players (All Positions).
Upgrade to FanRoster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
Unlock Roster Pressure Index for MLS Players (All Positions).
Upgrade to FanAge-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Unlock Age-Share Concentration for MLS Players (All Positions).
Upgrade to FanBuy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
Unlock the Buy Map for MLS Players (All Positions).
Upgrade to FanPrice vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
Unlock Peer Z-Score analysis for MLS Players (All Positions).
Upgrade to FanIf you were MLS's sporting director, who would you sign?
Pick a club, select up to 3 players, and build your transfer proposal.
How We Rank MLS Players (All Positions)
Our Analytical Strength Index is calibrated specifically for players (all positions), using position-specific age curves and playing time benchmarks. The model draws from academic research on player valuation (Franck & Nüesch, 2012) and age-performance curves (Dendir, 2016).
Scoring Components for ALL
Historical Achievement Index (35%)
Peak career market value for MLS players (all positions), reflecting proven track record and reputation. Uses log-scale to account for exponential value distribution at elite level.
Current Performance Proxy (30%)
Present market value for MLS players (all positions), capturing recent form, injuries, and current performance level. Weighted to reflect age-related depreciation patterns.
Playing Time Utilization (18%)
Midfielders with 2,400+ minutes score highest, indicating regular starting role and sustained performance.
Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%)
Midfielders peak at 27 with 6.0%/year decline. Pre-peak players score higher on development trajectory.
Competition Level Adjustment (3%)
MLS competition level factored into comparative strength assessment.
Performance Expectations Multiplier (2%)
Players at clubs with Champions League pedigree face higher performance standards and tactical complexity, contributing to development and market validation.
ALL Performance Benchmarks
Peak Age: 27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: Widening steps, not a flat rate: about -5% at 28, -10% at 29, steeper from 30 (technical skills age better than physical attributes)
Optimal Minutes: 2,400-2,500 per season (balance of involvement and recovery)
1-Year Market Value Forecast
Probabilistic model combining age-curve depreciation, value momentum, and playing time factors:
• Age Factor: Compounding and banded around a peak of 27: +25%/year through age 21, +15% at 22-23, +10% up to the year before peak, then -5%, -10% and steeper with each later band. Growth is damped above €30M.
• Value Trajectory: Near career peak (>95% of peak value): +3% momentum | Moderate decline: -5%
• Playing Time Factor: Regular starters (+2%), Squad rotation (-2%)
• Forecast Range: ±12-15% confidence interval
Research Foundation
• Dendir (2016): Age-performance curves for players (all positions)
• Carmichael et al. (2011): Player depreciation in top leagues
• Franck & Nüesch (2012): Hedonic pricing models for talent valuation
• Szymanski, S. (2015). Money and Soccer: A Soccernomics Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MLS Players (All Positions), updated October 2026
Who are the most valuable Players (All Positions) in the MLS right now?
The most valuable player in the MLS today is Lionel Messi, who is worth €15.0M and plays for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami. The second most valuable is Evander (€16.0M, Football Club Cincinnati), followed by Josh Sargent (€16.0M, Toronto FC). Our database tracks 746 MLS Players (All Positions) with comprehensive market valuations updated in October 2026.
How are MLS Players (All Positions) ranked?
MLS Players (All Positions) are ranked by our proprietary Analytical Strength Index, which is specifically calibrated for Players (All Positions). The score combines six factors: Historical Achievement Index (35%) measuring peak career value, Current Performance Proxy (30%) reflecting recent market signals, Playing Time Utilization (18%) tracking minutes played, Age-Adjusted Performance Curve (12%) using position-specific peak ages, League Quality Coefficient (3%) for MLS competition level, and Club Tier Multiplier (2%) accounting for club prestige. This methodology is grounded in academic research including work by Dendir (2016) on age-performance curves and Franck & Nüesch (2012) on hedonic pricing models.
What age do Players (All Positions) peak?
How much does it cost to sign a top player from the MLS?
Transfer fees for MLS Players (All Positions) vary significantly based on market value, contract length, and club bargaining position. For the top-ranked player Lionel Messi (market value: €15.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €12.0M to €21.0M depending on contract situation. Players with longer contracts (3+ years) command premium fees (1.2-1.4× market value), while those in the final year may be available for 0.8-1.1× market value. Our fee estimates are derived from historical transfer patterns and contract-clock modifiers validated against actual MLS transactions.
What is the value forecast for MLS Players (All Positions)?
Our 1-year forecast model projects market value changes for MLS Players (All Positions) based on age-curve depreciation, historical trajectory, and playing time adjustments. The forecast combines three factors: age-based appreciation/depreciation (pre-peak players compound gains toward their position's peak age, up to +25% a year through age 21 and easing as they approach it, while post-peak players fall in widening steps), market trajectory momentum (comparing current to peak value), and playing time confidence (regular starters receive +2% boost). Forecast confidence intervals account for position-specific volatility-midfielders have ±12-15% volatility. Young players (under 22) and older players (over 32) receive 1.15× uncertainty multipliers due to unpredictable development or decline patterns.
Where does the MLS player data come from?
Our MLS player data is sourced from Football Analytics AI's proprietary Transfer Intelligence Database, which aggregates market valuations, player statistics, contract information, and transfer histories from multiple industry sources. Market values are updated regularly based on player performance, injuries, contract negotiations, and transfer market activity. We enhance this data with our proprietary analytics including position-specific scoring algorithms, age-performance curves calibrated to academic research, and statistical forecast models. All data is validated against official MLS sources and updated monthly (last update October 2026) to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.
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