Best Players (All Positions) in the MLS (Jul 2026)
Ranked by Analytical Strength Index
Market Overview: MLS Players (All Positions) 2023-24
Our database tracked 219 MLS Players (All Positions) in the 2023-24 season, representing 30 clubs with a combined market value of €651.9M. The average market value for MLS Players (All Positions) was €3.0M, with the average age at 29 years old.
The most valuable player in the MLS was Lionel Messi, worth €35.0M and played for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami at 39 years old. The top 5 Players (All Positions) averaged €19.2M in market value, including Heung-min Son and Rodrigo De Paul.
Age distribution showed the youngest tracked player was Duran Ferree (19 years, San Diego Football Club, €150K), while the oldest was Óscar Ustari (40 years, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, €600K). Research shows Players (All Positions) typically peak at age 26-27.
Historical analysis showed 60 Players (All Positions) (27%) increased in market value over the following 12 months based on age-curve trajectories, then-current performance trends, and playing time analysis. The MLS market for Players (All Positions) remained highly competitive with significant transfer activity in the 2023-24 season.
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 30 clubs with €651.9M combined value.
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.
Age Distribution: MLS Players (All Positions)
The MLS ALL market shows 5 distinct age segments, with the largest cohort in the 30+ bracket (84 players, 38% of market). The 30+ age group holds the most value at €289.2M, averaging €3.4M per player.
Top Players (All Positions) by Age Bracket
U21 Years (2 players)
21-23 Years (19 players)
24-26 Years (44 players)
27-29 Years (70 players)
Market Value Distribution
Elite Tier Concentration
The top 22 Players (All Positions) (10% of players) control €252.5M
Market Tiers
Market structure shows distributed value with premium (€30-50m) tier representing 0% of the MLS ALL pool.
Premium (€30-50M)
High (€15-30M)
Mid (€5-15M)
Club Distribution: MLS Players (All Positions)
Among 30 MLS clubs, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami leads with 9 Players (All Positions) worth €82.6M (averaging €9.2M per player). The top 10 clubs account for 38% of tracked Players (All Positions).
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami (9 Players (All Positions))
Atlanta United Football Club (11 Players (All Positions))
Los Angeles Football Club (9 Players (All Positions))
San Diego Football Club (9 Players (All Positions))
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
€45.2M
€35.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €31.5M
82.5
Heung-min Son
Los Angeles Football Club • 34 years old
€22.0M
€17.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €15.3M
69.6
Rodrigo De Paul
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 32 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €13.1M
69.4
Anders Dreyer
San Diego Football Club • 28 years old
€19.4M
€15.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €13.5M
68.3
Kévin Denkey
Football Club Cincinnati • 25 years old
€12.1M
€14.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €14.2M
67.9
Sergio Reguilón
Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami • 29 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €10.6M
67.2
Hany Mukhtar
Nashville SC • 31 years old
€15.5M
€12.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €9.9M
66.5
Riqui Puig
Los Angeles Galaxy • 26 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.4M
66.0
Josh Sargent
Toronto FC • 26 years old
€10.4M
€12.0M
+15.6%
Expected: €12.9M
65.6
Aleksey Miranchuk
Atlanta United Football Club • 30 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.3M
60.5
Hugo Cuypers
Chicago Fire Soccer Club • 29 years old
€12.9M
€10.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.2M
59.6
Joseph Paintsil
Los Angeles Galaxy • 28 years old
€12.3M
€9.5M
-22.6%
Expected: €8.2M
59.0
Jonathan Bamba
Chicago Fire Soccer Club • 30 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.4M
58.2
Miguel Almirón
Atlanta United Football Club • 32 years old
€11.6M
€9.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.8M
58.2
Evander
Football Club Cincinnati • 28 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €7.0M
57.5
Matt Turner
New England Revolution • 32 years old
€9.0M
€7.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.0M
57.5
Petar Musa
FC Dallas • 28 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.9M
56.9
Hirving Lozano
San Diego Football Club • 30 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
56.8
Denis Bouanga
Los Angeles Football Club • 31 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
56.8
Myrto Uzuni
Austin FC • 31 years old
€10.3M
€8.0M
-22.6%
Expected: €6.6M
56.8
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)
Football Club Cincinnati's Kévin Denkey at 25 years old has the highest Pre-Peak Value Efficiency at 9.33×. That means Kévin Denkey is valued 9.33× higher than the median player in the 24-26 age bracket-representing exceptional value before reaching peak age.
In second is Colorado Rapids's Paxten Aaronson, who is 22 years old, with a 7.00× PPVE. Third is Liel Abada of Charlotte Football Club, who is 24 years old with a 4.67× 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 9.33× means the player is worth 833% 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 | Kévin Denkey Football Club Cincinnati | 25 | 24-26 | €14.0M | €1.5M | 9.33× |
| #2 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 21-23 | €7.0M | €1.0M | 7.00× |
| #3 | Liel Abada Charlotte Football Club | 24 | 24-26 | €7.0M | €1.5M | 4.67× |
| #4 | Telasco Segovia Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | 23 | 21-23 | €4.5M | €1.0M | 4.50× |
| #5 | David Da Costa Portland Timbers | 25 | 24-26 | €6.0M | €1.5M | 4.00× |
| #6 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €3.5M | €1.0M | 3.50× |
| #7 | Iván Jaime Club de Foot Montréal | 25 | 24-26 | €5.0M | €1.5M | 3.33× |
| #8 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #9 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 23 | 21-23 | €2.5M | €1.0M | 2.50× |
| #10 | Leonardo Campana New England Revolution | 25 | 24-26 | €3.5M | €1.5M | 2.33× |
| #11 | Alhassan Yusuf New England Revolution | 25 | 24-26 | €3.0M | €1.5M | 2.00× |
| #12 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #13 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis City Soccer Club | 23 | 21-23 | €2.0M | €1.0M | 2.00× |
| #14 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €1.8M | €1.0M | 1.80× |
| #15 | Matheus Pereira Toronto FC | 25 | 24-26 | €2.5M | €1.5M | 1.67× |
| #16 | Cole Bassett Portland Timbers | 24 | 24-26 | €2.0M | €1.5M | 1.33× |
| #17 | Brayan Ceballos New England Revolution | 25 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €1.5M | 1.20× |
| #18 | Antony Portland Timbers | 24 | 24-26 | €1.8M | €1.5M | 1.20× |
| #19 | Willy Kumado San Diego Football Club | 23 | 21-23 | €1.2M | €1.0M | 1.20× |
| #20 | CJ Olney Jr. Philadelphia Union | 19 | U21 | €150K | €150K | 1.00× |
Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
Recovery potential from current value to forecasted peak. Shows how much upside remains for players approaching their prime.
Understanding Return-to-Peak Potential (RPP)
San Diego Football Club's Duran Ferree at 19 years old has the highest Return-to-Peak Potential at +52%. That means Duran Ferree is projected to appreciate 52% as they reach their peak age in 7 years-representing significant upside before entering their prime.
In second is Philadelphia Union's CJ Olney Jr., who is 19 years old, with a +40% RPP (7 years to peak). Third is Fabian Mrozek of Football Club Cincinnati, who is 22 years old with a +40% RPP (4 years to peak).
How RPP is calculated: RPP compares a player's current market value to their forecasted peak value, calculating the percentage appreciation potential. A 52% RPP means the player is expected to gain 52% value as they enter their prime-making them excellent growth investments.
Recovery Potential by Player
| Rank | Player | Age | Years to Peak | Current | Peak Forecast | RPP % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duran Ferree San Diego Football Club | 19 | 7 | €150K | €310K | +52% |
| #2 | CJ Olney Jr. Philadelphia Union | 19 | 7 | €150K | €249K | +40% |
| #3 | Fabian Mrozek Football Club Cincinnati | 22 | 4 | €200K | €332K | +40% |
| #4 | Juan Mina Red Bull New York | 21 | 5 | €200K | €309K | +35% |
| #5 | Justin Che Red Bull New York | 22 | 4 | €700K | €1.0M | +30% |
| #6 | Brian Schwake Nashville SC | 24 | 2 | €250K | €359K | +30% |
| #7 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | 21 | 5 | €2.5M | €3.6M | +30% |
| #8 | Giuseppe Bovalina Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #9 | Nelson Pierre Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 21 | 5 | €200K | €287K | +30% |
| #10 | Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | 22 | 4 | €400K | €575K | +30% |
| #11 | Hamzat Ojediran Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €1.0M | €1.3M | +25% |
| #12 | Zach Booth Real Salt Lake | 22 | 4 | €500K | €668K | +25% |
| #13 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego Football Club | 22 | 4 | €150K | €201K | +25% |
| #14 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | 22 | 4 | €7.0M | €9.4M | +25% |
| #15 | Willy Kumado San Diego Football Club | 23 | 3 | €1.2M | €1.6M | +25% |
| #16 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis City Soccer Club | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.7M | +25% |
| #17 | Markus Anderson Philadelphia Union | 22 | 4 | €200K | €267K | +25% |
| #18 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles Football Club | 23 | 3 | €1.8M | €2.4M | +25% |
| #19 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | 23 | 3 | €2.5M | €3.1M | +20% |
| #20 | Caden Clark D.C. United | 23 | 3 | €2.0M | €2.5M | +20% |
Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
Upside potential weighted against forecast uncertainty. Higher RAU = better risk-reward profile.
Understanding Risk-Adjusted Upside (RAU)
San Diego Football Club's Duran Ferree has the highest Risk-Adjusted Upside at 154.3. That means Duran Ferree has 40% upside potential with only 0% forecast uncertainty-representing excellent risk-reward for value appreciation.
In second is Football Club Cincinnati's Fabian Mrozek with a 100.1 RAU (19% upside, 0% uncertainty). Third is Brian Schwake of Nashville SC with a 58.1 RAU (10% upside, 0% uncertainty).
How RAU is calculated: RAU divides upside potential by forecast uncertainty (RAU = Upside % ÷ Uncertainty %). A RAU of 154.3 means the upside is 154.3× greater than the uncertainty-making it a high-confidence growth opportunity. Target RAU ≥2.0 for balanced risk-reward.
Risk-Adjusted Upside by Player
| Rank | Player | Expected | Range | Upside % | RAU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Duran Ferree San Diego Football Club | €209K | €190K-229K | +40% | 154.3 |
| #2 | Fabian Mrozek Football Club Cincinnati | €238K | €219K-257K | +19% | 100.1 |
| #3 | Brian Schwake Nashville SC | €276K | €254K-298K | +10% | 58.1 |
| #4 | CJ Olney Jr. Philadelphia Union | €179K | €154K-203K | +19% | 58.0 |
| #5 | Juan Mina Red Bull New York | €229K | €203K-256K | +15% | 55.6 |
| #6 | Justin Che Red Bull New York | €772K | €695K-849K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #7 | Zane Monlouis Toronto FC | €441K | €397K-485K | +10% | 46.5 |
| #8 | Giuseppe Bovalina Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #9 | Nelson Pierre Vancouver Whitecaps FC | €221K | €190K-251K | +10% | 33.7 |
| #10 | Willy Kumado San Diego Football Club | €1.3M | €1.1M-1.4M | +6% | 27.6 |
| #11 | Mamadou Mbacke St. Louis City Soccer Club | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.3M | +6% | 27.6 |
| #12 | Artem Smolyakov Los Angeles Football Club | €1.9M | €1.7M-2.1M | +6% | 27.6 |
| #13 | Caden Clark D.C. United | €2.1M | €1.9M-2.4M | +7% | 25.4 |
| #14 | Nectarios Triantis Minnesota United FC | €2.7M | €2.3M-3.0M | +7% | 25.4 |
| #15 | Telasco Segovia Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | €4.8M | €4.2M-5.4M | +7% | 25.4 |
| #16 | Igor Jesus Los Angeles Football Club | €3.7M | €3.3M-4.2M | +7% | 25.4 |
| #17 | Markus Anderson Philadelphia Union | €212K | €186K-237K | +6% | 23.0 |
| #18 | Kevin Kelsy Portland Timbers | €2.8M | €2.2M-3.3M | +10% | 22.5 |
| #19 | Alejandro Alvarado San Diego Football Club | €159K | €138K-179K | +6% | 21.2 |
| #20 | Paxten Aaronson Colorado Rapids | €7.4M | €6.4M-8.4M | +6% | 21.2 |
Roster Pressure Index (RPI)
Squad depth pressure based on Z-score distribution. Negative RPI = thin depth, positive = deep roster.
What This Shows
Z-Score explained: Measures how many standard deviations a player's strength is from the position average. Z-Score = 0 means average, +1.0 is one standard deviation above average, -1.0 is below average.
How to use: RPI < -1.0 indicates critical depth shortage. These positions need immediate reinforcement. RPI > +1.0 suggests strong depth, allowing selective, high-value additions only.
Current market: player position shows weak depth (avg Z-score: -0.00). RPI: -0.00.
Position Depth Analysis
Highest Z-Scores
Lowest Z-Scores
Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Identifies players capturing disproportionate value relative to age group representation. Positive ASC = value concentration.
Understanding Age-Share Concentration (ASC)
Real Salt Lake's Rafael Cabral in the 30+ age bracket has the highest Age-Share Concentration at +6.0%. That means Lionel Messi captures 44.4% of total market value while representing only 38.4% of players in their age group-showing dominant elite status.
In second is Red Bull New York's Emil Forsberg with a +6.0% ASC (44.4% value share vs 38.4% player share in 30+ bracket). Third is Alejandro Bedoya of Philadelphia Union with a +6.0% ASC (44.4% value vs 38.4% players in 30+ bracket).
How ASC is calculated: ASC = (% of total value) - (% of total players) in age bracket. A +6.0% ASC means the player captures 6.0% more market value than their numerical representation-indicating marquee status. ASC > +15% = elite dominance, ASC < -15% = potential value targets.
Value Concentration by Player
| Rank | Player | Age Bracket | Value Share | Player Share | ASC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rafael Cabral Real Salt Lake | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #2 | Emil Forsberg Red Bull New York | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #3 | Alejandro Bedoya Philadelphia Union | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #4 | Carles Gil New England Revolution | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #5 | Jonathan Bond Houston Dynamo | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #6 | Gastón Brugman Nashville SC | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #7 | Tim Ream Charlotte Football Club | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #8 | Andy Nájar Nashville SC | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #9 | Wilfried Zaha Charlotte Football Club | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #10 | Hany Mukhtar Nashville SC | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #11 | Erik Thommy Los Angeles Galaxy | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #12 | Dario Zuparic Portland Timbers | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #13 | Nemanja Radoja Sporting Kansas City | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #14 | Rudy Camacho Columbus Crew | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #15 | Robin Lod Chicago Fire Soccer Club | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #16 | Brad Smith Football Club Cincinnati | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #17 | Sebastian Lletget FC Dallas | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #18 | Hugo Lloris Los Angeles Football Club | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #19 | Tim Leibold Sporting Kansas City | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
| #20 | Yuya Kubo Football Club Cincinnati | 30+ | 44.4% | 38.4% | +6.0% |
Buy-Now vs Wait-List Map
Categorizes players by age position and upside potential to guide timing of acquisition.
What This Shows
How to use:"Buy Now - High Upside" = immediate priority targets."Watch List" = monitor for 6-12 months."Peak" = pay premium for proven performers."Aging" = short-term depth only.
Current market: 3 immediate targets, 19 standard acquisitions, 0 watch-list prospects, 95 at peak.
BUY NOW - High Upside
WATCH LIST - High Upside
No players in this category
BUY NOW - Medium Upside
PEAK Players
Price vs Peer Z-Score
IQR-based pricing analysis relative to position peers. Identifies over/undervalued players vs market.
What This Shows
How to use: Z-score < -1.5 = significantly undervalued (potential bargain). Z-score > +1.5 = premium pricing (requires strong justification). Within ±1.0 = fair market value.
Current market: Position median is €1.8M. 0 undervalued, 5 premium.
Value Positioning vs Peers
| Player | Market Value | Position Median | Z-Score | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Rodrigo De Paul Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami | €15.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Ezequiel Ponce Houston Dynamo | €5.0M | €2.0M | -1.00 | Good Value |
Christian Koffi Nashville SC | €150K | €2.0M | -0.96 | Good Value |
Maxi Moralez New York City Football Club | €200K | €2.0M | -0.94 | Good Value |
Brady Scott Los Angeles Galaxy | €125K | €2.0M | -0.94 | Good Value |
Alejandro Bedoya Philadelphia Union | €250K | €2.0M | -0.91 | Good Value |
Osaze De Rosario Seattle Sounders FC | €250K | €2.0M | -0.89 | Good Value |
Capita Sporting Kansas City | €250K | €2.0M | -0.89 | Good Value |
Brian Schwake Nashville SC | €250K | €2.0M | -0.89 | Good Value |
Darius Johnson San Jose Earthquakes | €275K | €2.0M | -0.88 | Good Value |
Zorhan Bassong Sporting Kansas City | €250K | €2.0M | -0.88 | Good Value |
Sam Surridge Nashville SC | €5.5M | €2.0M | -0.83 | Good Value |
Yuya Kubo Football Club Cincinnati | €400K | €2.0M | -0.82 | Good Value |
Marco Pašalić Orlando City Soccer Club | €350K | €2.0M | -0.82 | Good Value |
Ian Harkes San Jose Earthquakes | €450K | €2.0M | -0.79 | Good Value |
Maxwell Woledzi Nashville SC | €400K | €2.0M | -0.79 | Good Value |
Ronald Hernández Atlanta United Football Club | €450K | €2.0M | -0.78 | Good Value |
Andy Nájar Nashville SC | €500K | €2.0M | -0.76 | Good Value |
Rudy Camacho Columbus Crew | €500K | €2.0M | -0.76 | Good Value |
Vítor Costa San Jose Earthquakes | €500K | €2.0M | -0.76 | Good Value |
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 26-27 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: 26-27 years (technical skill and tactical awareness)
Decline Rate: 6.0% per year (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: Midfielder -6.0%/year post-peak, +5%/year pre-peak
• 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) in the 2023-24 season
Who are the most valuable Players (All Positions) in the MLS in 2023-24?
The most valuable player in the MLS in 2023-24 is Lionel Messi, who is worth €35.0M and plays for Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami. The second most valuable is Heung-min Son (€17.0M, Los Angeles Football Club), followed by Rodrigo De Paul (€15.0M, Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami). Our database tracks 219 MLS Players (All Positions) with comprehensive market valuations updated for the 2023-24 season.
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: €35.0M), estimated transfer fees would range from €28.0M to €49.0M 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 gain ~5% per year toward peak age, post-peak players decline at position-specific rates), 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 for the 2023-24 season to ensure accuracy for recruitment and investment decisions.