The Evolution of MLS Designated Players

Since its inception 18 years ago, the Major League Soccer (MLS) designated player (DP) rule has been a game-changer, allowing clubs to sign high-profile stars and promising talents. This rule has not only boosted the league's popularity but also its competitive edge. Here, we rank the top 10 best and worst DPs in MLS history, highlighting their impact on and off the pitch.

The Best

10. Clint Dempsey | Seattle Sounders Dempsey's return to MLS in 2013 marked a turning point for the Seattle Sounders. Scoring 57 goals, he helped transform the team into a league powerhouse, culminating in a Supporters' Shield and an MLS Cup victory.

9. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | LA Galaxy Ibrahimovic's debut was nothing short of spectacular, scoring a hat trick, including a 45-yard volley. Despite the Galaxy's struggles, he netted 52 goals in 56 matches, showcasing his unparalleled talent.

8. Landon Donovan | LA Galaxy Donovan's versatility and vision made him a key player for the Galaxy, leading them to three MLS Cups and a Supporters' Shield during his tenure as a DP.

7. Josef Martínez | Atlanta United Martínez's goal-scoring prowess was instrumental in Atlanta United's rapid rise, with 88 goals in his first three seasons, including a record-breaking 31 goals in 2018.

6. Thierry Henry | New York Red Bulls Henry's leadership and skill elevated the Red Bulls, culminating in a Supporters' Shield victory in 2013, a first for the club.

5. Diego Valeri | Portland Timbers Valeri's creativity and consistency made him a fan favorite, leading the Timbers to their first MLS Cup in 2015 and earning MVP honors in 2017.

4. Lionel Messi | Inter Miami Messi's arrival has been transformative, with 40 goals and 26 assists in just 46 matches, cementing his status as one of the greatest to play in MLS.

3. Carlos Vela | LAFC Vela's record-setting 34 goals in 2019 led LAFC to a Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup double, earning him MVP honors.

2. Sebastian Giovinco | Toronto FC Giovinco's arrival marked a new era for Toronto FC, leading them to an MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and Canadian Championship treble in 2017.

1. Robbie Keane | LA Galaxy Keane's impact was immediate, leading the Galaxy to three MLS Cups and a Supporters' Shield in four years, making him the most impactful DP in MLS history.

The Worst

10. Mista | Toronto FC Mista's tenure was forgettable, with just one assist in 544 minutes before retiring.

9. Mustapha Jarju | Vancouver Whitecaps Jarju failed to make an impact, registering no goals or assists in 10 games before being released.

8. Frank Rost | New York Red Bulls Rost's poor performance led to his retirement after just 11 games, making him one of the worst goalkeeping signings in MLS history.

7. Denilson | FC Dallas Once the world's most expensive player, Denilson's time in Dallas was a disaster, with just one goal in four months.

6. Nery Castillo | Chicago Fire Castillo's high expectations were unmet, with no goals or assists in eight games, marking the start of his decline.

5. Blaise Matuidi | Inter Miami Matuidi's signing was marred by roster rule violations, leading to significant penalties for Inter Miami.

4. Innocent Emeghara | San Jose Earthquakes Emeghara's time with the Earthquakes was marked by bench-warming, with just one goal in two years.

3. Raïs M'Bolhi | Philadelphia Union M'Bolhi's poor performance cost the Union points in nearly half of his nine games, making him one of the worst signings in club history.

2. Steven Gerrard | LA Galaxy Gerrard's lackluster performance and frequent absences led to the Galaxy's decline, with just five goals in two years.

1. Rafael Márquez | New York Red Bulls Márquez's tenure was plagued by injuries, suspensions, and poor performance, leading to his departure after just two seasons.

This ranking not only celebrates the legends who have shaped MLS but also serves as a cautionary tale for future signings.