Major League Soccer (MLS) has evolved into a major player in the global football scene, attracting top talent from Europe, South America, and beyond. The increasing influx of star players from prestigious clubs around the world has elevated the league’s reputation, both in terms of competition and financial rewards. As of 2025, Major League Soccer has become a magnet for global talent, with several of the sport’s biggest stars now calling the U.S. home. Their hefty salaries not only reflect individual star power but also signal the league’s growing ambition and its expanding influence on the global football stage.
Among these stars, Lionel Messi, the Argentine maestro, stands out as the highest-paid player in MLS, a testament to his unparalleled legacy and marketability. His move to Inter Miami was one of the most significant events in the history of the league, marking the beginning of a new era for MLS. However, Messi is far from the only player commanding a lucrative contract. As we dive into this list, we’ll explore who else ranks among the top earners in 2025, highlighting how much they make and what makes them such valuable assets in the world of football.
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10. Walker Zimmerman — £47,633 per week
Walker Zimmerman is the only American player on this list, which is notable considering MLS’ usual reliance on international talent. The central defender, who plays for Nashville SC, has proven himself as a key figure for the U.S. national team as well as his club. Zimmerman’s consistency at the back and his role as a vocal leader for both club and country have earned him a well-deserved spot among Major League Soccer’s top earners. As the highest-paid American in the league, his salary reflects not only his defensive reliability but also his influence as a cornerstone in U.S. soccer’s domestic development.
Despite not being as internationally recognized as other stars on this list, Zimmerman’s consistency on the field has made him invaluable to his team. His ability to disrupt opposing attacks and organize the backline has made him one of the most reliable defenders in the league, which is reflected in his weekly earnings.
9. Hugo Cuypers — £48,198 per week
Belgian forward Hugo Cuypers has quickly made a name for himself in MLS, becoming one of the league’s highest-paid players. His impressive performance for Chicago Fire, particularly his debut season where he scored 10 goals, set the stage for his current place on this list. As the season progresses, Cuypers has continued to prove his worth, already halfway to matching his previous goal tally after just five games into 2025.
With his dynamic playing style and ability to find the back of the net, Cuypers has cemented his reputation as one of MLS’s top attackers. His value to Chicago Fire, and the league in general, is undeniable, and his salary is a testament to the club’s faith in his abilities.
8. Hany Mukhtar — £56,564 per week
German midfielder Hany Mukhtar has been one of the most consistent performers in MLS over the past few years. Since joining Nashville SC, he has amassed over 100 goal contributions in just 140 games, an extraordinary statistic for any player in any league. Mukhtar’s vision, technical ability, and knack for both scoring and assisting make him one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers.
His salary reflects his influence on the field, and as Nashville’s highest-paid player, Mukhtar is expected to continue delivering at the highest level. His blend of creativity and productivity has made him a standout player in the league, which justifies his place among the top earners in MLS.
7. Riqui Puig — £59,541 per week
Former Barcelona star Riqui Puig made a high-profile move to LA Galaxy, and his performances have exceeded expectations. Known for his creativity in midfield, Puig played a crucial role in LA Galaxy’s MLS Cup triumph, making an immediate impact after his free transfer. Despite suffering an ACL injury in late 2024, Puig’s past performances and potential for the future justify his lofty weekly wage.
His ability to control the game and dictate play from midfield is invaluable to LA Galaxy, and he has proven to be one of the most exciting young talents in MLS. The club’s decision to pay him top dollar reflects their belief in his capabilities and his importance to the team.
6. Carles Gil — £59,541 per week
Carles Gil, a former Premier League player with Aston Villa, has found success in MLS with New England Revolution. Since joining the club, he has been their most influential player, contributing significantly both in goals and assists. His technical skill and ability to control the tempo of the game have made him a standout player in MLS, and his salary reflects his importance to the team.
As New England’s highest-paid player, Gil’s salary is a reward for his performances, and he continues to be the driving force behind the team’s attack. Despite his past struggles in England, Gil has proven himself to be one of the most effective midfielders in MLS.
5. Christian Benteke — £63,262 per week
Christian Benteke has experienced a remarkable resurgence at DC United, proving that his goal-scoring instincts are as sharp as ever. Capturing the MLS Golden Boot, Benteke outpaced global icons like Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, showcasing a blend of strength, aerial dominance, and composure in front of goal. His ability to lead the line with authority has reestablished him as one of the most feared strikers in the league. Benteke’s impressive performances have not only elevated DC United’s attacking threat but also earned him a salary that mirrors his elite status in MLS.
His impressive form in 2024, capped by winning the Golden Boot, proves that Benteke is still capable of competing at the highest level. His salary is well-earned, given his ability to lead DC United’s attack and his importance to the team’s success in 2025.
4. Emil Forsberg — £80,455 per week
Swedish midfielder Emil Forsberg made the move from RB Leipzig to New York Red Bulls in 2024, becoming the club’s highest-paid player. Forsberg quickly adapted to MLS, delivering 14 goal contributions in his first season with the Red Bulls. His ability to create chances and score goals has made him a key figure for the team, and his salary reflects his high-profile transfer.
Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Forsberg’s experience and skillset have made him one of the most influential players in the league. His performances continue to justify his place among the highest-paid players in MLS.
3. Lorenzo Insigne — £111,639 per week
Lorenzo Insigne’s move to Toronto FC in 2022 was one of the biggest signings in MLS history. The diminutive Italian winger’s salary is among the highest in the league, a testament to his stature as one of Europe’s top players. At the time of his signing, Insigne was the highest-paid player in MLS, though that position has since been surpassed by other stars.
Though he no longer holds the title of the highest-paid player in MLS, Lorenzo Insigne still ranks among the league’s top earners with a weekly wage of £111,639. Known for his explosive dribbling, sharp acceleration, and eye for goal, Insigne remains a standout performer whose flair continues to captivate fans across the league.
2. Sergio Busquets — £126,524 per week
Sergio Busquets, another Barcelona legend, made the move to Inter Miami in 2023 after a stellar career in Europe. Despite being in the twilight of his playing days, Busquets remains one of the top midfielders in MLS, controlling the tempo of games with his exceptional passing range and defensive awareness. His weekly salary of £126,524 is well-earned, considering his continued high level of play at 36 years old.
Busquets’ transition to MLS has been seamless, and he remains an integral part of Inter Miami’s success in 2025. His salary is a reflection of his importance to the team, and it is clear that he still has much to offer at the highest level.
1. Lionel Messi — £178,622 per week
Unsurprisingly, Lionel Messi stands atop the MLS salary rankings in 2025. Since his high-profile move to Inter Miami, the Argentine superstar has transformed not just his club, but the entire perception of Major League Soccer. With a weekly wage of £178,622, Messi is the league’s highest earner — a reflection of both his legendary status and the commercial power he brings. His presence in the MLS has drawn unprecedented global attention, boosting attendance, viewership, and sponsorship deals, all while continuing to deliver moments of brilliance on the pitch. While his salary is lower than what he earned at PSG and Barcelona, his earning potential through sponsorships and endorsements remains enormous.
Messi’s ability to deliver on the field, coupled with his global stature, has made him the most marketable player in MLS. His salary reflects not only his on-field contributions but also his off-field influence, making him the undisputed top earner in the league.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, the financial rewards in Major League Soccer reflect the immense talent that graces the pitch. The top earners of 2025, led by Lionel Messi, demonstrate the growing influence of the league in attracting football’s biggest stars. These players, from legendary figures like Messi and Busquets to emerging talents like Cuypers and Benteke, are changing the face of MLS and setting new standards for player salaries in North America.
The growth of MLS has not only been marked by rising wages but also by the increasing visibility and popularity of the league worldwide. As more international players continue to make their mark, MLS is well on its way to becoming one of the most competitive and lucrative football leagues in the world. The star-studded roster of the league in 2025 proves that MLS is no longer a secondary destination for players but a top-tier option for elite talent.
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