The MLS is growing and improving at a fairly impressive rate these days, thanks to American and international play alike. But as the recent edition of soccer’s newest great rivalry – “El Trafico” – demonstrated, it’s still the major international stars that make the biggest impact. LAFC-versus-LA Galaxy was rightly billed as a clash not just between two cross-town adversaries or two good teams, but between Carlos Vela and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Unless Christian Pulisic decides to make his way home to play in the MLS, American soccer doesn’t quite have players as magnetic as Ibrahimovic and Vela. But it also doesn’t need them to keep the MLS moving in the right direction. All great domestic soccer leagues have international collections of players, and we’ve seen already that some of the biggest stars on Earth are willing to consider wrapping up their careers, at least, in the U.S.
As to which big star may come to the MLS next, we can’t exactly say. But we have some good guesses.
Arjen Robben
Dutch winger Arjen Robben is actually retired at the moment, having announced as much this past July after a final season with Bayern Munich.
But before retiring he had implied that he was open to a move to the MLS, and he was still an effective player at the end.
At 35, Robben is clearly past his prime, but it’s not too late for him to get back into soccer and take a stab at the MLS.
He would be one of the better players in the league even now, and would likely be embraced by American fans who have seen him on the international stage, in Champions League and World Cup play alike.
David Silva
David Silva remains a high-level player for Manchester City, to the point that he’s likely to play a key role in a deep Champions League run this very season. Per the online sportsbooks of Pennsylvania, which now cover the UCL, Man City has some of the best odds at a title despite being a step behind Liverpool in the Premier League.
And if City proves the bookies right it would be the perfect ending for Silva – who has already stated he’ll be done with the club after this, his 10th season.
Silva has indicated he won’t play for another European club, which could mean retirement.
But he’ll just be 34 after the season, with plenty left in the tank if he wants to suit up for an MLS team, collect a hefty contract, and not worry about facing his old side.
Guillermo Ochoa
Guillermo Ochoa might not be quite on the same level as these other stars in terms of consistent international excellence.
But he’s certainly about as talented as any goalkeeper in the MLS, and he’s a favorite among a lot of U.S. fans who have taken notice of some exceptional World Cup performances over the years.
Ochoa currently plays in Mexico City and seems likely to finish his career there, but one never knows.
He could be a stealth candidate for a late-career move north, if the right contract offer materializes.
Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud remains a capable striker who, all things considered, has had a better career than he’s sometimes given credit for. And in the MLS, he’d likely be a scoring force for at least another couple of years.
The French national is currently with Chelsea following his cross-town move from Arsenal, but reports have indicated that several MLS clubs are on his list as potential next destinations.
From what we know, he’d welcome a move to Miami, LA, Chicago, New York, or Washington D.C.
Cristiano Ronaldo
There have long been rumors that Ronaldo could finish his career in the United States. Beyond that, we also know that David Beckham dreams of launching his Miami franchise with Ronaldo and Leonardo Messi.
It’s not a concrete story by any means, but the money would be there for Ronaldo, and it does seem like something he’d consider, given how conscious he’s always been of his personal brand.
A move to the states and direct exposure to the American media and endorsement market would make a great deal of commercial sense for the Portuguese superstar.
