The top 20 highest earners in Major League Soccer (MLS) showcase the league's increasing financial power and its ability to attract world-class talent, while also revealing the intricacies of its salary structure and the ongoing challenge of maintaining competitive balance. The league operates under a salary cap system to maintain competitive balance, currently set at approximately $5.8 million per team for 2025, but the Designated Player (DP) rule allows teams to sign up to three players whose salaries exceed the cap, attracting stars like Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba.
The Top 20 Highest Earners in MLS for 2025
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) –$20.4 million
1. Leo remains the league’s highest earner, driving Inter Miami’s success and MLS’s visibility worldwide.
2. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC) – $15.4 million
The Italian winger’s massive salary underscores Toronto FC’s investment, though on-field results have lagged.
3. Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami) – $8.5 million
The Spanish midfielder’s pay reflects his role as a key cog in Inter Miami’s star-studded lineup.
4. Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire) –$8.2 million
The Swiss star earns top dollar, though his impact has been inconsistent for Chicago.
5. Jordi Alba (Inter Miami) –$6.0 million
Alba’s new 2025 contract boosted his salary from $1.5 million to $6 million, cementing his place among the elite earners. His experience as a former Barcelona standout adds value both on and off the pitch.
6. Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls) – $6.0 million
The Swedish playmaker’s salary matches his importance to New York’s competitive aspirations.
7. Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC) – $5.2 million
A rare domestic star in the top tier, Mukhtar’s pay rewards his MVP-caliber performances.
8. H̩ctor Herrera (Houston Dynamo) Р$5.2 million
The Mexican veteran’s earnings highlight his leadership for Houston.
9. Christian Benteke (D.C. United) – $4.4 million
The Belgian striker’s resurgence has justified his high wage.
10. Riqui Puiq (LA Galaxy) – $4.0 million
The Spanish midfielder’s dynamic play has made him a cornerstone for LA Galaxy.
11. Sebastián Driussi (Austin FC) – $3.8 million
The Argentine forward leads Austin FC’s attack, earning a substantial salary.
12. Luiz Ara̼jo (Atlanta United) Р$3.6 million
Atlanta’s aggressive spending continues with the Brazilian forward.
13. Federico Bernardeschi (Toronto FC) – $3.1 million
Another high earner for Toronto, his salary adds to their hefty payroll.
14. Douglas Costa (LA Galaxy) – $3.0 million
The Brazilian winger’s pay reflects LA Galaxy’s pursuit of flair.
15. Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew) – $2.9 million
The Colombian striker’s salary aligns with his key role in Columbus’s success.
16. Karol Swiderski (Charlotte FC) – $2.2 million
The Polish forward’s earnings signal Charlotte’s ambition.
17. Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City) – $2.2 million
The Mexican striker remains a valuable asset for Sporting KC.
18. Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United) – $2.1 million
The Argentine playmaker’s creativity earns him a top wage.
19. Brenner (FC Cincinnati) – $2.0 million
The Brazilian forward’s salary reflects Cincinnati’s investment in youth.
20. Joseph Paintsil (LA Galaxy) – $1.9 million (estimated, based on recent trends)
The Ghanaian winger rounds out the list as a rising star.
Compared to top European leagues like the Premier League or La Liga, MLS salaries remain modest. Europe’s highest earners can exceed $50 million annually, dwarfing Messi’s $20.4 million. Yet, MLS’s salary cap and DP system provide financial stability while allowing gradual growth in competitiveness. The league also invests in young talent, like Cavan Sullivan, ensuring a sustainable future alongside its star signings.
The top 20 earners in MLS symbolize the league’s ambition to rival global soccer powers, but they also highlight the delicate balance between financial investment and competitive equity. As MLS grows, managing these dynamics will be key to its long-term success, ensuring it can attract stars while fostering a level playing field and nurturing local talent.
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