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10 Highest Paid MLS Players: 2023 Edition

As soccer continues to captivate American sports and becomes truly global following the signing of Lionel Messi, we take a look at who the highest paid MLS players are. 

Highest Paid MLS Players

The MLS continues to grow into one of the best soccer leagues in the world with some of the best stadiums and best players  that you’ll ever see. Let’s find out who the highest paid MLS player is as we take a look at the top 10.

10. Josef Martínez – Inter Miami ($4.4m)

Arguably the best striker in MLS history, Josef Martinez joined Inter Miami in 2023 after six seasons and 98 league goals in Atlanta. A true star of the league, he’s an inspirational leader and full of charisma. 

One of the most agile and clinical finishers in the league, the former MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner is one of the highest paid MLS players because of the impact he can have on winning games.

9. Christian Benteke – D.C. United ($4.4m)

The centerpiece of DC United’s attack, Christian Benteke is a formidable presence up forward standing at 6-foot-4. He’s a prolific header of the ball and a constant threat on goal.

Benteke’s strength and ability to hold up play allows him to bring his teammates into the game. The powerful Belgian striker also brings his leadership abilities to the US capital which is another reason why he’s one of the highest paid MLS players.

8. Douglas Costa – LA Galaxy ($4.5m)

Former Juventus and Bayern Munich winger Douglas Costa joined LA Galaxy in 2022. Known for his blistering speed and acceleration, he’s known particularly for his ability to beat opponents one-on-one, and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. 

The Galaxy made Costa one of the highest paid MLS players with an annual salary of $4.5 million. Despite his moments of brilliance, the Galaxy will be looking to get more consistency from the Brazilian.

7. Héctor Herrera – Houston Dynamo ($5.3m)

Mexican superstar Héctor Herrera joined Houston Dynamo in 2022 as their highest profile signing ever, joining from Atletico Madrid. His tactical intelligence, physicality, playmaking and defensive work rate made him one of the most hotly anticipated signings. 

Although injury impacted Herrera’s start to his time in Houston, there’s no doubting the impact his presence in midfield can have. The Dynamo will however be looking to get more value from one of the highest paid players in the MLS.

6. Sebastián Driussi – Austin FC ($6m)

Sebastian Driussi plays out of one of the best MLS stadiums, Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium. The former River Plate product joined on a mega four-year deal from Russian team Zenit Saint Petersburg for a transfer fee of $16.5 million.

Driussi’s combination of his work rate, dribbling, finishing, pace and determination led to Austin’s incredible 2022 season, where he scored 22 league goals and earned MLS Best XI honors.

5. Federico Bernardeschi – Toronto FC ($6.3m)

Federico Bernardeschi won three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus before joining Toronto FC in 2022. The club made him one of the highest paid MLS players on the back of his world class technique and elegance that he brings to his game. 

His vision and passing accuracy allows him to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, and his excellent understanding of the game makes him comfortable playing almost any role in attack.

4. Javier “Chicharito” Hernández – LA Galaxy ($7.4m)

Mexican forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández is known for his goal-scoring exploits which is why the LA Galaxy made him one of the highest paid MLS players in 2020. 

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star has sharp instincts in the box and his intelligent movement off the ball, as well as his impeccable timing, has made him a threat in front of goal his entire career.

A torn ACL in the U.S Open quarterfinal in 2023 ended his season, possibly ending his time with the Galaxy and maybe even his career.

3. Lorenzo Insigne – Toronto FC ($7.5m)

Toronto FC has one of the highest player payrolls, and Lorenzo Insigne’s $7.5 million annual salary is a major reason why. Joining the Canadian club in 2022 on a free transfer, Insigne signed a four year deal. 

The former Napoli winger is a game changer, and his ability and quickness makes him one of Major League Soccer’s biggest threats. 

Insigne’s excellent vision and playmaking skills aside, it’s his ability to take on defenders and navigate through tight spaces which makes him one of the most exciting players to watch.

2. Xherdan Shaqiri – Chicago Fire ($8.2m)

Highly talented Swiss winger Xherdan Shaqiri joined the Chicago Fire in 2022 following a $7.5 million transfer from French club Lyon. The former Liverpool star brings technical ability, versatility, and creativity to Major League Soccer. 

Arriving in the league as the highest paid MLS player, the pressure was always going to be on Shaqiri to be a success. Despite showing glimpses of brilliance, he hasn’t delivered the impact that the Chicago Fire would’ve hoped for so far. 

1. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami ($53.7m)

The greatest player of all time to many, Lionel Messi rejected a 3 year, $1.6 billion offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal, instead joining Inter Miami on a deal worth $53.7 million a year. 

It’s a seal that makes Messi the highest paid MLS player and his salary trumps every other Major League Soccer player’s salary, easily becoming the highest paid MLS player. 

His yearly earnings are more than any other MLB and NFL player, and only a handful of NBA players earn more than the Argentinian superstar.

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