When Bastian Schweinsteiger confirmed that he would be leaving Manchester United to join Chicago Fire, he entered the list of illustrious names in football who have signed for Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States. The league introduced the concept of Designated foreign players in 2007, with the arrival of England star David Beckham. We look at five prominent household names in the sport who joined the MLS in the last ten years.
David Beckham
Major teams : England, Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain
MLS club : LA Galaxy
Duration : 2007-2012
Position : Midfield
David Beckham, the former Manchester United superstar, made the move from Real Madrid at the age of 32, after signing a lucrative five-year deal with the Los Angeles side LA Galaxy. Beckham’s presence gave the league a major boost and paved the way for future signings, including Irishman Robbie Keane. In 98 appearances for the MLS, Beckham had 18 goals and 32 assists to his credit. He had a total of 124 appearances for Galaxy, including the Playoffs and the CONCACAF Champions League. He helped win the MLS Cup in both his final two seasons with the side.
Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry scores for New York Red Bulls
Thierry Henry scores for New York Red Bulls
Major teams : France, Arsenal, Monaco, Barcelona, Juventus
MLS club : New York Red Bulls
Duration : 2010-2014
Position : Forward
The French star signed on as New York Red Bulls’ second Designated player in 2010, making the move from Barcelona. His first appearance for the club was in a friendly match against Tottenham. He helped the Red Bulls win their first Supporters Shield in 2013. In between, he returned to Arsenal on loan for a brief period, before heading back to New York. When Henry left the club in 2014, he took his MLS goal tally to 51, with 35 assists.
Kaka
Major teams : Brazil, AC Milan, Sao Paulo, Real Madrid
MLS club : Orlando City
Duration : 2015-
Position : Midfield
The Brazilian signed as Orlando City’s first Designated Player, moving from AC Milan. In 2016, Kaka topped the list of the highest paid players in the MLS, with a salary of $7.16 million. He had an impressive first season at the MLS, with 9 goals in 28 games. He was named captain of the MLS All Star team in 2015. The 35-year-old so far has 53 appearances at the MLS with 18 goals and 15 assists.
David Villa
David Villa plays for Atletico Madrid
Major teams : Spain, Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza, Atletico Madrid, Sporting Gijon
MLS club : New York City FC
Duration : 2015-
Position : Centre Forward
David Villa joined New York City as its first Designated Player, leaving Atletico Madrid, and took over straightaway as captain of the newly formed team. He was quite a force for the side, scoring 23 goals in 33 appearances in his first MLS season. He helped his side win the 2015 All Stars game against Tottenham, netting the second goal. In 66 MLS games, he has scored 43 goals.
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard, playing for LA Galaxy, gestures to fans
Major teams : England, Liverpool
MLS club : LA Galaxy
Duration : 2015-2016
Position : Midfield
After spending 17 seasons with his beloved Liverpool, former England captain Steven Gerrard wound down his career when he signed for LA Galaxy, following the retirement of the American Landon Donovan. However, Gerrard failed to live up to the hype surrounding his signing, scoring five goals in 35 appearances. He soon announced his retirement as a player.
