The MLS is a league that never seems to get the respect that it deserves, despite being called home by some top players, including Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard and even Lionel Messi. Some players symbolise the end of their career in the MLS, even staying in the country for other business ventures like David Beckham’s Inter Miami involvement and online live casino interests. So today, we are going to be taking a look at some footballers you forgot played in the MLS.
Jermain Defoe
The former England international, Jermain Defoe, is a massive figure in English football, not just for his ability and incredible talent, but for his efforts off the pitch, performing charity work and supporting the growth of the game at a grassroots level. He spent plenty of time in the Premier League, most notably for his time at Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland AFC, where he became a fan favourite for his amazing efforts off the pitch. Throughout his professional senior career spanning over 23 years from 1999 to 2022, Defoe had a short spell in the MLS. In 2014, Tottenham Hotspur let go of their iconic forward to join MLS side Toronto FC. This was part of a marketing deal involving him being loaned straight back to Spurs until February before he started the new campaign with the Canadian side. His cameo didn’t last long, with Defoe only making 19 appearances, scoring 11 in that time. In January 2015, he announced he would be departing Toronto FC to rejoin the Premier League with North East side Sunderland in a swap deal for Jozy Altidore. His appearance in the MLS may have only lasted 11 months out of his 4-year contract, but he did make an impact in that time.
Alessandro Nesta
One of the greatest ever players in his position, Allesandro Nesta is a legend of the game, making over 220 appearances for his beloved AC Milan. Nesta has a long list of trophies to his name, including 2 Serie A titles, 2 Champions League titles and a World Cup, making him one of the most decorated players of his era. He spent 19 years in Italy before deciding it was time to move away from AC Milan, where he spent 10 years. As the end of his career was closing in, he chose to join an MLS side, Montreal Impact, in 2012. He made over 30 appearances for the Canadian side, winning the Canadian Championship in 2013, before departing in 2014. Despite only being a short introduction, his main goal was to achieve his dream of becoming a coach, and he took joining the league as an opportunity to be able to one day manage a club there. This time playing in North America opened a door to his first managerial job in the MLS for Miami FC, which turned out to be the start of his new career in management.
Lothar Matthäus
One of Germany’s biggest figures and greatest midfielders they have seen, Lothar Matthäus, has registered over 600 club appearances in his 22-year career. The German defensive midfielder made over 100 appearances for 3 different clubs, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, with his most notable time being at Bayern Munich. As one of the most decorated players in Germany’s history, he has won plenty of major trophies, including a Serie A title, 6 Bundesliga titles, 2 DFB Pokals, a Europa League and most notably his Ballon d’Or win in 1990. Like many other stars, his career was coming to an end in the year 2000, and he chose the MLS as his place to end his career. He signed for the Metrostars, now known as the New York Red Bulls, and made only 16 appearances for the club, retiring that same year. While he didn’t spend long in the States, he inspired a new generation of footballers with such a big name heading into the league.
Júlio César
The legendary Brazilian shotstopper might be one of the most underrated goalkeepers in the world, making over 220 appearances for Italian giants Inter Milan from 2006 to 2012. During that time, he helped guide his team to 5 Serie A titles, a Champions League and a Club World Cup. He also made notable appearances in Brazil, registering over 130 appearances for Flamengo. After a strange move to the English side, Queen’s Park Rangers in 2012, he decided to join Toronto FC on a loan deal in 2014 as a way of preparing for the 2014 World Cup. His spell lasted him just over 5 appearances, and he ended up signing for Benfica the same year. Players tend to choose the MLS as a retirement destination, but in the case of Júlio César, he chose to use the league as a training ground.