MLS 2025 season preview highlights the emergence of 12 Americans who are eager to make their case for the US Men’s National Team (USMNT). The season officially kicks off on Saturday, but Lionel Messi set the tone earlier this week by netting the decisive goal for Inter Miami against Sporting Kansas City in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Messi continues to shine as the league’s marquee player, yet he is not alone in drawing attention. Notable international stars such as Riqui Puig and Marco Reus played pivotal roles in leading the LA Galaxy to their historic sixth MLS Cup last fall, while French World Cup champion Olivier Giroud made waves by joining rival LAFC mid-season.
Despite the star power, the foundation of the league remains rooted in American talent, especially as the league prepares for its 30th season before hosting the 2026 World Cup.
Tim Ream, a seasoned Premier League player, returned to MLS last summer and remains a key figure for the USMNT at 37. The Charlotte center back took charge as captain for Mauricio Pochettino’s squad during the final four matches of 2024.
Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte, who started for the U.S. Olympic team last summer, has also solidified his place in the senior national team. Both players are expected to be included in Pochettino’s roster for the upcoming Concacaf Nations League finals.
Numerous other MLS players are vying for a chance to represent the USMNT in the Nations League and the Gold Cup this summer. Here are 12 Americans poised to elevate their profiles during the 10-month MLS season.
Pochettino gave Campbell a starting role in the Americans’ opening match of 2025 and acknowledged the former Atlanta United center back’s impressive performance. However, breaking into the full-strength U.S. squad will be challenging for the 23-year-old, as he faces tough competition both domestically and abroad. Injuries and dips in form could open doors, making a strong start to the season crucial for Campbell’s chances.
Cremaschi, the youngest member of the 2024 Olympic squad, earned his second and third senior caps in January. Still developing as a player, the former Argentina under-20 national team invitee has yet to secure a starting role under new Herons coach Javier Mascherano. However, his training alongside Messi is undoubtedly beneficial.
Pochettino encouraged USMNT players struggling for playing time in Europe to return to MLS, and De la Torre took that advice. After losing favor at Celta Vigo, he was loaned to expansion team San Diego, where he is expected to be a regular starter. This move could provide the 26-year-old with a fresh opportunity to impress the new coach.
With the departure of Xherdan Shaqiri back to Switzerland, Gutierrez is set to take the reins in Chicago for his first full season. The Fire academy graduate will be a vital player for former U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter, who aims to lead the club back to the MLS Cup playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Jones had a quietly impressive January, earning his ninth and tenth senior caps. As a left back in a position where the U.S. pool is relatively shallow, he has the potential to make significant strides under respected Crew coach Wilfried Nancy this season.
“Moon Boy” aims to build on his breakout 2024 season with RSL, where he scored a career-high eight goals in 31 appearances. His tenacity was evident when he assisted the USMNT’s winning goal against Costa Rica last month, even after sustaining a broken nose.
The Philadelphia Union’s former standout attracted interest from English clubs but ultimately chose to stay in MLS. The 21-year-old left-footed player is expected to play a pivotal role in Texas under former USMNT World Cup participant Ben Olsen.
Robinson, now the FCC captain following Lucho Acosta’s move to FC Dallas, started three of Pochettino’s first six matches with the USMNT, including both January games. He is determined to secure a spot for the 2026 World Cup after an Achilles injury sidelined him from the Qatar tournament.
Steffen had a standout performance in January, showcasing why he spent five years with Manchester City before returning to MLS. At just 29, his commanding displays for the Rapids in both MLS and the Champions Cup could solidify his position as the backup U.S. goalkeeper behind Matt Turner.
Vazquez, like De La Torre, returned to MLS after a stint in Mexico’s Liga MX. The 26-year-old striker is a proven scorer in the league, having netted 18 goals for Cincinnati in 2022, tying him for the top spot among American scorers that year.
Zimmerman, a starter in three of the four US matches during the 2022 World Cup, has faced injury challenges over the past two years. Now healthy, the Nashville captain is back in contention for a center back role with the USMNT.
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