With Lorenzo Insigne joining MLS, the Italian attacker instantly became the league’s highest-paid player. His arrival underscores how MLS is increasingly attracting marquee names willing to exchange European travel for the benefits of North American soccer and a robust salary package.
MLS remains a strong performer in the Americas, a league that has drawn top talent like Chicharito Hernandez, Xherdan Shaqiri, Josef Martinez, Christian Benteke, and Douglas Costa in recent seasons. These signings reflect the league’s appeal not only through competitive pay but also through life in vibrant cities across the United States and Canada. As the summer windows closed, teams secured players who could raise the competitive bar while matching salaries that signal serious investment in quality and depth.
In recent years, a noticeable trend has emerged: several established European stars have opted for MLS, yet not every veteran stays. Names such as Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Bastian Schweinsteiger helped shape a narrative where MLS became a final or mid-career destination. Their experiences contributed to the league’s growing credibility and its reputation as a place where talent can flourish late into a player’s prime.
MLS has pursued stability by encouraging clubs to maintain a core of high-paid players who anchor the team’s salary structure. The model supports a mix of veteran franchise players and younger talents who can break through to Europe. Teams decide how to balance this mix, aiming to build competitive rosters while cultivating homegrown stars who may eventually move to bigger stages abroad.
The following list highlights the highest earners in MLS, as reflected by players association data, including their annual salaries in millions of dollars:
5. CHRISTIAN BENTEKE
Getty Images
EQUIPMENT: D.C. United
COUNTRY: Belgium
SALARY: 4.2
4. HECTOR HERRERA
EQUIPMENT: Houston Dynamo
COUNTRY: Mexico
SALARY: 4.7
3. JAVIER HERNANDEZ
Credit: Getty
EQUIPMENT: LA Galaxy
COUNTRY: Mexico
SALARY: 6.0
2. XHERDAN SHAQIRI
Getty
EQUIPMENT: Chicago Fire
COUNTRY: Switzerland
SALARY: 7.3
1. LORENZO INSIGNE
Getty
EQUIPMENT: Toronto FC
COUNTRY: Italy
SALARY: 7.5
Note: figures represent reported annual compensation for top MLS earners and illustrate the league’s ability to attract top international names while offering lifestyle and competitive play in North America.