12th—this is how much Major League Soccer ranked by Opta Analyst in the list of the top 30 leagues across the world in 2025. Quite surprising, considering that throughout the years, many big names have graced the very American soil with their presence, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, former stars Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Gareth Bale, as well as David Beckham, who, back in the days, used to play but now owns a team. Yet, here we are, witnessing the MLS not even making the top 10, let alone being compared with the big five of Europe.
Sure, a lot of factors may come into play in deciding such a thing. But one thing is clear: the conversation about the hope for the American men’s league to enter the best league in the world never dies, with many greats of the beautiful game backing it. The most recent support came from former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who vocally expressed his confidence in seeing the MLS become a sensation in no time.
Working as the head of global soccer at Red Bull, an organization with an MLS team called the New York Red Bulls, the German tactician shared his perspective on the league’s future. “I’m 100% sure, in five years time, we (will) speak completely differently… I can tell you, the quality is really, really good. Good players, a lot of talent, high intensity. I think (MLS) found its spot,” he said, as compiled by journalist Tom Bogert on X.
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This claim, however, didn’t settle in the eyes of ardent MLS fans, who couldn’t hold back in taking a dig at Jurgen Klopp’s admission regarding the league’s future. One said, “Can’t fool us. He’s on MLS payroll, of course, he’s going to praise the league,” with another questioning when exactly these ‘next five years’ would come, saying, “Lol they’ve been sayin 5 years for 30 years.”
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