MLS Star Power Explodes: Our Countdown of the Top 10 Blokes to Watch in 2026

Picture this: you're at the pub, pint in hand, and someone mentions MLS is entering its fourth decade with more glamour than a Hollywood red carpet. Lionel Messi's been headlining with his eight Ballons d'Or, but 2025 brought Thomas Müller, Son Heung-min, and Rodrigo De Paul stateside too. No longer just retirement homes for faded legends – this league's mixing prime imports, homegrown gems, and lads who've levelled up massively.

As reported by the crew at SI Soccer, we've nicked their blueprint for the top 10 stars primed to dominate 2026. Buckle up; it's a proper mix of World Cup hopefuls, record-breakers, and absolute ballerinas on the pitch.

The Keepers and Colombians Kicking Off at 10-8

Starting between the sticks at No. 10: Dayne St. Clair of Inter Miami. This Canadian keeper snagged MLS Goalkeeper of the Year 2025 with a league-best 77.93% save percentage and a whopping 113 saves for Minnesota United. At 6'3", he's no giant ogre, but his reflexes are sharper than a tack, and he sweeps like a boss. Now linking with Messi and the Cup favourites, he's eyeing a 2026 World Cup start for co-hosts Canada. Proper game-changer.

Dropping to No. 9, James Rodríguez rocks up at Minnesota United. Remember that 2014 World Cup Golden Boot with six goals? The Colombian maestro, with stints at Real Madrid and Bayern, has nearly 300 goal contributions lifetime. Twilight years or not, he's gunning for Colombia's squad. Short-term deal till June, but if he clicks, Minnesota's laughing.

No. 8 is Facundo Torres heading to Austin FC. The Uruguayan, 25 and feisty, bagged 47 goals and 25 assists in three years at Orlando City, then 10 goals and 6 assists at Palmeiras. With 22 caps, he could be Marcelo Bielsa's lone MLS rep at the World Cup. Pair him with Brandon Vázquez, and Austin might cause chaos.

Midfield Maestros and Wing Wizards at 7-5

No. 7: Rodrigo De Paul at Inter Miami. Fresh from Atlético Madrid, the Argentine bulldog joined Messi and turned into a transition machine. Four assists in nine games, then a goal in the MLS Cup final vs Vancouver Whitecaps. Synced brilliantly with Tadeo Allende, who smashed playoff scoring records. Miami's trophy cabinet just got heavier.

Holding No. 6 is Evander for FC Cincinnati. Brazilian flair with bite – after dazzling at Portland Timbers, he notched 18 goals and 15 assists in 2025 despite striker woes with Kévin Denkey. Career tally: 42 goals, 24 assists in 87 games. Cincy's regular-season beasts; now chasing Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS glory. If he weren't Brazilian, he'd be everyone's international darling.

No. 5 goes to Anders Dreyer of expansion darlings San Diego FC. Dane on the wing, he scooped MLS Newcomer of the Year with 19 goals and 19 assists, never missing a game. Led them top of the West, though they bottled the conference final vs Vancouver. Best debut by an expansion lad ever – 2026 redux incoming?

The LAFC Lightning and Beyond

Rounding out at No. 4, Denis Bouanga remains LAFC's Gabonese rocket. Pace like a greyhound, versatile as they come – he's anchored multiple LAFC golden eras. Offers from Inter Miami and Fluminense? Nah, he's staying put to keep terrorising defences.

The top three? SI hints at even bigger fish, but with Messi looming large and new blood like Son and Müller, expect fireworks. MLS ain't what it used to be – it's a World Cup proving ground now. Grab your popcorn (or another pint); 2026's gonna be seismic.

Word on the street: these lads blend overseas pedigree with MLS magic. From St. Clair's sweeping to Bouanga's bursts, the league's depth is mouthwatering. Who's your pick to nab MVP? Chat below, lads.