MLS Players of the Year: Best XI of 2025 Season

The MLS season for 2025 is over a quarter of its way through, and the league standings are already indicating the teams that could be major contenders in the playoffs this term.

But, there is still a long way to go before the major honours are handed out, meaning that there is still enough time for those sitting outside of the playoff spots to find momentum. However, who have been some of the standout players in the MLS in the first months of the season?

Aljaz Ivacic (New England Revolution)

It has been a strong defensive start to the season for the New England Revolution, and Aljaz Ivacici has been at the heart of their success. The Slovenian goalkeeper has allowed just six goals in ten matches this season, and has kept clean sheets in 50% of his appearances. He has allowed an average of just 0.6 goals per 90, and has a save percentage of 81%.

Noah Allen (Inter Miami)

While all the eyes are on the attacking talent in the Inter Miami team, it is worth noting that Noah Allen has been one of their most consistent players this season. It’s no coincidence they are among the favorites in the MLS Cup winner odds. The 21-year-old has contributed to the team keeping clean sheets in 40% of their matches, and he has already scored once in the MLS this season.

Adilson Malanda (Charlotte FC)

Charlotte have been one of the best defensive teams in the MLS so far this season, and Adilson Malanda’s performances have caught the eye. The 23-year-old has averaged 0.7 tackles per 90, and he makes a staggering average of 6.3 clearances per fixture.

Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps)

Tristan Blackmon has already been a standout defender in the MLS this season, and he has been no stranger to popping up with big goals after netting two in ten appearances. In defense, Blackmon has averaged 0.7 tackles per 90, and 1.6 interceptions. The defender has also averaged an impressive 5.1 clearances per appearance.

Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)

San Diego’s performances have caught the eye this season, and right-winger Anders Dreyer has been one of the standout players in terms of chance creation. The 27-year-old has already accumulated nine goal involvements in eleven appearances this season, scoring four times and adding five assists for good measure.

Andres Cubas (Vancouver Whitecaps)

The Whitecaps have been defensive savvy already this season, and much of that is due to Andres Cubas in the holding midfield role. The 28-year-old Paraguayan international has averaged 2.1 tackles per 90 in the MLS, and has averaged 1.6 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per fixture.

Wil Trapp (Minnesota United)

No team has kept more clean sheets than Minnesota United this season, and a key reason for that has been the performances of Wil Trapp in the heart of the midfield. The 32-year-old has scored twice in ten appearances, and has also been busy defensively after making averages of two tackles per 90 and 1.7 clearances.

Christian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes)

No player has contributed more assists in the MLS this season than Christian Espinoza. The San Jose Earthquakes star has been the main attacking outlet for the team this season, and he has averaged 1.5 shots per game, and a very impressive 3.9 key passes per 90. His performances could fire the Earthquakes into MLS Cup contention.

Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC)

It has been an excellent start to life in the MLS for Hirving Lozano. The Mexican international has already accumulated eight goal involvements in seven starts this season, and the 29-year-old is averaging 3.5 shots per game. His offensive quality has been clear to see in the early stages of this season, and he has been a player that has got fans off their seats after averaging 2.1 dribbles per match.

Evander (FC Cincinnati)

Brazilian attacking midfielder Evander has also been in excellent form at the start of the new season. The midfielder has already scored six goals in the MLS, while he has netted twice in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for good measure. Evander has been one of the best attacking players in the competition, as he has averaged 3.3 shots per 90, and has averaged 1.1 dribbles per fixture. His performances could yet play an important role in the team’s hunt for a playoff spot.

Hugo Cuypers (Chicago Fire)

Hugo Cuypers was a big-money signing for the Chicago Fire, with the expectation being that he would see the team close the gap on the top spots in the standings. The Belgian forward is keeping his end of the bargain in 2025, and he is already on course to eclipse his tally of goals from last term. The striker has already cored seven in eleven MLS appearances this season, and the 28-year-old has averaged three shots per 90 in the North American competition this term.