The 30th season of Major League Soccer is underway, and as we enter week three, here are 11 new faces to keep an eye on this season.
We’re officially into the full swing of the 2025 MLS season, a landmark 30th campaign for the league. This year marks the second full season of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, the return of Miguel Almirón to a revamped Atlanta United, the resurgence of Bruce Arena’s San Jose Earthquakes (winners of their first two games), and large crowds to see Atlanta United, Charlotte FC, and San Diego FC.
While the league continues to showcase many positives, there are still some issues. MLS teams often struggle with defense, and some play out from the back in ways that lead to embarrassing mistakes. But that’s just part of MLS, you take the good, the bad, and the campy.
One bright spot is that each year, MLS brings in fresh new faces from experienced big names to young rising stars. Here are 11 players to watch in 2025.
Hirving Lozano
If there was any indication that San Diego FC intended to make an immediate splash in MLS, it was their signing of star Mexican international Hirving “Chucky” Lozano. Similar to LAFC with Carlos Vela in 2017, San Diego brought in one of the best Mexican players of his generation, still in the prime of his career. At 29, Lozano has seen successful stints at PSV and Napoli, in addition to a pair of World Cup tournaments with El Tri. He’s expected to be a major contributor for the expansion side, in addition to a popular draw amongst San Diego’s thriving Mexican community.
Cengiz Ünder
Ünder arrives 🙌
First day in LA for @CengizUnder 📸 pic.twitter.com/gfaOeqtpW0
— LAFC (@LAFC) March 7, 2025
Turkish international Cengiz Ünder’s signing with LAFC has caused some controversy. The club’s Armenian fans threatened to boycott games due to historical tensions between Armenia and Turkey. Although Ünder has yet to be given a squad number or see the field, if the situation is resolved, he could be a big boost to the team’s attack. Ünder has experience with AS Roma, Leicester City, and Marseille, and is a strong winger.
Manu García
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Manu García joins Sporting Kansas City with great potential. The former Aris midfielder is known for his creativity and powerful shot, and showed his skill during the CONCACAF Champions Cup series against Inter Miami. However, Kansas City may not yet be strong enough to compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. At 27, García brings experience from playing with Manchester City, NAC Breda, and Sporting Gijón.
Emmanuel Latte Lath
Atlanta United has shifted toward more experienced signings. Gone are the days of young talents looking to use the club as a springboard, as the Five Stripes want to build a win-now club. Emmanuel Latte Lath is the team’s record $22 million acquisition, and he’s here for the long term.
The former Middlesbrough striker has had an interesting career, but has shown early signs of finding a home in MLS, scoring a brace in Atlanta’s season opener. The Ivorian international could very well become a major star in the league.
Lucas Sanabria
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At just 21, Uruguayan international Lucas Sanabria could be an interesting piece in the LA Galaxy’s midfield. He comes to LA from Uruguay’s Nacional, where he made 46 total appearances and displayed a knack for playmaking in the central midfield. Unfortunately, he suffered a fractured clavicle in a game against the Vancouver Whitecaps and will be out for a month. Once he returns, fans should watch closely as he adds value to the reigning MLS Cup champions.
Anders Dreyer
San Diego’s other marquee signing was Danish winger Anders Dreyer, who has already shown his potential with a brace in his debut for the club. Dreyer’s career has taken him through clubs in Scotland, Belgium, England, the Netherlands, and Russia. His speed and ball control make him a great complement to Lozano. If he continues his form, Dreyer could be one of the best signings of the season.
Myrto Uzuni
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Albanian international Myrto Uzuni was a standout for Granada in Spain, scoring 49 goals in 105 appearances. Known for his play on the left wing, Uzuni can also play centrally or on the right. Austin FC signed him for a club-record $12.3 million, hoping he can help lead the team into a new era after Sebastián Driussi and Josh Wolff.
Bruno Damiani
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Another promising prospect from Uruguay’s Nacional, Bruno Damiani signed to Philadelphia Union with a club-record $3.4 million transfer fee, with an additional $600,000 in potential add-ons. He scored in his debut match for the Union, and the 21-year-old is a no-nonsense striker with solid hold-up play and is excellent at using his physicality to his advantage. Philadelphia won the race to sign him, with multiple MLS teams interested in the young talent.
Telasco Segovia
Inter Miami may have found a gem in Venezuelan international Telasco Segovia. The 21-year-old midfielder is known for his intelligence on the ball, often slowing down play and helping his teammates move forward. In just two games for Inter Miami, Segovia has scored three goals and could become one of the top young players in MLS this season.
Maximiliano Falcón
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Uruguayan defender Maximiliano Falcón was a last-minute signing for Inter Miami in 2025. In addition to an excellent name, the former Colo-Colo defender brings the tough, gritty qualities that Uruguayan full backs are known for. With over 100 appearances for Colo-Colo and Copa Libertadores experience, Falcón could be a key player for a shaky Miami back line.
Wilfried Zaha
Premier League fans are familiar with Wilfried Zaha, a mercurial winger with a career of ups and downs. Best known for his time at Crystal Palace, Zaha is now 32 and signed to Charlotte FC in the offseason. Zaha has expressed excitement about the challenge of MLS and has previously played for Galatasaray and Lyon, with mixed results. Charlotte FC is hoping he can become the club’s first big Designated Player signing.
