As the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2025 regular season unfolds, it raises the question of whether it’s premature to start forming assumptions about its trajectory. With just four matches under the belt for each team, we’re faced with a limited window of 360-plus minutes of action, resulting in a mere snapshot of the campaign that stretches well into October. Despite this, the initial months have revealed significant trends and generated noteworthy performances that challenge the supremacy of the league’s renowned stars. In this unpredictable environment synonymous with MLS, several lesser-known players have established themselves as formidable contenders for this season’s MVP honors.
The Leaders of the Pack
Among the standout players so far is Baribo. Having logged 319 minutes of play, he has netted six goals with zero assists, achieving a FotMob rating of 8.04. While his goal-scoring performance may exceed his expected goals (xG) of 3.69, there’s a compelling argument supporting his efficiency. Scoring six times from just nine shots, all of which came from within the 18-yard box, raises both intrigue and scrutiny. Is it luck that he finds himself in optimal positions, or is it an innate understanding of the game that allows him to thrive? As much as Baribo’s success hinges on his individual prowess, the vital contributions of teammates like Dániel Gazdag and Kai Wagner, who are crucial in facilitating opportunities, cannot be overlooked.
Then we have Cuypers, who has emerged with a diverse scoring portfolio, registering four goals and one assist during 293 minutes of play, and holding a FotMob rating of 8.13. Cuypers isn’t just a one-dimensional scorer; he has demonstrated the ability to impact the game through headers, penalty conversions, and contributions during the buildup, establishing his versatility. Proving his critics wrong, he has outperformed his prior season’s performance, where matching this total took him significantly longer. His transition into form is a beacon of optimism for the Chicago Fire, whose significant investment in his talent already appears fruitful.
A Colorful Array of Players
Dreyer, another significant figure, has played 360 minutes and accrued three goals with a notable impact through playmaking, earning him a FotMob rating of 7.99. While equal in goals to many others in the league, Dreyer distinguishes himself through his exceptional ability to create opportunities, ranking fifth in the expected assists metric. Coupled with his explosive speed and lethal shot power, he presents a double threat that keeps opponents on their toes, making him an essential asset for his team.
Despite his age, Luis Suárez has added excitement to the league with one goal and four assists over 291 minutes of play, giving him a FotMob rating of 7.76. His capability to influence games at 38 years old remains impressive, particularly when considering that four of those contributions came during a single match. It is noteworthy that he has also shined in the Concacaf Champions Cup, highlighting his potential to achieve even greater milestones this season. However, a pressing area for improvement lies in his shot accuracy during regular season play.
Every season seems to bring new stories and heroes, and in 2025, we have to recognize the contributions of players like Rusnak. Amassing one goal and three assists in 321 minutes, while leading the league with 15 chances created, Rusnak showcases his invaluable impact on the pitch for the Seattle Sounders, already setting himself apart as a game-changer despite the early stage of the season.
The Status of the Iconic Stars
A notable absence from several early MVP discussions is Lionel Messi. With just 180 minutes played and one goal alongside two assists, Messi’s role has been impeded due to limited appearances. However, his impact when on the field is undeniable, and it would be foolish to underestimate the iconic player’s potential to surge to the top as the season progresses. Messi’s historical prowess makes it almost predictable that he will rebound and reclaim his position among the league’s elite contributors.
Interestingly, Evander, a remarkable talent with 15 goals and 15 assists from the previous season, is currently finding it challenging to settle into a new team environment. Although he’s recorded one goal and three shots on the woodwork in recent matches, it speaks to his nearly there potential. With the right adjustments and support around him, Evander could easily revive his prolific scoring and assist abilities.
As the unpredictable, dynamic landscape of the MLS evolves, early indicators paint a vivid picture of promise amid the uncertainty. The budding MVP candidates demonstrate resilience and skill that might redefine team dynamics and league consistency as the season unfolds. The narratives—the underdogs rising to prominence and veterans striving to maintain relevance—only add to the excitement of the MLS, keeping fans on the edge of their seats and illustrating that the quest for glory is about more than just the legends—it’s about the fresh talent that flourishes in the league each season.