You Won't Believe Which 5 Star Players Are Now Desperate to Join MLS! Is This the End of the League's Star Chasing?

Alfonso Mondelo, a renowned figure in American soccer, is shaping the narrative around Major League Soccer (MLS) as it embraces a new era defined by international stars. Mondelo, who made his mark as a player with the New York Red Bulls and the Puerto Rico national team, is now witnessing a seismic shift in the league as high-profile talents flock to the United States. Following the arrival of Lionel Messi, known as “Messi-mania,” MLS is set to welcome another significant name: Antoine Griezmann, who officially signed with Orlando City and will join the club after the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

According to MLS Competition Director Mondelo, Griezmann's transfer was initially agreed upon in March, but the French forward opted to delay his move to focus on winning a domestic title with Atlético Madrid and pushing for glory in the Champions League. “He’s a player clubs have been tracking for a long time. He was supposed to join last month, in March, but because of his form and importance to Atlético Madrid, who were still competing in the Copa del Rey and in the Champions League semifinals, he asked to stay through the end of the season,” Mondelo shared during an MLS roundtable discussion.

This strategic recruitment of Griezmann underscores MLS’s evolving appeal. Mondelo emphasized that MLS has had its eyes on the World Cup winner for some time. An earlier approach was made last season, but the player’s decision to remain in Europe took precedence. Griezmann, who regularly visits the U.S. and closely follows both the NFL and NBA, has long expressed a desire to immerse himself in American culture. With Florida set to gain another soccer superstar, it highlights the momentum MLS is gaining on the international stage.

“Griezmann wants to come play in the United States. He loves the American lifestyle. He’s seeing the growth of this league, which is attracting many players,” Mondelo noted. This is a stark contrast to the early days of MLS, where the league often had to persuade players to make the move. “Now players are the ones asking to join the league because they see its growth and long-term future,” he added.

The notion of MLS as a “retirement league” is being actively challenged. Mondelo pointed out that the caliber of players joining has shifted significantly. While established stars like Messi and Griezmann are pivotal, younger talents are also making their mark. “The players here, even those who are older, are ones any team in the world would want,” he said. “Most of the international players coming in now are around 24 years old. That says a lot about MLS.” This recruitment policy shift reflects the league's ambition to cultivate a competitive environment that can develop players capable of making it in top European leagues.

As the national team looks ahead to the next World Cup, Mondelo is optimistic about the prospects for American soccer. “This is a country that rallies around its national team. Americans are very patriotic, and there will be tremendous support. We have players at some of the best clubs in the world, regularly competing in tournaments like the Champions League,” he explained. While there have been mixed results in previous competitions, he believes that coach Mauricio Pochettino will lead a squad with depth and potential.

Significant changes in public perception of soccer in America are also evident. Mondelo noted that “Americans under 40 have almost all played soccer at some point.” This is a departure from earlier decades when soccer was less understood by parents and families. Today, a generation that has engaged with the sport firsthand is driving a vibrant fanbase, making it more accessible for families to attend matches.

With Pochettino at the helm, expectations for the national team are heightened. “He’s a coach with a great track record. He’s brought new, fresh ideas to the national team. There will be patience, but the pressure is growing. Results matter, and the pressure will be there,” said Mondelo. He emphasized that the minimum target for the team should be to advance beyond the group stage, marking a crucial moment in the evolution of American soccer.

As MLS continues to attract top international talent and the national team gears up for significant competitions, the landscape of American soccer is undeniably changing. The influx of players like Griezmann will not only enhance the level of play but also contribute to a growing culture that values and supports soccer across the country.