The MLS is thought for bringing in a few of soccer’s greatest names in direction of the tip of their profession, however who’s the oldest goalscorer in Main League Soccer historical past?
Why Do Gamers Go To MLS To End Their Profession?
For nearly twenty years gamers have moved to the MLS within the latter levels of their profession, making their last appearances in the USA’ elite division.
The catalyst for this was none apart from David Beckham, who joined LA Galaxy in 2007 at 32-years-old after an elite profession in Europe with Manchester United and Actual Madrid.
Beckham didn’t go on to complete his profession within the States, transferring to Paris to play for PSG earlier than calling it a day in an emotional fixture in Might 2013.
Previous to the Englishman, there had been just a few others like Lothar Matthäus or Hristo Stoichkov who joined within the early 2000’s, nonetheless, these two signings didn’t have the identical impression that Beckham’s did.
Since Beckham, the likes of Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all moved to the USA of their older age – however why did they determined to make the change?
One key cause for transferring to the MLS is the attraction over dwelling in the USA, with a number of various states providing plenty of distinctive options and very good climate in locations like Los Angeles.
One other issue is the standard of the league, with gamers understanding that they can not compete in Europe’s elite leagues anymore and the usual of the MLS is extra suited to them of their latter levels – though the standard has undoubtedly improved.
A barely extra area of interest issue, as it is just for a choose few gamers, is further options in a contract and this was Beckham’s deal as he was promised the prospect to personal an MLS aspect sooner or later – which he has managed with Inter Miami.
Talking of Inter Miami, their star man Lionel Messi was reportedly handed a proportion within the income made by Adidas and Apple whereas additionally being the highest paid participant within the MLS.
Oldest Goalscorers in MLS Historical past
1. Preki – 42 years, 3 months & 21 days (2005)
2. Carlos Valderrama – 41 years & 23 days (2002)
3. Kei Kamara – 39 years, 10 months & 3 days (2024)
4. Claudio Suárez – 38 years, 9 months & 12 days (2007)
5. Chris Wondolowski – 38 years, 9 months & 11 days (2021)
6. Olivier Giroud – 38 years, 7 months & 25 days (2025)
7. Chris Henderson – 38 years, 7 months & 8 days (2009)
8. Giorgio Chiellini – 38 years, 6 months & 18 days (2023)
9. Didier Drogba – 38 years, 6 months & 7 days (2016)
10. Brian McBride – 38 years, 4 months & 5 days (2010)
The oldest participant to ever rating within the MLS is a report that has stood since 2005, as Preki scored a last-minute equaliser for Kansas Metropolis Wizards at 42 years, 3 months and 21 days.
At the moment, Preki is the assistant supervisor at Seattle Sounders and the previous USMNT participant took the report of Colombia legend, Carlos Valderrama who scored for Colorado Rapids at 41 years and 23 days.
The Colombian is thought to be the most effective gamers in MLS historical past and was within the all-star group in 4 consecutive seasons between 1996 and 2000.
Apparently, the highest two gamers are the one gamers to attain a objective within the MLS aged 40 or over, with the following place going to Kei Kamara who was 39 years, 10 months and three days when he scored for Los Angeles FC in a 2-1 win over their fierce rivals LA Galaxy in July 2024.
The remaining six gamers have been all of their thirty eighth 12 months, with the likes of Claudio Suarez and the highest goalscorer in MLS historical past, Chris Wondolowski each that includes.
Simply behind them is the one participant on this record that may really progress up the desk, as Olivier Giroud turned the sixth oldest goalscorer within the MLS on Might 25, 2025 – scoring a late equalizer towards CF Montreal.
The Frenchman moved to the MLS in Might 2024, becoming a member of Los Angeles FC from AC Milan after his deal in Italy expired and the 2018 World Cup winner has an choice to increase his deal, which ends in 2025, by one other 12 months.
Only a few days youthful than Giroud was Chris Henderson, who’s intently adopted by the enduring Italian defender, Giorgio Chiellini, who was 11 days older than the person behind him – Didier Drogba.
That means the tenth highest goalscorer in MLS historical past is Brian McBride, who opened the scoring for Chicago Hearth in a 4-1 win over Chivas USA again in October 2010.
Who Is The Oldest Participant To Play In MLS?
As we’ve already talked about, the MLS has been the house for a lot of gamers within the older ages and that is proven by the oldest participant within the leagues historical past.
This report belongs to former goalkeeper, Pat Onstad, who performed for D.C. United in April 2011 at 43 years, 2 months and 22 days – conceding 4 objectives in an emphatic 4-1 defeat towards Colorado Rapids.
