The annual Major League 22 Under 22 List ranks the league’s top 22 players under the age of 22 – as voted on by an expert panel of MLS personnel, MLS season talent and club technical staff.
Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Obed Vargas leads the 2025 rankings, which include:
Eligibility Criteria
- Age cutoff: Players remain 21 or younger before the end of the 2025 MLS regular season, which is Decision Day on October 18. Players must be born on October 19, 2003.
- Voting period: September 15 – September 26.
Voting pool
- Ballots submitted: 64
- MLS Club Attendance: 23 of 30 teams – including head coaches, football managers, technical directors and senior scouts.
- Players receiving votes: 103
As of the 22 Under-22 voting process, each player’s points total is noted below.
Now in his fifth season with Seattle, the 20-year-old local midfielder is recognized as the best up-and-coming talent in the league.
Vargas, who has eight goal contributions (3G/5A) in MLS this season, impressed during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and helped Seattle win the 2025 leagues. This follows Vargas, at the age of 16, striding for the Sounders’ historic 2022 CONCACAF Champions Cup title.
A rising Mexican international, Vargas has been turning heads at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup and attracting interest from top clubs abroad.
Academy: Seattle Sounders FC
Arguably the biggest breakout star of 2025, Freeman went from a relatively unknown depth piece to visioning a 2026 FIFA World Cup berth with the United States.
The 21-year-old right back has 6 g/2a for Orlando City this season, was named an MLS All-Star, and helped the USMNT secure a runner-up finish in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
With a willingness to join the offense and strong defensive instincts, Freeman has high upside.
Academies: Orlando City, Weston FC
Thrust into Charlotte FC’s starting No.9 spot following Patrick Agymang’s club-record move to EFL Championship side Derby County, Toklomati has seized his moment alongside Wilfried Zaha and Pep Biel.
The 21-year-old Israeli international posted 11g/4a in 29 appearances, helping the Crown make history with a nine-game winning streak en route to a third-place finish in the Audi MLS Cup.
Academy: Maccabi Petah Tikva (Israel)
Wolff is enjoying his best year yet as a professional, producing 5G/8A to bring Austin FC back into the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
The Homegrown, 20, is one of the first players on the Verde & Black teamsheet, combining creativity in the final third with defensive work rate.
Academies: Austin FC, Atlanta United, Columbus Crew
One of Venezuela’s top youth prospects, MartÃnez has boosted his profile this year with 6G/6A in all competitions for LAFC.
The 19-year-old playmaker has developed a more versatile game, complementing his magical left foot and creative instincts.
Academy: Monagas SC (Venezuela)
Now in his fifth season with Philadelphia, the 21-year-old Homegrown earned his first USMNT caps in 2025.
The attacking midfielder brings a relentless drive, crossing ability and strong finishing. Unfortunately, Sullivan suffered a final ACL injury in late September.
Academy: Philadelphia Union
After being the last name on last season’s 22-under-22 list, Miller catapulted himself up the rankings as a starter for New England.
Still just 17 years old, the Revolution Homegrown and US Youth International is using his blistering pace to contribute at both ends of the pitch for club and country, earning a trip to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Academies: New England Revolution, Oakwood SC
The Salvadoran’s full international, Ordaz beat Olivier Giroud and Jeremy Ebobisse for the LAFC No. 9 starting spot before the record-breaking arrival of son Heung-Min.
At 21, the LAFC Homegrown became a hair piece in the Black & Gold offense. This year he has scored seven goals in all competitions (~1,750 minutes).
Academy: Los Angeles Football Club
On loan from LAFC for the 2025 season, the 19-year-old won the left-back position upon his arrival at San Diego FC.
Bombino’s composure on the ball and tendency to pick the right pass made him arguably the biggest breakout star of SDFC’s inaugural season. Add in defensive chops, and he’s more than earned a USYNT spot at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Academy: Los Angeles Football Club
At the start of this season, Gozo broke into Real Salt Lake’s first team and hasn’t looked back.
The 18-year-old’s skills and nose have made him one of RSL’s main attacking weapons, as well as one of the youngest players for the United States in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
As Gozo continues to develop, we can’t help but wonder: could he follow in the footsteps of club teammate Diego Luna?
The Chicago Fire FC Homegrown is one of the most consistent goalkeepers in MLS, providing backline stability for a club returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Brady’s international profile is also growing; The 21-year-old has featured in four USMNT rosters this year as he builds his case for a 2026 FIFA World Cup berth.
The 21-year-old Inter Miami crop has developed into a reliable defender, becoming a regular at center for the Herons.
Allen’s versatility (he can also play at left back) is matched by his high football IQ, fearlessness on the pitch and range of passing – qualities that have earned the unwavering trust of head coach Javier Mascherano.
This summer, the American-born Greek youth international turned heads at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Academies: Inter Miami CF, Weston FC
Makhanya seamlessly filled the vacancy at center left by Jack Elliott, forming an elite partnership with MLS All-Star Jakob Glesnes as the Union conceded a 33-goal haul in 2025 en route to their second supporters’ Shield Crown.
Before this season, the 21-year-old South African played zero MLS Minutes. The sky’s the limit for Philadelphia’s first-ever U22 initiative.
Academy: Black Leopards Football Academy (South Africa)
Now at her second MLS club after pitching for FC Cincinnati last season, Kelsy provided 7g/2a in her debut campaign with the Portland Timbers.
Boasting size, strength and technique, the 21-year-old has all the tools to become an elite striker for Portland and the Venezuelan national team.
Academy: Mineros de Guayana (Venezuela)
Selected No. 1 by San Diego FC in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, Duah entered the league as a promising Box-to-Box midfielder from UC Santa Barbara.
However, the 20-year-old Ghana native has been a revelation at center back, locking down the starting spot over the summer and helping San Diego set the MLS record for expansion points in a historic season.
Academy: Santa Barbara Soccer Club
The 21-year-old Argentine had a solid campaign with New York City FC, recording 3G/4A in a career-high 31 MLS appearances.
Fernández is eager to combine with teammates and beat defenders off the dribble. He also developed a penchant for breathtaking golazos.
Academy: Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina)
In his first season with New England, Feingold was a mainstay at right guard.
The 21-year-old Israeli international likes to join the attack, but remains aware of his defensive duties. He captured the attention of voters, despite the regimes’ up-and-down year.
Academy: Maccabi Haifa (Israel)
One of Philadelphia’s many breakout stars this season, Westfield has developed into one of the best young defenders in MLS.
A Union Academy star who came up through the ranks, Westfield brings a steady presence to Philly’s backline, while also providing an attacking boost.
Westfield is currently representing the United States in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Academy: Philadelphia Union
Playing for one of the best defenses in the league, Romero is often an unsung hero for Minnesota.
But make no mistake: with grip, strength and aerial prowess, the 21-year-old Argentine centre-back is a crucial part of the Loons’ strong campaign.
Academy: Atlético Tucumán (Argentina)
One of Colorado’s most promising attacking talents, Yapi became more ruthless in the final third.
The 20-year-old Rapids’ homegrown, who is approaching 100 career MLS games, has a career-best 7g/2a in 28 appearances this year.
A key COG in the Houston Dynamo midfield, Raines burst onto the scene with strong passing ability and a willingness to shut down opposing attacks.
The 20-year-old Grower earned a spot on the United States’ U-20 FIFA World Cup squad in 2025. He also set a career high for minutes played (1,620).
Academies: Houston Dynamo FC, Barca Residency Academy
Another midfielder representing the United States at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup, Habroune has become a key part of the Columbus Crew midfield.
The 19-year-old peasant offers a unique blend of passing and silky dribbling.
