MLS 22 Under 22: Rising Stars

Major League Soccer has released its highly anticipated 22 Under 22 rankings for 2025, showcasing the league’s most promising young talent as determined by MLS staff, Season Pass analysts, and club technical directors.

Players like Obed Vargas, Peyton Miller, and Quinn Sullivan highlight the growing impact of MLS academies, while signings such as Idan Toklomati and Olwethu Makhanya prove the league’s global reach.

Overall, this year’s list reinforces MLS’s evolution into both a development hub and launching pad for the next generation of world-class players. Here is the list..

1. Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC, age 20)

Academy: Seattle Sounders FC

Vargas, born in Alaska and raised in the Sounders Academy system, has become the heartbeat of Seattle’s midfield. Known for his calmness in possession and defensive reliability, he’s played in major tournaments and is earning U.S. national team attention.

2. Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC, age 21)

Academies: Weston FC, Orlando City SC

Freeman has transformed into one of MLS’s top young fullbacks. He’s athletic, confident in the attack, and plays with maturity beyond his age. His breakout season solidified Orlando’s defensive structure while adding width and pace going forward.

3. Idan Toklomati (Charlotte FC, age 21)

Academy: Maccabi Petah Tikva (Israel)

Put into Charlotte’s starting No. 9 role after Patrick Agyemang’s departure, the Israeli striker delivered 11 goals and 4 assists in 29 appearances. Toklomati’s finishing touch, hold-up play, and chemistry with Wilfried Zaha have made him a fan favorite in Charlotte.

4. Owen Wolff (Austin FC, age 20

Academies: Austin FC, Atlanta United, Columbus Crew

A creative force and tireless worker, Wolff has matured into Austin’s midfield engine. With 5 goals and 8 assists, he’s helped lead the club back into playoff contention. His vision and composure make him one of the most complete young midfielders in MLS.

5. David Martínez (Los Angeles FC, age 19)

Academy: Monagas SC (Venezuela)

One of Venezuela’s brightest prospects, Martínez brings flair and balance to LAFC’s attack. His 6 goals and 6 assists highlight a more complete game this year, and his left foot remains one of the most dangerous in MLS.

6. Quinn Sullivan (Philadelphia Union, age 21)

Academy: Philadelphia Union

Before a late-season ACL injury, Sullivan earned his first USMNT caps and delivered his best professional season yet. His endurance, crossing, and finishing ability have made him a consistent weapon for Philadelphia.

7. Peyton Miller (New England Revolution, age 17)

Academies: New England Revolution, Oakwood SC

The youngest player in the top 10, Miller has locked down the starting left-back job for New England. His blistering pace, maturity, and attacking instincts have already taken him to the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

8. Nathan Ordaz (Los Angeles FC, age 21)

Academy: Los Angeles Football Club

The Salvadoran international has thrived in LAFC’s rotation, netting 7 goals across competitions. With power, versatility, and a poacher’s instinct, Ordaz continues to prove himself in a talented, star-studded squad.

9. Luca Bombino (San Diego FC, age 19)

Academy: Los Angeles Football Club

On loan from LAFC, Bombino seized the left-back spot for expansion side San Diego FC. Calm and technical on the ball, he’s been one of the breakout stars of 2025 — even earning a call-up to the U.S. U-20 World Cup team.

10. Zavier Gozo (Real Salt Lake, age 18)

Academy: Real Salt Lake

Gozo burst onto the MLS scene as a fearless forward for Real Salt Lake. He combines creativity, balance, and quickness, earning him a spot on the U.S. U-20 roster and comparisons to teammate Diego Luna’s rise.

11. Chris Brady (Chicago Fire FC, age 21)

Academy: Chicago Fire FC

One of MLS’s most reliable goalkeepers, Brady has been instrumental in Chicago’s first playoff berth since 2017. The homegrown keeper’s reflexes and command of the box have also made him a contender for the 2026 U.S. World Cup squad.

12. Noah Allen (Inter Miami CF, age 21)

Academies: Inter Miami CF, Weston FC

The Greek-American defender has thrived under Javier Mascherano, showing maturity and leadership at the back. Comfortable at both center back and left back, Allen stood out at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with his poise under pressure.

13. Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union, age 21)

Academy: Black Leopards Football Academy (South Africa)

Signed from South Africa as a U22 Initiative player, Makhanya has excelled as a starter in his first MLS season. His partnership with Jakob Glesnes anchored a defense that allowed the fewest goals in the league.

14. Kevin Kelsy (Portland Timbers, age 21)

Academy: Mineros de Guayana (Venezuela)

The powerful Venezuelan striker has become a focal point in Portland’s attack, contributing 7 goals and 2 assists this year. At 6’3”, Kelsy blends physical presence with smooth technical ability — a dangerous combination for MLS defenses.

15. Manu Duah (San Diego FC, age 20)

Academy: Santa Barbara Soccer Club

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, Duah quickly transitioned from midfielder to center back — and thrived. His athleticism and composure have helped San Diego set an expansion points record in their debut season.

16. Julián Fernández (New York City FC, age 21)

Academy: Vélez Sarsfield (Argentina)

An electric winger from Argentina, Fernández has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists while dazzling fans with his 1v1 dribbling and creativity. He’s the kind of player who can shift momentum in an instant.

17. Ilay Feingold (New England Revolution, age 21)

Academy: Maccabi Haifa (Israel)

Feingold has been a consistent starter at right back for the Revolution, showing both defensive discipline and attacking intent. The Israeli international’s first MLS season has been steady and promising.

18. Frankie Westfield (Philadelphia Union, age 20)

Academy: Philadelphia Union

A homegrown standout, Westfield has emerged as one of the top young defenders in MLS. His reliable presence and attacking support have earned him a spot with the U.S. U-20 World Cup team.

19. Nicolás Romero (Minnesota United FC, age 21)

Academy: Atlético Tucumán (Argentina)

The Argentine center back has become an integral part of Minnesota’s defense. With aerial strength and sharp positioning, Romero brings a calm presence to the Loons’ back line.

20. Darren Yapi (Colorado Rapids, age 20)

Academy: Colorado Rapids

Yapi continues his steady ascent in Colorado, with a career-best 7 goals and 2 assists in 2025. The homegrown forward’s blend of power and pace makes him one of the most physically dominant attackers of his age group.

21. Brooklyn Raines (Houston Dynamo FC, age 20)

Academies: Houston Dynamo FC, Barca Residency Academy

Raines has blossomed into a dependable midfield anchor for Houston. A calm distributor who can also break up attacks, he’s logged over 1,600 minutes this season and represented the U.S. at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

22. Taha Habroune (Columbus Crew, age 19)

Academy: Columbus Crew

One of Columbus’s most technically gifted homegrowns, Habroune has emerged as a creative force in midfield. His touch, vision, and smooth passing style have made him a regular contributor and a U.S. U-20 standout.