In many ways, MLS stands apart from all the other leagues in the world's most popular sport. The top level of professional soccer in the United States features a central ownership model, an annual season and an egalitarian transfer system, all of which are in direct contrast to the more established leagues in Europe.
But over the past three decades, this unique system has allowed… Home-made heavy national sports competition is evolving into The most geographically diverse major league in North America, It has a wider variety of nationalities than any of Europe's 'Big Five'.
with New data released today by MLS We take a closer look at the demographics of the league. Here's everything you need to know about the largest sports church in the United States…
Which cities produce the most footballers?
Over the course of its 29-year history, MLS has gradually moved away from the prototype used in other American sports. Talented talents are usually signed through team academies at a young age, working their way through the ranks with their hometown club in a system designed to create pathways to the first team.
Now, more than ever, clubs are looking to bring in their own young talent, and certain areas of the country are becoming real hotspots. Of current MLS players toronto It is the most common place of birth in the league, followed by New York City.
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In terms of countries, California It stands above the rest as the most productive in the United States. Golden State is the hometown of 52 players currently plying their trade in Major League Soccer, enough to fill two entire rosters. Again, there is a great deal New York Acting, while New Jersey It comes in third place. Of the fifty states, 39 have at least one current MLS representative.
Which countries produce the most NFL players?
Unlike many major European leagues, MLS clubs have a limited number of spaces for foreign talent. Teams start with eight international spots each, although they can be traded between teams as part of transfer negotiations.
These rules have ensured that The United States remains the most prolific producer of MLS talentWith Canada in second place by a large margin. It is not surprising that South American countries complete the five most represented countries in the league.
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Lionel Messi has been exceptional in almost every way since arriving in the league last summer, but his nationality is incredibly common. Argentines are the most numerous of all foreign nationalities Major League Soccer is represented by 35 players, including Messi and fellow World Cup winner Thiago Almada.
In total there is 79 different countries are represented in MLS, more than any of the other major sports leagues in the United States. The NBA (45 nationalities) comes in a distant second, ahead of the NFL (29), MLB (23), and the National Hockey League (22).
MLS also boasts a more geographically diverse player pool than any of Europe's major soccer leagues. globally dominant The Premier League is approaching 69 different nationalities But even this cannot match the difference found in the upper class in the United States.
MLS, the smallest sports league in the country
Compared to most competitors, Major League Soccer, founded in 1996, is a very small sports league. This also applies to players who contribute The youngest average age of any major sports league in the United States of America.
As of May 13, 2024, the average age of MLB rosters is 26.13 years. The NBA is the next closest league at 26.48 years old, followed by the NFL (27.23), MLB (29.15), and NHL (29.34). Which, considering the number of veteran players roaming around Miami alone, may not fit with some fans outside the league's image.
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In the opening months of the 2024 MLS campaign, more than 150 players aged 22 or under have appeared in at least one league match. The youngest was the New York Red Bulls prodigy Julian Hall, who appeared at 15 years, 11 months and 28 days. In his debut against Inter Miami, he faced 37-year-old Luis Suarez, who had made his professional debut three years before Hall was born.
Earlier this year the Philadelphia Union prospect Cavan Sullivan He signed his first professional contract at the age of 14 years, 7 months and 11 days. If he makes his debut in the coming months he will win Freddy Adu And Alphonso Davies To become the youngest player in the history of the American League. Not an easy feat in the country's smallest sports league.
