Top 22 Under 22 Rankings to Watch in 2025

MLS Announces 2025 22 Under 22 Rankings: Top Young Talents Unveiled

The excitement surrounding Major League Soccer (MLS) continues to grow as the league reveals its highly anticipated 2025 22 Under 22 list. This annual highlight showcases the top 22 players under the age of 22, selected by a panel of MLS experts, including staff, talent from the MLS Season Pass, and technical personnel from club teams. Leading this year’s rankings is Obed Vargas from Seattle Sounders FC, recognized as one of the league’s brightest emerging stars.

Eligibility Criteria for 22 Under 22 Selection

To be eligible for this distinguished list, players must meet specific criteria:

• Age Cutoff: Players must be 21 years old or younger before the conclusion of the 2025 MLS regular season, which is designated as Decision Day on October 18. Eligible players must be born on or after October 19, 2003.
• Voting Period: The voting took place from September 15 to September 26, with a total of 64 ballots submitted.
• Voting Pool: Out of 30 MLS teams, 23 participated, including coaches, chief soccer officers, and technical directors, resulting in votes for 103 players.

Highlighting Top Young Players in MLS

The rankings showcase a dynamic mix of talent across various positions, illustrating the depth of youth in MLS. Here are some of the standout players:

• Obed Vargas (20, Seattle Sounders FC): Leading this year’s list, Vargas boasts eight goal contributions (3 goals, 5 assists) in the current MLS season, elevating his profile on international stages, including the FIFA Club World Cup.
• Riley Freeman (21, Orlando City): Freeman became an MLS All-Star and played a crucial role with 6 goals and 2 assists, increasing his visibility for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
• Naama Toklomati (21, Charlotte FC): The Israeli international has made an impressive impact with 11 goals and 4 assists, securing a playoff spot for his team.
• Justin Wolff (20, Austin FC): Finalizing his breakthrough season with 5 goals and 8 assists, Wolff helped lead his club back to the playoffs.
• Yerson Martínez (19, LAFC): A key playmaker, Martínez has contributed significantly to his team’s efforts, netting 6 goals and 6 assists this season.

More Rising Stars Making Their Mark

The list does not end here. Several young talents have also made notable contributions to their respective teams:

• Jack Sullivan (21, Philadelphia Union): A homegrown talent, Sullivan recently earned his first caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) before sustaining a season-ending injury.
• Sam Miller (17, New England Revolution): As the youngest player on the list, Miller has made strides in his role as a starting left back.
• Marvin Ordaz (21, LAFC): Ordaz has quickly established himself as a vital piece of LAFC’s attack, scoring 7 goals this season.
• Diego Gozo (18, Real Salt Lake): Showing prowess in front of goal, Gozo is one of the youngest American players gaining attention internationally.
• Gabe Brady (21, Chicago Fire FC): As a consistent presence in goal, Brady has been instrumental in stabilizing his team’s defense this season.

Experience Across Multiple Academies

Each player on the 22 Under 22 list has a unique journey through various football academies, contributing to their development:

This year’s 22 Under 22 list is not just a testament to the young stars’ talent but also highlights the bright future of MLS. As they continue to develop, these athletes are set to become key players for their teams and potentially the national squads on the global stage.