MLS MVP: Who Will Take the Crown in 2025?

Four matchdays into the 2025 MLS season, the race for Most Valuable Player is heating up with unexpected names dominating the conversation. With just 360 minutes of play per team, we’re seeing fascinating trends emerge as surprise performers steal the spotlight from established stars.

The beauty of MLS lies in its unpredictability – both in team performances and individual brilliance. Soccer fans and bettors alike follow these early-season storylines closely, with many choosing to explore trusted offshore platforms for competitive MVP futures odds before the consensus favorites establish themselves. Betting on these platforms brings fans closer to the action as they provide users with tailored promotions and bonuses, loyalty programs that reward active participation, plus a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options. Let’s look at who’s making early noise in the MVP conversation and which preseason favorites need to pick up their pace.

MLS MVP: Who Will Take the Crown in 2025

The Early Frontrunners

The season’s opening month has revealed several standout performers who’ve jumped ahead in the MVP race through consistent excellence, surprising efficiency, and game-changing moments.

Tai Baribo: Philadelphia Union’s Finishing Maestro

Six goals from nine shots. Those numbers alone tell you everything about Baribo’s ruthless efficiency in front of goal. The 27-year-old striker has been a revelation, scoring all his goals inside the 18-yard box with one-touch finishes.

Critics might point to his overperformance against expected goals (0.65 xG), suggesting regression is coming. But his uncanny ability to find space where others can’t, raises an interesting question: is this luck or elite positioning?

His success stems partly from exceptional service. Dániel Gazdag, Quinn Sullivan, and Kai Wagner each created seven chances for the Union’s attack. For fans looking to back Baribo’s MVP chances, sports betting enthusiasts can explore trusted offshore platforms for competitive odds on season-long player awards.

Hugo Cuypers: Chicago Fire’s Renaissance Man

What stands out about Cuypers isn’t just his four goals but the variety in how he scores them. Headers? Check. Penalties? Check. Goals after participating in the buildup? Absolutely.

The 28-year-old Belgian has vision too, creating four chances in four appearances alongside his goal contributions. This marks a dramatic turnaround from 2024 when it took him 16 games to reach the same goal tally he’s achieved in just four matches this season.

Anders Dreyer: San Diego FC’s Danish Dynamo

While eight players across the league have matched Dreyer’s three goals, what separates the 26-year-old Dane is his creativity. He ranks fifth league-wide in expected assists, creating dangerous opportunities even with Mexico star Hirving “Chucky” Lozano sidelined.

Dreyer’s combination of distribution excellence, finishing ability, and physical attributes makes him a constant threat. His speed paired with powerful shooting has defenders scrambling, and his well-rounded attacking skills suggest his production won’t slow down anytime soon.

Luis Suárez: Miami’s Ageless Wonder

At 38, Suárez proves age is just a number. With Messi easing into the season, the Uruguayan legend has shouldered Miami’s creative burden, registering one goal and four assists.

Yes, four of those contributions came in a single match against Houston, but that shouldn’t diminish their significance. His impact is undeniable and extends beyond MLS with an additional three goals and an assist in Concacaf Champions Cup action.

Albert Rusnák: Seattle’s Chance Creation Machine

Selecting Rusnák over others with three goals was challenging. It meant overlooking standouts from table-topping Vancouver Whitecaps like Jayden Nelson, Tristan Blackmon, and Sam Adekugbe.

But Rusnák’s influence on games is undeniable. He’s created a league-leading 15 chances in four matches – an elite playmaking rate that’s driving Seattle’s resurgence. Add his goal contribution, and you have a player who could push the Sounders back into playoff contention.

The Comeback Contenders

While early performers grab headlines, several preseason favorites aren’t out of the running despite slower starts. These established stars have the talent and track record to surge back into contention as the season progresses.

Lionel Messi: The GOAT Finding His Rhythm

Never bet against Messi. Missing from our top five solely due to availability (180 minutes played), his production remains ridiculous – one goal and two assists in limited action.

Barring injury, the greatest player ever will likely leapfrog everyone on this list like it was the case last year. It would take a truly historic season from another player to outshine Messi over a full campaign if he maintains his per-minute production rate.

Evander: Cincinnati’s Brazilian Maestro

After contributing 15 goals and 15 assists last season, Evander deserves patience as he adjusts to his new team. His recent outing against Charlotte FC – six shots and four chances created despite a 2-0 loss – suggests a breakthrough is imminent.

The 26-year-old Brazilian has already struck woodwork and shown flashes of brilliance. Once Cincinnati fine-tunes their final-third play, expect Evander’s numbers to explode.

Miguel Almirón: Atlanta’s Prodigal Son Returns

The returning Atlanta legend hasn’t lit up the scoresheet yet, but his influence is growing. A game-winning assist in his debut and a hockey assist in his latest appearance hint at what’s coming.

With Emanuel Latte Lath already netting three times, opportunities for Almirón to pad his assist totals should increase. Remember, he’s still building match fitness after limited playing time at Newcastle United, suggesting his best form remains ahead.

Slowed By Circumstances

Not all slow starts reflect a player’s true quality. Some MVP-caliber talents face unique challenges that have temporarily dampened their statistical impact.

Gabriel Pec: Galaxy’s Star Missing His Supporting Cast

Pec’s quiet start makes more sense when you consider the absence of his usual attacking partners. With Riqui Puig and Joseph Paintsil injured, and striker Dejan Joveljić departed for Sporting Kansas City, the 24-year-old has lacked his typical support system.

Denis Bouanga: LAFC’s Two-Competition Star

Bouanga’s MLS statistics don’t tell the whole story. While goalless in league play, he’s scored three times in his last two Champions Cup appearances.

The physical toll of competing in two tournaments since February has affected his MLS production, even forcing him to the bench earlier this month. But when Bouanga hits peak form, only Messi rivals his impact in this league.

Racing Toward October

The 2025 MVP race breaks convention with unexpected names leading early. Philadelphia’s Baribo and Chicago’s Cuypers have been ruthless finishers, while Dreyer, Suárez, and Rusnák have combined scoring with elite playmaking.

Yet history suggests established stars like Messi, Evander, and Bouanga will find their form. With six months of soccer ahead, this race remains wide open – making it one of the most intriguing MVP battles in recent MLS memory.

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