Many internationally recognized soccer players have joined Major League Soccer (MLS) over the past three decades. Lionel Messi will eclipse all of these legends, but some of these athletes have allowed the entire world to take a look at the North American Championship.
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Here are 10 of the most famous football specialists who have played in the Garber circuit.
Didier Drogba
The Ivorian is considered one of the greatest African players in history and his arrival at the Montreal Impact in 2015 didn’t go unnoticed. The great Chelsea goalscorer was a real idol for Quebec fans. One of his former teammates, Frank Lampard, also caused a stir in New York City.
Thierry Henry
The former Montreal head coach made his MLS debut in 2010 with the New York Red Bulls. The French forward won the 1998 World Cup and won the English Premier League Golden Boot four times.
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David Beckham
When handsome David Beckham joined the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, the world almost stopped. The Englishman still had good years ahead of him in Europe, but decided to temporarily turn his attention to the USA. His visit to the Olympic Stadium in 2012 set a long-time attendance record (60,860 people) for the building.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
The unassuming Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who recently retired, also played for the Galaxy. The inimitable Swede made a big impression upon arriving in Los Angeles, assuring everyone that the City of Angels now has a God alongside its King LeBron James. His extravagant performances in MLS in 2018 and 2019 were remembered.
Wayne Rooney
Before he coached DC United, Wayne Rooney also played there. The man at the heart of Manchester United’s success in the 2000s brought with him a wealth of experience. England were very well represented on the other side of the Atlantic with Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
Andrea Pirlo
Known for his elegant style, the midfielder surprised Italian fans when he left the country for New York City FC in 2016. Pirlo was one of the most influential footballers in Serie A, with stints at Juventus, Inter and AC Milan.
Alessandro Nesta
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Speaking of Italy, many CF Montreal fans may have forgotten that Alessandro Nesta played for Bleu Blanc Noir in 2012 and 2013. Considered one of the best defenders in history, the legend of the “Rossoneri” joined his friend Marco Di Vaio in metropolitan Quebec.
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One of the greatest of his generation, Brazilian Kaka was the face of Orlando City SC for three years. The ex-Real Madrid player is one of four players, including Messi, to have won the Ballon d’Or before moving to MLS.
Christo Stoichkov
Who are the other two? First Stoichkov, who won the title in 1994. The ex-Barcelonian, the greatest soccer player in Bulgarian history, joined the Chicago Fire in the early 2000s and also represented DC United. He’s not the best known, but his track record speaks for itself.
Lothar Matthäus
Matthäus has won almost everything in his career, including the Ballon d’Or in 1990. He has participated in five World Cups and played almost 800 club games. He completed his final round in 2000 with the now-defunct New York MetroStars.