Africa & the MLS

The MLS is back & we’re not just excited for Leo Messi but for the African talents evolving in this league ⚽️🌍.

We’ve had a look at the rosters and there’s some 60+ players born in Africa or from the diaspora evolving in the MLS for the 2024-25 season.

Here are a few facts for you :

⚽️ At least 14 countries are represented in this year’s rosters.

🇬🇭 Ghana has the largest amount of players in the MLS, something certainly to do with the Right to Dream which is recognized as the top academy for football talent in Africa.

🏟️ Right to Dream’s fourth hub is currently being built in San Diego (estimated project cost : USD 150 million). The academy will join the MLS’ player development program as the academy affiliated to San Diego FC (which was bought as an expansion team by RTD owner Mohamed Mansour).

🇨🇲 Cameroun is the other country with a significant amount of players and Rainbow Sports Global certainly played a huge role in helping scout African talents from the country (but not only).

🌍 Close to 50% of the players presented in the rosters are coming from the diaspora (France, UK, Canada).

🏆 At the last #AFCON, four MLS players represented their national teams.