The MLS season has come to a close, and it’s time to reflect on the tears shed and the memories made. This season brought a thrilling mix of drama, emerging talents, impressive goal-scorers, and much more to reminisce about.
As the 2025 season wraps up, the North American editors at OneFootball have weighed in with their thoughts on the standout awards.
Player of the Year
📸 Alex Slitz – 2025 Getty Images
Adam Booker: Lionel Messi. With an impressive tally of 29 goals and 19 assists in the regular season, he also led Miami to their first MLS Cup.
Andrew Thompson: Initially, I leaned towards Anders Dreyer, but after Messi’s spectacular performance against Nashville and subsequent postseason heroics, it has to be him.
Dylan Krain: Lionel Messi. An astonishing 48 goal contributions in 28 regular-season matches—it’s hard to imagine Miami’s success without him.
Goalkeeper of the Year
📸 Kevork Djansezian – 2025 Getty Images
Adam Booker: Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Andrew Thompson: Brad Stuver (Austin FC)
Dylan Krain: Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)
Best Young Player (22 or younger)
📸 Jay Biggerstaff – 2025 Getty Images
Adam Booker: Owen Wolff (Austin FC)
Andrew Thompson: Idan Toklomati (Charlotte FC)
Dylan Krain: Luca Bombino (San Diego FC)
Coach of the Year
📸 Steph Chambers – 2025 Getty Images
Adam Booker: Jesper Sørensen. The Whitecaps have transformed under his leadership, getting very close to achieving an unexpected MLS Cup upset.
Andrew Thompson: Mikey Varas. While Sørensen has been outstanding, Varas is making his debut as the head coach at a club level, and you wouldn’t guess it from the performance of his San Diego squad.
Dylan Krain: Jesper Sørensen. When Vancouver decided to part ways with fan-favorite coach Vanni Sartini, many had questions, but Sørensen has certainly provided the answers.
Newcomer of the Year
📸 Rich Lam – 2025 Getty Images
Adam Booker: Anders Dreyer. While he may miss out on MVP honors behind Messi, the Dane electrified the league in his debut season with San Diego.
Andrew Thompson: Son Heung-min. The transformation of LAFC since the arrival of the South Korean star has been undeniable, remaining undefeated since his signing.
Dylan Krain: Anders Dreyer. In just eight months, he evolved from a newcomer at an expansion team to one of the league’s elite players on one of the top contenders.
Most Disappointing Team
📸 Leonardo Fernandez – 2025 Getty Images
Adam Booker: It’s hard to look past Atlanta. The Five Stripes entered the season with soaring expectations after significant investments, only to falter disappointingly.
Andrew Thompson: Atlanta. Even after acquiring Emmanuel Latte Lath, welcoming back Miguel Almirón, and signing Steven Alzate, Ronny Deila’s team has struggled in almost every aspect.
Dylan Krain: LA Galaxy. The defending MLS Cup champions took 17 league matches to secure their first victory, by which time their playoff aspirations were nearly extinguished.
📸 Elsa – 2025 Getty Images