Every year, Major League Soccer (MLS) presents its “22 Under 22” list, a carefully curated selection of the league`s most promising young talents. For 2025, this annual unveiling is more than just a roll call; it`s a testament to the league`s burgeoning capacity to identify, nurture, and launch the next generation of football stars. And at the very pinnacle of this year`s esteemed roster stands Obed Vargas of the Seattle Sounders, a name that reverberates with potential and, perhaps, a hint of future international rivalry.
Obed Vargas: A New Era`s Vanguard
Topping the MLS 22 Under 22 list is no small feat, and Vargas, at just 20 years old, has achieved it with a flair that belies his youth. As the first Mexican player to lead this prestigious ranking, his accomplishment carries significant weight, especially considering his dual eligibility for both the United States and Mexican national teams. Having already earned his first cap for El Tri in late 2024 against the very nation he could also represent, Vargas embodies the fascinating geopolitical tapestry of North American football.
His ascent has been nothing short of meteoric. With three goals and five assists in 26 starts for the Sounders, Vargas has cemented himself as a regular starter, showcasing a maturity and skill set that far exceeds his years. His trajectory signals not only a bright future for him personally but also highlights the success of the Seattle Sounders` development pipeline. One might even suggest that while the USMNT star narrative often dominates, it`s Mexico that currently claims the top vote-getter on this pivotal list – a delicious irony for soccer enthusiasts on both sides of the border.
Beyond the Top: A League Teaming with Talent
While Vargas rightly garners the spotlight, the depth of the 2025 22 Under 22 list paints an even broader picture of MLS`s evolving landscape. The list features a diverse collection of players, showcasing talent from a multitude of backgrounds and development paths. Of the 22 players, a remarkable 14 are homegrown, a clear indicator that MLS clubs are increasingly relying on their own academies to forge future stars. This isn`t just about local talent; it`s about a sophisticated scouting network that now reaches into smaller academies and identifies younger players from abroad, integrating them into the MLS system at an early stage.
Clubs like the Philadelphia Union stand out, boasting three representatives on the list. This success isn`t coincidental; it reflects a strategic commitment to trusting and developing younger players, a philosophy that has paid dividends in recent seasons, even contributing to Supporters` Shield victories. The symbiotic relationship with MLS Next Pro, the league`s reserve competition, provides a crucial proving ground, allowing players like Charlotte FC`s Idan Toklomati to gain vital game experience before making the leap to the first team.
MLS`s 22 Under 22 for 2025 — A Snapshot
| Rank | Player | Club | Age | Academy(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Obed Vargas | Seattle Sounders FC | 20 | Seattle Sounders FC |
| 2 | Alex Freeman | Orlando City SC | 21 | Orlando City SC, Weston FC |
| 3 | Idan Toklomati | Charlotte FC | 21 | Maccabi Peta Tikva |
| 4 | Owen Wolff | Austin FC | 20 | Austin FC, Atlanta United, Columbus Crew |
| 5 | David Martinez | Los Angeles FC | 19 | Monagas SC |
| 6 | Quinn Sullivan | Philadelphia Union | 21 | Philadelphia Union |
| 7 | Peyton Miller | New England Revolution | 17 | New England Revolution, Oakwood SC |
| 8 | Nathan Ordaz | Los Angeles FC | 21 | Los Angeles FC |
| 9 | Luca Bombino | San Diego FC | 19 | Los Angeles FC |
| 10 | Zavier Gozo | Real Salt Lake | 18 | Real Salt Lake |
| 11 | Chris Brady | Chicago Fire FC | 21 | Chicago Fire FC |
| 12 | Noah Allen | Inter Miami | 21 | Inter Miami, Weston FC |
| 13 | Olwethu Makhanya | Philadelphia Union | 21 | |
| 14 | Kevin Kelsy | Portland TImbers | 21 | Mineros de Guayana |
| 15 | Manu Duah | San Diego FC | 20 | Santa Barbara Soccer Club |
| 16 | Julian Fernandez | New York City FC | 21 | Velez Sarsfield |
| 17 | Ilay Feingold | New England Revolution | 21 | Maccabi Haifa |
| 18 | Frankie Westfield | Philadelphia Union | 19 | Philadephia Union |
| 19 | Nicolas Romero | Minnesota United FC | 21 | Atletico Tucuman |
| 20 | Darren Yapi | Colorado Rapids | 20 | Colorado Rapids |
| 21 | Brooklyn Raines | Houston Dynamo | 20 | Houston Dynamo, Barca Residency Academy |
| 22 | Taha Habroune | Columbus Crew | 19 | Columbus Crew |
From MLS Prospect to Global Star: A Proven Path
The true significance of the 22 Under 22 list lies in its predictive power. It`s a barometer of future success, a veritable who`s who of players destined for larger stages. Just look at the alumni: Alphonso Davies, who transitioned from Vancouver Whitecaps to Bayern Munich and Champions League glory; Miguel Almiron, a driving force for Atlanta United before making his mark at Newcastle United; and more recently, Ricardo Pepi and Diego Gomez, who have successfully navigated transfers to top European clubs like PSV and Brighton, respectively.
These aren`t isolated incidents; they represent a fundamental shift in how the global football community perceives MLS. Once occasionally dismissed as a “retirement league” for aging European stars, MLS has steadily transformed into a dynamic development and selling league. Clubs abroad are now actively scouting MLS for raw, polished talent, recognizing that the league`s rigorous schedule, diverse competition, and improving coaching standards are preparing players for the demands of the highest levels of the sport. The Sounders` track record in developing talent, exemplified by Vargas, further cements this reputation.
The Road Ahead: What`s Next for MLS Youngsters?
For Obed Vargas and the other 21 players on this list, the journey is just beginning. Their inclusion is not an endpoint but a launchpad, a signal that they possess the attributes to become not just MLS stars, but national team stalwarts and potentially global footballing figures. With players like Alex Freeman already eyeing a spot in the United States World Cup squad, the national team implications are profound, promising a deeper, more competitive talent pool for years to come.
The MLS 22 Under 22 list for 2025 is more than just an annual tradition; it`s a vibrant pulse check on the health and future direction of North American soccer. It underscores the league`s commitment to youth development and its growing role as an incubator for world-class talent. As these young players continue to mature and make their mark, it`s clear that the future of football, both domestically and internationally, will increasingly bear an MLS imprint. And for those who doubted, the evidence is now undeniable, kicking past perceptions into the back of the net.
