MLS Players by Position
11 positions across 6,415 total players in MLS history.
Attack
Right Winger
395A wide attacker stationed on the right flank, tasked with beating defenders one-on-one, delivering crosses, and cutting inside to shoot. In MLS, right wingers are often among the most exciting and dynamic players on the pitch, with inverted wingers who cut onto their left foot becoming increasingly common. The position is a launching pad for young talent looking to make the jump to European leagues.
Left Winger
382A wide attacker operating from the left side of the pitch, using pace and trickery to create scoring opportunities for themselves and teammates. In MLS, left wingers who can cut inside onto their stronger right foot to shoot have become particularly effective, while traditional touchline-hugging wingers who deliver crosses remain valuable. The position is a hotbed for young South American imports looking to shine.
Striker
820The primary goalscorer in MLS formations, tasked with finishing chances and leading the line. Strikers in MLS range from target men who hold the ball up and bring others into play to poachers who live on the shoulder of the last defender. The Designated Player rule has brought world-class strikers to MLS, making this one of the league's most talent-rich positions.
Forward
750A versatile attacking player who can operate across the front line, dropping deep to link play or drifting wide to create overloads. In MLS, the forward designation often covers players who are not pure strikers but contribute heavily to the attack from various positions. Many of the league's most impactful designated players have been classified as forwards due to their fluid, position-agnostic style of play.
Midfield
Defensive Midfielder
520The shield in front of the backline, responsible for breaking up opposition attacks and recycling possession. In MLS, the defensive midfielder is often the most tactically disciplined player on the pitch, reading the game to intercept passes and win duels. Top clubs invest heavily in this position, as a quality CDM can transform a team's defensive solidity and build-up play.
Central Midfielder
610The engine room of the team, connecting defense to attack through passing, pressing, and intelligent movement. Central midfielders in MLS are box-to-box operators who must contribute at both ends of the pitch. The best CMs in league history have combined vision, work rate, and technical quality to dictate the tempo of matches.
Attacking Midfielder
648The creative fulcrum operating between midfield and the forward line, responsible for unlocking defenses with through balls, set pieces, and late runs into the box. MLS has attracted world-class number 10s throughout its history, from designated players like Sebastian Giovinco to homegrown talents like Hany Mukhtar. The position demands exceptional technical ability and spatial awareness.
Defense
Center-Back
780The central defensive anchor responsible for organizing the backline, winning aerial duels, and making crucial tackles. In MLS, center-backs must be comfortable on the ball as teams increasingly build from the back. Many clubs deploy a two-center-back partnership, though three-at-the-back formations have gained popularity across the league.
Right-Back
465A wide defender who patrols the right flank, balancing defensive duties with overlapping runs to provide width in attack. MLS right-backs are increasingly expected to function as auxiliary wingers, delivering crosses and contributing to the final third. The position demands exceptional stamina and tactical awareness to cover the full length of the pitch.
Left-Back
487The wide defender on the left side, mirroring the right-back's responsibilities with an emphasis on supporting attacks down the left channel. In MLS, left-backs are often among the most creative defenders on the pitch, providing overlapping and underlapping runs to combine with wingers. Natural left-footedness is highly prized at this position for delivering quality crosses.