Fantasy soccer MLS surely is a game of skill. That much is obvious. But it isn’t just one skill that managers will be using. Strategizing and scouting are certainly at the top when trying to pick out the best defenders for your draft.
The scoring system for fantasy soccer is a complex set of variables. You’re going to want defenders who can put in a tackle, and who play for teams that keep clean sheets. And, yes, you’ll want defenders that score the odd goal.
These are the best defender picks for the MLS soccer 2025 season! Don’t forget that you can pick them each week in the free game of FootballCoin!
Top 10 MLS Defenders for Fantasy Soccer in 2025
10. Aaron Long (Los Angeles FC)
Aaron Long has an impressive resume. He’s played for some of the biggest teams in the MLS, has 35 international caps for the U.S.A. at the time of this writing, and is something of a fan favourite.
Los Angeles FC has big dreams in 2025. If they do come true, Long will be among the most important players to make those real.
9. Ranko Veselinovic (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Ranko Veselinovic was enjoying a promising career in Serbia, representing the national team at youth level, before being scouted by Vancouver Whitecaps.
Since his transfer in 2021, the Serbian has developed into one of the team’s leaders.
Furthermore, Veselinovic has proven to be a player who can be dangerous in front of goal. He’s a good choice for your fantasy soccer draft!
8. Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union)
Jakob Glesnes is the kind of defender that strikes fear into the hearts of attackers looking for a goal. That’s all the better for Philadelphia and for your team if you pick him.
Glesnes is one of the best defenders in MLS. It’s true that 2024 had its challenges for the Norwegian who only played in 14 league matches. But 2025 can only be better!
7. Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United)
Where was Lennon Brooks among the top fantasy soccer defenders? Not near the top 10.
But wait just a minute! This is a rejuvenated Atlanta United side.
And, look deeper at Lennon‘s 2024 stats, and you’ll find a defender who contributes to the attack and is comfortable with the ball at his feet.
While strictly not the greatest tackler, Lennon ticks most of the boxes.
6. Martins Thiago (New York City FC)
Matins Thiago knows that playing for New York City FC brings with it a great level of responsibility. He must also know that last season was not good enough.
Thiago’s individual stats, however, suggest that he is one of the players to watch in this MLS soccer fantasy campaign.
5. Juan Mosquera (Portland Timbers)
Juan David Mosquera deserves more appreciation than he receives. The Colombian right-back provided four assists and a goal last season. Those stats, together with speed and the ability to pick a cross, brought him into a successful Colombian national team.
Expect good things from Mosquera this season!
4. Ragen Jackson (Seattle Sounders)
Seattle Sounders did well with the resources that they had last season! I’m expecting The Rave Green to maintain form. Defender Ragen Jackson, I predict, will do the same.
The 26-year-old was a top fantasy soccer defender last season. And Jackson may just be entering the peak phase of his career.
3. Maya Yoshida (LA Galaxy)
Maya Yoshida is another staple of most fantasy soccer teams. The former Southampton and Shalke 04 defender is undoubtedly something of a luxury choice.
Still, Yoshida seems to get the job done just about any time. There were fewer passers better than him in 2024 and few who made more interceptions.
Yoshida was FootballCoin’s runner-up best MLS defender. Picking him should be a no-brainer!
2. Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)
I’ve waxed lyrically about Kai Wagner‘s performances in the MLS for a while. But the German defender doesn’t need me to sing his praises. The stats speak for themselves.
Since arriving in the MLS in 2019, Wagner has hardly missed a match and has become a real leader for Philadelphia Union. Few defenders in the league contribute more offensively. Get Wagner in your fantasy MLS soccer draft right now!
1. Jordi Alba (Inter Miami CF)
Jordi Alba is the superstar defender of the MLS. But that doesn’t excuse his 2024 performances. No, Alba wasn’t terrible. How could he be? He was the 4th best defender in fantasy soccer, and Inter Miami failed to win the trophy outright. But that’s not a gold medal, is it?
With this much talent on the team and the weight of expectations, I think Alba will really come alive in 2025. Expect a defender who can provide assists and the odd goal. With more defensive solidity, expect Inter’s players to rack up points for clean sheets.
