The Designated Player Rule was started in the MLS because of David Beckham, and it is still in use. In essence, the rule says that each team in the league may sign up to three players whose wages exceed the salary cap.
The Designated Player Rule also has implications in MLS fantasy soccer. For better, or worse, the the designated players tend to be some of the biggest stars in the league.
Let’s look at the designated players for 2025, and how much they cost in MLS fantasy soccer in FootballCoin.
The 2025 Designated Players
Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC)
The hard salary cap in the MLS is $651,250. Wilfried Zaha’s salary in the MLS is a secret. But the Ivorian forward used to earn 4.35 million Euro when playing for Crystal Palace in the EPL.
Zaha is one of the biggest signings in recent MLS history. He is also a proven fantasy soccer performer. Zaha is rated at only 3* in FootballCoin, meaning that you will be able to purchase him off the free game market.
Miguel Almirón (Atlanta United)
Miguel Almiron is a star. And, Newcastle was well aware of this. The sheikh-owned English team is also aware of the punishment for going against Financial Fair Play regulations.
Almiron will be one of the players to watch in MLS fantasy football. Almiron is another of the few 3*-rated players in the MLS.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (New York Red Bulls)
Eric Chuopo-Moting has proven to be one of the most unpredictable players in top European competitions. MLS fantasy soccer fans of his should know that he is available for lease in FootballCoin. He is rated at 2*.
Marco Pašalić (Orlando City)
The MLS is trying to attract top talent. This has meant that clubs have been forced to spend more on wages this season. Pasalic is a right-back who has played for the likes of Borussia Dortmund.
But the 24-year-old is rated at just 1* in FootballCoin and is free to use for any manager.
Jonathan Bamba (Chicago Fire)
Jonathan Bamba was one of the great hopes of French football for a long time. He will now try to get his career back on track in the MLS. There are great expectations for this Chicago Fire forward. Bamba is available as a 2-star player in FootballCoin.
Dejan Joveljić (Sporting Kansas City)
Dejan Joveljić was sensational last season for LA Galaxy. This has led to a transfer move to Sporting Kansas City. The team will be hoping to use the striker to improve its chances, and so should fantasy soccer managers.
Hirving Lozano (San Diego FC)
Hirving Lozano is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars in MLS 2025. The former Napoli winger is rated at 3* in FootballCoin.
Kévin Denkey (FC Cincinnati)
Rated as a 1* player in FootballCoin.
Brandon Vázquez (Austin FC)
Rated as a 1* player in FootballCoin.
Jordan Morris Seattle Sounders
Rated as a 2* player in FootballCoin.
Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)
Rated as a 2* player in FootballCoin.
Myrto Uzuni (Austin FC)
Rated as a 2* player in FootballCoin.
Manu García (Sporting Kansas City)
Rated as a 2* player in FootballCoin.
Emmanuel Latte Lath (Atlanta United)
Rated as a 1* player in FootballCoin.
