The highly anticipated MLS `22 Under 22` list has been revealed, highlighting the league`s most promising young talents. This year, Seattle Sounders midfielder Obed Vargas secured the top spot, making him the first Mexican player to lead the prestigious ranking. Vargas earned his first international cap for Mexico`s `El Tri` in October 2024 during a match against the United States—a nation he was also eligible to represent, having spent part of his youth career within their system. At just 20 years old, Vargas has already made a significant impact for the Sounders, scoring three goals and providing five assists in MLS play, starting 26 matches. This performance builds on his breakthrough 2024 season, where he established himself as a regular starter for the club.
Established in 2010, this influential list is compiled through votes from a distinguished panel comprising MLS coaches, general managers, broadcasters, and media members. Historically, players who achieve recognition on this list frequently find success not only within MLS but also in international leagues. This trend sparks considerable interest for Vargas and other honorees like Alex Freeman, who is currently considered a strong candidate for the United States` World Cup squad.
The 2025 MLS `22 Under 22` List
| 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 |
The list reveals a fascinating diversity in player backgrounds, with 14 homegrown talents featured. Their paths to MLS clubs vary widely, reflecting increased scouting efforts towards smaller academies and promising young players from abroad. The effectiveness of MLS`s U-22 initiative is evident in how players like Makhanya can be integrated under the salary cap, subsequently playing crucial roles, such as contributing to a Supporters` Shield victory.
The Philadelphia Union leads the league with three players on the list, a testament to Head Coach Bradley Carnell`s successful strategy of trusting in younger talent. MLS Next Pro has proven invaluable, offering these developing players crucial match experience and allowing clubs, like Charlotte FC with Toklomati, to nurture younger athletes as they adapt to the MLS level. To understand the potential trajectory for these emerging stars, it`s insightful to examine past honorees.
Historic Winners of the `22 Under 22` Award
| Year | Player | Club | Current Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Obed Vargas | Seattle Sounders | |
| 2024 | Diego Gomez | Inter Miami | Brighton |
| 2023 | Alan Velasco | FC Dallas | Boca Juniors |
| 2022 | Jesus Ferreira | FC Dallas | Seattle Sounders |
| 2021 | Ricardo Pepi | FC Dallas | PSV |
| 2020 | Brenden Aaronson | Philadelphia Union | Leeds United |
| 2019 | Diego Rossi | Los Angeles FC | Columbus Crew |
| 2018 | Alphonso Davies | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Bayern Munich |
| 2017 | Miguel Almiron | Atlanta United | Atlanta United |
| 2016 | Cyle Larin | Orlando City FC | Feyenoord |
| 2015 | Fabian Castillo | FC Dallas | Deportivo Cali |
| 2014 | DeAndre Yedlin | Seattle Sounders | Real Salt Lake |
| 2013 | Darlington Nagbe | Portland Timbers | Columbus Crew |
| 2012 | Darren Mattocks | Vancouver Whitecaps FC | N/A |
| 2011 | Brek Shea | FC Dallas | N/A |
| 2010 | Fredy Montero | Seattle Sounders | Real Cartagena |
Vargas now joins an esteemed group of past winners, many of whom have forged stellar MLS careers, become national team fixtures, and even gained Champions League experience. The Sounders` proven track record in talent development is underscored by Vargas`s achievement, placing them just two wins behind FC Dallas for the most top spots on this list. Furthermore, as MLS evolves into a prominent selling league, the pathways and opportunities for players to excel and top this list have significantly expanded.
Diego Gomez`s swift integration into Brighton`s first team after his move from Inter Miami exemplifies how European clubs are recognizing MLS`s effectiveness in preparing players for elite leagues. While Miguel Almiron and Alphonso Davies were pioneers with their moves to Newcastle United and Bayern Munich, respectively, an increasing number of young talents are expected to leverage their MLS success into thriving international careers.
