Top Scorers in the History of Major League Soccer: The leading scorers in Major League Soccer (MLS) have made a big impact on American soccer. They have scored more than 1,000 goals altogether, and their skills have helped make MLS one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
The top goal-scorers in MLS history are Landon Donovan, Chris Wondolowski, Ante Razov, and Dwayne De Rosario. These players have not only scored many goals, but they have also played important roles in their teams’ success.
Top Scorers in the History of the Major League Soccer
The top scorers in MLS show how much the league has grown and improved over time. As MLS continues to get better, we can expect to see more talented goal-scorers emerge, especially with the addition of players like Lionel Messi in the future.
10. Taylor Twellman
- Country: United States
- Career: 2002–2010
- Goals: 101
- Matches: 174
- Average: 0.58
Taylor Twellman had a remarkable career in Major League Soccer (MLS) by scoring 101 goals. He played his entire career for the New England Revolution from 2002 to 2010. Twellman holds the record for most goals scored for the New England Revolution and ranks as the 10th-highest goal scorer in MLS history.
In his 174 games, Twellman achieved an average of 0.58 goals per game. He had 21 games where he scored more than one goal, and his most successful season was in 2002 when he netted an impressive 23 goals. Twellman’s exceptional performances earned him recognition, as he was named to the MLS Best XI team twice. Additionally, he was honored as the MLS MVP (Most Valuable Player) in 2005 and was awarded the MLS Golden Boot in the same year.
Twellman’s contributions to MLS have solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the league’s history. He also represented the United States national team and notably participated in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2007, where he played a vital role in helping the team secure victory.
9. Dwayne De Rosario
- Country: Canada
- Career: 2001–2014
- Goals: 104
- Matches: 343
- Average: 0.3
Dwayne De Rosario had an impressive career in Major League Soccer (MLS) where he scored a total of 104 goals. He stands as the 9th highest goal scorer in MLS history. Throughout his career, De Rosario played for five different MLS teams, including the San Jose Earthquakes, Houston Dynamo, Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls, and D.C. United. Notably, he achieved success by winning the MLS Cup four times: in 2001 and 2003 with the Earthquakes, and in 2006 and 2007 with the Houston Dynamo. In 2011, he was named the MLS MVP, recognizing his exceptional performance.
De Rosario’s 104 goals in MLS were spread across 343 games, resulting in an average of 0.3 goals per game. His most prolific season was in 2010, when he found the back of the net 17 times. De Rosario’s consistent performances led to his inclusion in the MLS Best XI team on six occasions. Additionally, he clinched the MLS Golden Boot in 2011, further highlighting his scoring prowess.
In addition to his MLS achievements, De Rosario also represented the Canadian national team. He played a significant role in Canada’s success at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2000, where they emerged victorious.
8. Jason Kreis
- Country: United States
- Career: 1996–2007
- Goals: 108
- Matches: 305
- Average: 0.35
Jason Kreis had an impressive career in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring a total of 108 goals. He played for two MLS teams: the Dallas Burn and Real Salt Lake. Kreis holds the record for the most goals scored for the Dallas Burn and ranks as the 8th highest goal scorer in MLS history.
Throughout his career, Kreis accumulated his 108 goals across 305 games, resulting in an average of 0.35 goals per game. His most prolific season was in 1999, during which he netted an impressive 20 goals. Kreis showcased his goal-scoring abilities consistently throughout his MLS journey.
7. Ante Razov
- Country:
- Career: (1996–2000) (2001–2009)
- Goals: 114
- Matches: 262
- Average: 0.44
Ante Razov had an outstanding career in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring a remarkable 114 goals. He played for several teams in MLS, including the Chicago Fire, San Jose Earthquakes, Los Angeles Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, and Colorado Rapids. Razov currently holds the 7th position among the league’s all-time leading goal scorers.
Razov’s impressive goal tally of 114 came in 262 games, giving him an average of 0.44 goals per game. His remarkable achievements earned him a place in the MLS 100 goals club, a testament to his scoring prowess and consistency.
Beyond his success in MLS, Razov is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the league’s history. He also represented the United States national team and had the honor of competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2002, demonstrating his skill and dedication at the international level.
6. Bradley Wright-Phillips
- Country: England
- Career: 2013–2021
- Goals: 117
- Matches: 234
- Average: 0.5
Bradley Wright-Phillips has scored a total of 117 goals in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Bradley Wright-Phillips is a retired professional football player from England who played as a striker. In the middle of the 2013 season, Wright-Phillips joined the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS). He made an immediate impact, helping his team win the Supporters’ Shield, and in his first full season, he scored 27 goals, matching the record for the most goals in a single season in the league.
He won the MLS Golden Boot award twice and holds the record for the most goals scored by a player in the history of the New York Red Bulls. In 2018, he became the eleventh player in MLS history to score 100 goals.
5. Jaime Moreno
- Country: Bolivia
- Career: 1996–2010
- Goals: 133
- Matches: 340
- Average:0.39
Jaime Moreno had an illustrious career in Major League Soccer (MLS), where he scored an impressive 133 goals. He is recognized as the 5th highest goal scorer in MLS history. Moreno dedicated 14 seasons of his career to D.C. United from 1996 to 2010 and also played for the MetroStars for one season in 2003.
During his time in MLS, Moreno’s 133 goals came across 340 games, giving him an average of 0.39 goals per game. His most prolific season was in 2005, when he found the back of the net 17 times. Moreno’s exceptional performances earned him numerous accolades, including being named to the MLS Best XI team five times. He was also honored as the MLS MVP in 1997, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the league.
With his significant achievements and impact on the field, Moreno is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in MLS history, leaving a lasting legacy in the league.
4. Jeff Cunningham
- Country: United States
- Career: 1998–2011
- Goals: 134
- Matches: 365
- Average: 0.37
Jeff Cunningham had an impressive career in Major League Soccer (MLS) where he scored a total of 134 goals. He currently holds the 4th position on the MLS all-time goals list, trailing behind Chris Wondolowski (171 goals), Landon Donovan (145 goals), and Kei Kamara from Sierra Leone (139 goals). Cunningham showcased his talents while playing for eight different MLS teams, including the Columbus Crew, Toronto FC, and Real Salt Lake.
Cunningham’s achievements include being a two-time MLS Golden Boot winner in 2006 and 2009, which recognized him as the league’s top goal scorer. He was also named to the MLS Best XI team in 2002, 2006, and 2009, showcasing his consistent performances and contributions to his teams.
Jeff Cunningham’s goal-scoring prowess and recognition in the league have solidified his place as one of MLS’s notable figures. His impressive accomplishments make him a respected player in MLS history.
3. Kei Kamara
- Country: Sierra Leone
- Career: (2006–2013) (2015–2020) 2022–present
- Goals: 139
- Matches: 391
- Average: 0.36
Kei Kamara has made his mark in Major League Soccer (MLS) by scoring an impressive total of 139 goals. He currently holds the third position on the all-time MLS goals list, sitting just six goals behind Landon Donovan in second place. Kamara has showcased his talents while playing for 11 different MLS teams, including the Columbus Crew, Sporting Kansas City, and CF Montréal.
Kamara’s accomplishments include being selected as an MLS All-Star once and earning a spot in the MLS Best XI in 2015, recognizing his outstanding performances. In addition to his success in MLS, Kamara is also a Sierra Leone international player. He has represented his country in 39 matches, contributing seven goals to the national team’s success.
His achievements and international presence highlight his impact both on the domestic and international stages.
2. Landon Donovan
- Country: United States
- Career: (2001–2014) 2016
- Goals: 145
- Matches: 343
- Average: 0.42
Landon Donovan had an outstanding career in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring a total of 145 goals. He currently stands as the second-highest goal scorer in MLS history, just behind Chris Wondolowski. Donovan showcased his skills while playing for the Los Angeles Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in MLS history.
Donovan’s remarkable 145 goals in MLS came across 343 games, resulting in an average of 0.42 goals per game. His most prolific season was in 2008, where he found the back of the net 20 times.
His accomplishments extend beyond club success, as he was named to the MLS Best XI team seven times, in 2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2014. Donovan’s influence also played a significant role in the success of his teams, winning the MLS Cup on six occasions.
Notably, Donovan also represented the United States national team and contributed to their victories in the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2013. His impressive performances both at the club and international level solidify his status as a remarkable player in MLS history.
1. Chris Wondolowski
- Country: United States
- Career: 2005–2021
- Goals: 171
- Matches: 413
- Average: 0.41
Chris Wondolowski had an amazing career in Major League Soccer (MLS), scoring a record-breaking 171 goals. He played for two teams: the San Jose Earthquakes and the Houston Dynamo. Wondolowski holds the title of the all-time leading scorer for the San Jose Earthquakes and is also the highest goal scorer in MLS history.
Wondolowski’s impressive 171 goals came in 413 games, giving him an average of 0.41 goals per game. His best season was in 2012 when he scored a remarkable 27 goals. Wondolowski’s outstanding performances earned him recognition, as he was named to the MLS Best XI team three times (in 2010, 2011, and 2012) and won the MLS Golden Boot in 2010 and 2012.
Wondolowski is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in MLS history. He played a crucial role in the success of the San Jose Earthquakes, helping them win two Supporters’ Shield titles in 2005 and 2012. He also represented the United States national team and was part of their victorious CONCACAF Gold Cup campaign in 2013.
Wondolowski’s exceptional goal-scoring abilities and his records make him a true legend in MLS. His impressive achievement of 171 goals is unlikely to be surpassed for a long time, solidifying his place among the league’s greatest players.
