Major League Soccer is officially back, and the league’s hottest players are ready to score.
As soccer fans head to stadiums across the country on Saturday, February 21, to celebrate opening day of the 2026 MLS season, several athletes are sure to grab the attention of attendees with their talents.
“If you’re an average sports fan looking to dip into MLS, watching Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller gives you three completely different types of star power in one league,” MLS Season Pass lead soccer analyst Taylor Twellman exclusively shared with Us Weekly. “Together they represent global pedigree, championship experience and game-changing quality, and they make MLS must-watch.”
While their resumes and stats speak for themselves, these athletes also deserve recognition for their physical toughness as they try to help their team pull out a win during every match-up.
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“Soccer players are some of the most physically complete athletes in sports because they combine elite endurance, speed, strength and mental toughness all in one continuous performance,” Twellman, who played professionally from 1999 to 2010, explained to Us. “Over a 90-minute match, players routinely cover seven to nine miles, mixing long-distance running with repeated explosive sprints, sharp changes of direction, jumps, tackles, and physical collisions — all without the frequent stoppages you see in sports like football or basketball.”
Impressed yet?
As a new season kicks off, Us is highlighting some of the biggest names in the sport. Keep reading to meet just some of the many talented — and hot — players breaking a sweat and winning big:
Lionel Messi: Inter Miami CF
Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo Courtesy of Antonela Roccuzzo/Instagram“Messi is pure genius,” soccer analyst Taylor Twellman told Us Weekly when praising the Argentine professional footballer. “He’s the kind of player who can control an entire match with one touch or unlock a defense with a pass no one else sees.”
Son Heung-min: Los Angeles Football Club
Son Heung-min Courtesy of Son Heung-min/Instagram“Son brings electric pace and big-moment finishing,” Taylor Twellman shared with Us about one of Los Angeles’ biggest athletes. “He’s the type of forward who can score from anywhere and turn a counterattack into a highlight in seconds.”
Gabriel Pec: Los Angeles Galaxy
Gabriel Pec Courtesy of Gabriel Pec/InstagramHappily married to Isabella Lipatin since 2024, Gabriel Pec can likely be found rooting for the Los Angeles Rams or Los Angeles Lakers when he’s not on the soccer field.
Rodrigo De Paul: Inter Miami CF
Rodrigo De Paul Courtesy of Rodrigo De Paul/InstagramNicknamed “El Motorcito” or “The Little Engine,” Rodrigo De Paul works hand-in-hand with Lionel Messi to ensure Inter Miami CF comes out on top. He also currently has 13.9 million Instagram followers.
Sam Surridge: Nashville SC
Sam Surridge Courtesy of Sam Surridge/InstagamNashville soccer fans love to call Sam Surridge “Super Sam” for his ability to score under pressure. At this chapter in his career, Surridge has no interest in leaving.
“I’m definitely happy at the moment in Nashville,” he told MLS in July 2025. “I’m settled, and it’s going to take a lot for me to change that, because this is what I’ve wanted in my career. I’ve wanted that faith from a club, and so it’ll take a lot for me to give that up.”
Tristan Blackmon: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Tristan Blackmon Courtesy of Tristan Blackmon/InstagramDescribed as a versatile defender capable of being deployed as a centre back, fullback or wingback, Tristan Blackmon was previously acquired by Whitecaps FC in a trade with Charlotte FC.
Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov: San Diego FC
Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov Courtesy of Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov/InstagramAfter his wife, Debbie Schmidt Tverskov, welcomed a baby in December 2025, Jeppe Schmidt Tverskov is ready for game time. And yes, he’s here to prove Los Angeles isn’t the only Southern California city that can have a winning soccer team.
Philip Zinckernagel: Chicago Fire
Philip Zinckernagel Courtesy of Philip Zinckernagel/InstagramMarried to Anna Leite Zinckernagel since August 2025, Philip Zinckernagel is in love and ready to lead his team to victory as an attacking midfielder.
Petar Musa: FC Dallas
Petar Musa Courtesy of Petar Musa/InstagramBefore it’s time to suit up in his FC Dallas jersey, Petar Musa can likely be photographed with a best dressed-worthy look. After looking at his Instagram, you’ll see one of the hottest strikers in MLS clearly has an eye for style.
Thomas Müller: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Thomas Müller Courtesy of Thomas Müller/Instagram“Müller is the ultimate soccer brain,” Taylor Twellman shared with Us Weekly about the German soccer stud. “He’s constantly finding space, making clever runs and producing in the biggest moments without needing flashy moves.”
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