Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the former LA Galaxy star and a senior advisor to AC Milan, has expressed his views on the growth of Major League Soccer (MLS). He believes that MLS is not growing as fast as it could due to the league’s “too many rules.” Despite the expansion of the league from 24 to 29 teams, with another team set to debut in 2025, Ibrahimovic feels that more needs to be done to elevate the standard of MLS to compete with the top competitions in Europe.
According to Ibrahimovic, while the game itself is improving in terms of quality and individual skill, MLS still has a long way to go. He emphasizes the need for MLS to focus on producing young talent in addition to importing established players. Ibrahimovic stresses that the arrival of big-name players from Europe highlights the gap in quality between MLS and European leagues. He underscores the importance of developing talent from the grassroots level for long-term success.
The Impact of Salary Cap Restrictions
Unlike Europe’s top leagues, MLS operates under a salary cap system that limits clubs’ spending. The league allows for three designated players whose salaries can exceed the club’s budget, as well as three players aged 22 or younger at a reduced budget charge. However, these restrictions have been a point of contention, especially with the recent arrival of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. There have been calls for MLS to relax its rules to take full advantage of the presence of global superstars like Messi and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
In response to the pressure to adapt to the changing landscape of global football, MLS made adjustments to its rules in July. These changes were aimed at giving clubs more freedom in signing players. One of the key modifications involved relaxing restrictions on the combined number of Designated Players and under-22 signings. By providing more flexibility to clubs, MLS hopes to attract top talent and elevate the league’s overall competitiveness.
As MLS continues to evolve and expand, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the league’s potential for growth. With the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, there is a unique opportunity for MLS to showcase its progress on the global stage. By focusing on talent development, enhancing the quality of play, and revisiting its rules, MLS can position itself as a more formidable player in the world of football.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s critical assessment of Major League Soccer underscores the need for continuous improvement and adaptation. While acknowledging the positive strides that MLS has made, Ibrahimovic highlights the importance of addressing the league’s challenges to achieve greater success in the future. With the right strategies and mindset, MLS can overcome its obstacles and establish itself as a premier destination for top football talent.