Obed Vargas of Seattle Sounders FC Tops MLS 22 Under 22 List for 2025
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Major league Soccer today unveiled its annual 22 Under 22 list, recognizing the league’s most promising young talent. The 2025 class, resolute by a vote of MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, MLS Season Pass commentators, and select media, showcases the rising stars shaping the future of North American soccer.
The list highlights the best young international and domestic players across the league, with Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Obed Vargas earning the top spot. This marks the third time a Seattle player has achieved the No. 1 ranking, and the first since the list transitioned to the 22 Under 22 format in 2018. Vargas also made history as the first Mexican player to claim the coveted position.
Rising Stars and Club Depiction
Charlotte FC forward Idan Toklomati secured the No. 3 position, representing the highest ranking in the club’s history. The Philadelphia Union leads all clubs with three players featured on the list,demonstrating the strength of their academy system. Los Angeles Football Club, the New England revolution, and San Diego FC each contributed two players to the 2025 class.
A significant trend in this year’s list is the prominence of Homegrown players. A total of 14 players were developed through MLS academies, with eight of the top 10 selections originating from within the league’s system. Players entered the league through three primary pathways: Homegrown signings (14), the U22 Initiative (seven), and the MLS SuperDraft (one).
The MLS Pro Player pathway: A Breeding ground for Talent
The success of these young players is deeply rooted in the MLS Pro Player Pathway, a system designed to nurture talent from youth levels to the professional ranks. Thirteen players on the 2025 22 Under 22 list previously competed in MLS NEXT, while seven earned their first professional contracts after excelling in MLS NEXT Pro.
“The pathway is clearly working,” stated one analyst. “We’re seeing players seamlessly transition from the developmental leagues to making a significant impact in MLS.”
Notable examples include Peyton Miller (No. 7) of the New England Revolution, who led the U19 team to an MLS NEXT Cup title in 2023 at just 15 years old. San Diego FC’s Manu Duah (No. 15) also stands out, having been the first overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft after competing in MLS NEXT.
MLS NEXT Pro: A Launchpad for Emerging Stars
MLS NEXT Pro continues to serve as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring MLS players. Philadelphia Union defender Frankie Westfield (No. 18) showcased his talent in 26 games with Philadelphia union II in 2024, contributing to the club’s run to the MLS NEXT Pro Final. Real Salt Lake’s Zavier Gozo (No. 10) impressed with six goals in 26 appearances for Real Monarchs in 2023-24, while Orlando City SC’s Alex Freeman (No. 2) logged 50 MLS NEXT Pro matches before breaking into the first team in 2025.
Eligibility and Legacy
To be considered for the 22 Under 22 list,players must be 21 years old or younger as of October 18,meaning they were born after October 19,2003. The list evolved from the 24 Under 24 format prior to 2018, continuing a tradition of recognizing the league’s brightest young prospects.
The 2025 22 Under 22 class represents not only individual achievement but also the growing sophistication of player development within Major League Soccer, signaling a luminous future for the league and the sport in North America.
