Top 5 Highest Paid Players In The Major League Soccer (MLS)

Major League Soccer has now become the third most expensive league in the United States after the NFL and NBA. With big names like David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving to the MLS in the past, now prime players like Gareth Bale, Lorenzo Insigne have also joined American clubs. So its time to check out the top 5 highest paid players in the Major League Soccer.

Gareth Bale is reportedly on the verge of agreeing a deal to join MLS side LAFC, with the Wales forward set to become a free agent on 30 June when his contract with Real Madrid expires. Bale, 32, spent eight seasons at the Bernabéu (excluding a loan back to his former club Spurs in the 2020-21 campaign) and won five Champions Leagues, three LaLiga titles and a Copa del Rey but fell out of favour later in his Madrid career and is now seeking a short-term deal to maintain his fitness ahead of the World Cup.

MLS also operates a strict salary cap system and LAFC have already signed former Italy international Giorgio Chielini, although the Juventus legend will play on a Targeted Allocation Money contract, meaning he will earn less than $2 million for the 2022-23 season. As Bale will not be a designated player, he can probably expect a similar arrangement financially, but that is unlikely to be the Welshman's main priority as he seeks to keep fit and play competitive football ahead of his country's first appearance at the World Cup since 1958.

Top 5 Highest Paid Players In The Major League Soccer: The List:

5.Gonzalo Higuain (Inter Miami CF)-$5.7 million 

Former Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid, Napoli and Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuaín is one of the most prominent players in the MLS. The Argentine joined David Beckham owned franchise CF Inter Miami in 2020.

The Beckman owned franchise CF Inter Miami has started slowly in the Eastern Conference despite moves to improve the club's fortunes. 

Higuaín has won major trophies in Europe, including the Série A, La Liga, Coppa Italia, and UEFA Europa League.

4.Javier Hernandez (Los Angeles Galaxy)-$6 million 

Javier Hernandez is a renowned name in Mexican soccer and European football. The Mexican played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Leverkusen, and West Ham United, winning the Premier League and FIFA Club World Cup.

Hernandez has been one of the best Mexican soccer players in the MLS since he arrived in 2021. At the LA Galaxy, Hernandez won the MLS Player of the Month for April and May.

3.Carlos Vela ( Los Angeles Football Club)-$6.3 million

Carlos Vela is one of the most successful Mexican soccer players in the MLS. The former European ace joined Los Angeles FC in 2018.

Vela had his breakthrough in the MLS the second year, scoring the league's most goals in a single season at 34. Vela's performance helped the LAFC win the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield.

2. Xherdan Shaqiri (Chicago Fire)-$8.1 million

Chicago Fire midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri is Major League Soccer's second highest-paid player, jumping past Los Angeles FC attacker Carlos Vela and breaking Zlatan Ibrahimović's league record.

The 30-year-old Swiss international, who joined Chicago this season from Lyon, has a base salary of $7.35 million and total compensation of $8,153,000, according to figures released Tuesday by the Major League Soccer Players Association.

The club's new number 10 has scored two goals and had three assists in nine games to date for Chicago.

1. Lorenzo Insigne (Toronto FC)- 15 million

Don't be fooled by the 30-year-old Italian's age: This is a player in the prime of his career making the switch to Major League Soccer.

Biggest acquisition in MLS history on a monster $15 million contract, according to reports, Insigne's arrival marks a watershed moment for the league and an enormous snare for Bob Bradley and the Canadian club. The Italian international should become one of the league's most fearsome frontmen on arrival this coming summer.

This completes our Top 5 Highest Paid Players In The Major League Soccer list.