How many MLS players have won the World Cup?
Thiago Almada became the first active player from Major League Soccer to win the World Cup when Argentina beat France in the 2018 final.
Major League Soccer had a couple of reasons for wanting Argentina to beat Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final in New Jersey. Two members of Lionel Scaloni’s squad: Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul, team mates at Inter Miami, were also representing MLS at MetLife Stadium.
In end, it was Spain who won the game, and take the trophy home - denying the two MLS stars their moment of glory.
While there are several World Cup winners who have played for MLS teams during their careers, only one has won soccer’s biggest prize while actively playing in the North American league: Thiago Almada
The phonecall that changed Almada’s life
Almada was part of the Argentina squad that won the previous edition, in Qatar in 2002. The young winger joined Atlanta United from Vélez Sarsfield in a record-breaking $16 million transfer in February 2002.
Have represented his country at youth level, Almada had made just one appearance for the senior side - in a friendly, and wasn’t expecting to be included in Lionel Scaloni’s 26-man roster for the Qatar 2022. But when Joaquín Correa succumbed to an Achilles injury just days before the tournament was about to begin, he received a surprise phone call from the coach.
The 21-year-old watched most of the tournament from the bench. He made just one appearance - replacing Alexis Mac Allister for the last six minutes of the last group game against Poland. Almada was back on the bench for the rest of the knockout stage and for the final itself at Lusail stadium.
He looked on as his teammates beat France in the penalty shootout - helping him to become the first active player in MLS to win the World Cup.
World Cup winners who have played in MLS
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) - won with Argentina at Qatar 2022
Rodrigo de Paul (Inter Miami) - won with Argentina at Qatar 2022
Thiago Almada (Atlanta United) - won with Argentina at Qatar 2022
Sergio Busquets (Inter Miami)- won with Spain at South Africa 2010
Antoine Griezmann (Orlando City) - won with France at Russia 2018
Hugo Lloris (LAFC) - won with France at Russia 2018
Olivier Giroud (LAFC) - won with France at Russia 2018
Blaise Matuidi (Inter Miami) - won with France at Russia 2018
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Chicago Fire) - won with Germany at Brazil 2014
Thomas Müller (Vancouver Whitecaps) - won with Germany at Brazil 2014
David Villa (NYCFC) - won with Spain at South Africa 2010
Giorgio Chiellini (LAFC)- won with Italy at Germany 2006
Alessandro Nesta (Montréal Impact) - won with Italy at Germany 2006
Andrea Pirlo (NYCFC) - won with Italy at Germany 2006
Kaká (Orlando City SC) - won with Brazil at Germany 2006
Kléberson (Philadelphia Union) - won with Brazil at Japan/South Korea 2002
Denilson (FC Dallas) - won with Brazil at Japan/South Korea 2002
Youri Djorkaeff (NY Red Bulls) - won with France at France 1998
Thierry Henry (NY Red Bulls) - won with France at France 1998
Branco (MetroStars) - won with Brazil at USA 1994
Lothar Matthäus (MetroStars) - won with Germany at Italy 1990
In total, 21 World Cup winners have played in MLS at some point in their careers - the first was Lothar Matthäus, who captained Germany to glory at Italia ‘90.
The latest to join the group is new Orlando City signing Antoine Griezmann - one of three members of the France side that were crowned world champions at Russia 2018.
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