Who are the top MLS signings of the Don Garber era?

This month, MLS commissioner Donald Garber completes a quarter of a century in office, marking a turning point for the development of North American soccer.

Garber, known simply as Don, was appointed as Major League Soccer commissioner on 4 August 1999. From that moment on he has managed to transform professional soccer in the United States into the modern, exciting league we know today.

Don has been instrumental in the development of the league and must be considered one of the most influential figures in the sport in the country during recent years, managing to internationalize its soccer and widen its appeal: “When I began this journey many years ago, I never thought that the league would be where it is today. It speaks to the resilience of sport in our country,” he says.

MLS’ expansion from 12 teams to 30

In addition to the rapid growth that MLS has experienced. In 1999, the league consisted of just 12 teams, but with its expansion, the number will soon reach 30 teams with San Diego FC the next to join. Yet there is one fundamental aspect that has helped Garber change the perception of the American league in the eyes of the world and that is the arrival of soccer’s elite figures.

Don Garber's big signings

Lionel Messi and David Beckham lead the list of stars who came to American soccer and turned the world’s spotlight toward North America, however, it is already a long list which includes several World Cup winners (Henry, Kaká, Villa, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Schweinsteiger, Messi, Lloris, Giroud...) plus big name players who have won just about everything else: Ibrahimovic, ‘Chicharito’ Hernández, Chiellini, Stoichkov, Luis Suárez and Bale.

Reus on target on his debut

While most of them have arrived at a stage prior to finishing their professional careers, they boast a great level that drives the competitiveness of the league and inspires other teams to look for figures of international stature to try their luck in the United States.

Such is the case of Antoine Griezmann who has expressed his desire to play on the other side of the world, specifically in the MLS, once his career at Atlético Madrid ends.

The latest to make the move across the pond is Marco Reus, who could have taken his pick of several clubs in Europe but decided to join the LA Galaxy instead. The German midfielder celebrated his debut with a win and a goal on his debut - he came for the last half hour of the weekend’s home game against Atlanta and scored the team’s second goal in the 2-0 victory.