Sports

MLS Future Stars: The 10 Best Under-22 Players Making a Name for Themselves

Nearing the end of its 29th season, Major League Soccer continues to develop some of the brightest young talents in soccer across both Western and Eastern Conferences.

"Major League Soccer today unveiled the full 2024 22 Under 22 presented by BODYARMOR class highlighting the best young international and domestic players across the league. The players were voted on by an expert panel of MLS coaches, general managers, sporting directors, MLS Season Pass Talent, and select media," MLS said in a press release.

Long gone are the days where many viewed MLS solely as a league for more experienced players on the decline. Now, the league enjoys a much better balance with the likes of 37-year-old Lionel Messi and 21-year-old Diego Gmez lighting it up in the same Inter Miami team.

Gmez's impressive 2024 campaign sees him become just the second Paraguayan player to win the 22 Under-22 Award after Miguel Almirn did in 2017 with Atlanta United. Gmez is joined in the top 10 by fellow Miami teammates, Federico Redondo and Benjamin Cremaschiwho made the top 10 last year.

Rising U.S. Men's National Team players Diego Luna, Obed Vargas, Quinn Sullivan, Jack McGlynn, Jalen Neal and Brian Gutirrez all crack the top 10. Don't be surprised to see the talented crop of midfielders and forwards eventually get moves to European teams.

The 19-year-old Esmir Bajraktarevi recently switched his international allegiance from the USMNT to Bosnia-Herzegovina and managed two appearances in the September international break. New England Revolution aim to hold on to the youngster for as long as possible as he has huge potential.

Here are the top 10 players from this year's 22 Under-22.