Major League Soccer (MLS) has announced the finalists for its prestigious 2025 year-end awards, recognizing the exceptional performances that have made this season memorable. Among the highlights is the recognition of Inter Miami’s superstar Lionel Messi, who is once again in the running for the coveted Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. This comes on the heels of his victory in 2024 and follows the recent news of his three-year contract extension keeping him in Miami through 2028.
Messi has showcased an extraordinary season, leading the league with an impressive tally of 29 goals and 19 assists, solidifying his status as a top contender for the MVP title. He faces competition from other outstanding players, including Denis Bouanga from Los Angeles FC, Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC, Evander of FC Cincinnati, and Sam Surridge from Nashville SC. Notably, Dreyer has also been recognized for his remarkable debut season, finishing as the top scorer for San Diego.
In the race for prestigious coaching accolades, the finalists for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year include Bradley Carnell (Philadelphia Union), Jesper Sorensen (Vancouver Whitecaps), and Mikey Varas (San Diego FC). The MLS Newcomer of the Year nominations feature Dreyer alongside Son Heung-Min of LAFC and Philip Zinckernagel from Chicago Fire, reflecting the influx of talent into the league.
The competition also remains fierce in other categories. Finalists for MLS Young Player of the Year include Alex Freeman (Orlando City), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), and Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders). The nominees for the MLS Defender of the Year award consist of Philadelphia teammates Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner, alongside Vancouver’s Tristan Blackmon.
In goalkeeping, Matt Freese (New York City FC), Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United), and Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver), who led the league with 13 clean sheets, are on the shortlist for the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award. The finalists for MLS Comeback Player of the Year are Lawrence Ennali (Houston Dynamo), Nick Hagglund (Cincinnati), and Richie Laryea (Toronto FC).
Additionally, the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award aims to honor players making significant contributions to charitable efforts, with contenders including Ryan Hollingshead (LAFC), Luna (RSL), and Brad Stuver (Austin FC).
As the anticipation grows, the winners of the various awards will be announced during the ongoing Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, which kicked off earlier this week. The announcement of the MLS Goal of the Year and Save of the Year will be determined by an online vote on October 27. Fans also look forward to the upcoming reveal of the MLS Best XI.
With Messi’s impactful performances, including standout displays in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, there is a palpable excitement among fans about his influence on Inter Miami’s prospects and the overall growth of soccer in the United States. This season has been marked by the extraordinary talent and commitment of players across the MLS, enhancing not only fierce competition but also fostering the development of soccer throughout North America. The future looks bright as the league continues to capture the imagination of fans and elevate the sport’s profile in the region.