Former LA Galaxy star Zlatan Ibrahimovic recently shared his thoughts on the growth of Major League Soccer, expressing his belief that the league is not expanding as rapidly as it could due to what he perceives as “too many rules.” During his two-year stint with the Galaxy, Ibrahimovic became one of the most celebrated players in the league. However, he eventually returned to Europe, finishing his career with AC Milan. Since his departure, MLS has seen an increase in the number of teams, expanding from 24 to 29, with San Diego FC scheduled to join as the 30th team in 2025. The addition of players like Lionel Messi to Inter Miami has also raised the profile of the league. Despite these advancements, Ibrahimovic feels that more needs to be done to elevate the standard of play in MLS compared to the top leagues in Europe.
Ibrahimovic’s remarks on the pace of growth in MLS suggest that the league may be hindered by its stringent rules and regulations. He pointed out that during his time in the league, it was evident that these restrictions were impeding the rapid progress of MLS. While acknowledging some positive developments, such as the improvement in the quality of the game and the arrival of established stars, Ibrahimovic emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent and building a solid foundation for the future of the league. He highlighted the upcoming 2026 World Cup as a significant event for the United States and MLS, indicating that it could be a catalyst for further growth and development.
As a player who has experienced success in top European leagues, including Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, Ibrahimovic emphasized the impact of bringing in renowned players to MLS. He noted that while these stars can showcase their talents and raise the level of competition, they also provide a benchmark for understanding the disparity between MLS and European leagues. Despite recognizing the progress that MLS has made, Ibrahimovic stressed the importance of not relying solely on big-name signings to drive the league forward. Instead, he advocated for a holistic approach that includes a focus on developing local talent and creating a sustainable pathway for growth.
One of the key challenges facing MLS is its salary cap system, which limits spending for clubs except for designated players and young players under specific conditions. The introduction of Messi to the league has intensified calls for greater flexibility in the salary cap rules to maximize the potential benefits of having such star players in MLS. In response to this pressure, MLS has made some adjustments to the regulations to provide clubs with more flexibility in signing players, particularly in relation to designated players and under-22 signings. These changes are seen as a step towards aligning MLS with the evolving landscape of global football and enhancing its competitiveness on the international stage.
Ibrahimovic’s assessment of MLS highlights both the progress that has been made and the areas where improvement is needed. While the league has grown in size and stature, there are still challenges to address in order to elevate the standard of play and compete with the top leagues in Europe. By balancing the recruitment of established stars with the development of young talent and revisiting the existing regulations, MLS can position itself for continued growth and success in the future.
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