Is MLS A Retirement Soccer League?

January 08, 2022, by Jake Woodward

Is MLS A Retirement League?

One of the biggest riddles in the football world is how to make MLS a big league like those existing in Europe. It has earned a reputation as a "retirement" league. Although many football legends grace the league, there are questions about their age. So, all of them joined the league when their career in Europe was over. David Beckham was the first one of the legends to join MLS, and he did it after he ended his career at PSG and he cried like a kid in his last match at Paris, showing that it was the final match of his career, and then he signed up for MLS. So it was the first nail, and then many more came to dig up the grave. We all saw when Kaka came because he was done with his career in Europe. He spent his time in Milan and then moved to Madrid to enjoy the luxury of playing in the best club. But, after failing to make a place in the starting eleven, he decided to go back to Milan and retire as a legend. Then, after he was done there, he decided to move to MLS and add another club to his resume. And then it was Lampard, Villa, Gerrard, and some others.

The U.S is a big market for football, but they have failed to attract their fans to their local and nearest clubs. Just like what they did in NBA, NFL, or MLB. People love sports in America. All the other local leagues' bag tons of dough every year, and their players occupy a significant space in every year's Forbes list. The sports authorities spend a decent amount of money on their promotions every year. But why is its popularity decreasing every passing day?

Here Might Be Some Reasons For That…

The first and foremost reason is they didn't develop young stars from the country. They only had Howard or Dempsey, but they failed to make players that could match the standards set by European or South American countries. Currently, some young talents may sign to play in Europe, having a significant impact. Paxton Pomykal, Eduard Atuesta, Diego Rossi, and Miles Robinson. Another reason might be that the clubs failed to attract European players in their prime times. No big player opted for MLS in his prime.

They failed to do big in the international championships. Otherwise, it would have allowed their players to play in the European league and represent the country at the highest level. But there is a twist in this story as well. There is a player who has become a game-changer. Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He came to the U.S to spend a successful stint there, but he did not quit. He went back to Europe and is helping Milan revive the glory they had. He still has class. His prime isn't fading. Maybe it is just in the case of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, or maybe it can go for everyone. Only time will tell.

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