Designated Player Rule Explained

The Designated Player Rule, nicknamed the Beckham Rule, allows Major League Soccer franchises to sign up to three players that would be considered outside their salary cap (either by offering the player higher wages or by paying a transfer fee for the player). The rule, which was adopted ahead of the 2007 MLS season, enables teams to compete for star players in the international football market. The rule is one of two mechanisms by which MLS teams may exceed their salary cap, the other being allocation money. As of December 2019, there have been 209 Designated Players in league history.

The rule is informally named after David Beckham, in anticipation of MLS teams signing lucrative deals with internationally recognized players, after Beckham entered into negotiations to join the league.[1] [2] Beckham was the first player signed under this rule, signing a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007 with a guaranteed annual salary of $6.5 million.[3] [4]

History

The team salary cap was estimated to be around US$1.9 million in 2006,[5] was $2.1 million in 2007, and was raised to $2.3 million for the 2008 season.[6] [7] As part of the 2010 Collective Bargaining Agreement between MLS and the MLS Players' Union, the 2010 salary cap was $2.55 million, with an automatic five percent increase each year until the expiration of the agreement at the end of the 2014 season.

Under the 2007 rule:

The 2010 changes:[10]

The 2012 changes:[11]

Starting with the 2012 season, the rule was changed with respect to younger players. MLS announced the changes in August 2011 after clubs expressed concern about signing young international players with no guarantees that they would develop into stars.

The maximum budget charge for Designated Players over age 23 was increased to $368,750 for 2013, $387,500 in 2014, $436,250 in 2015, $457,500 in 2016, and $480,625 in 2017. The budget charge for those who join during the midseason transfer window has remained at one-half of the full-season cap charge since the inception of the rule. The budget charges for younger players have not changed since 2012.[12]

Background

The rule is informally named after David Beckham, in anticipation of MLS teams signing lucrative deals with internationally recognized players of Beckham's caliber.[1] [2] Beckham was the first player to be signed under this rule, signing a lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy worth up to $250 million over five years, with direct guaranteed compensation from MLS and Galaxy at $6.5 million a year.[3]

Current Designated Players

Year signed
as DP 		Player Nationality Current club 2024 guaranteed compensation[13]
align=center 2017 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,221,667
align=center 2018 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,729,120
align=center 2019 align=center align=center align=center align=center $4,452,083
align=center 2020 align=center align=center align=center align=center $5,211,667
align=center 2020 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,540,000
align=center 2020 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,600,000
align=center 2020 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,002,000
align=center 2020 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,800,000
align=center 2021 align=center align=center align=center align=center $4,216,413
align=center 2021 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,950,000
align=center 2021 align=center align=center align=center align=center $6,722,500
align=center 2021 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,985,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,665,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,290,200
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,204,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,812,400
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,258,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,040,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,451,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,462,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,289,400
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,146,375
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,456,979
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,886,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $15,400,000
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,947,500
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $6,295,381
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $4,432,778
align=center 2022 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,609,500
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,370,284
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,344,250
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,355,000
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,757,500
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $972,600
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,093,588
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $722,333
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,681,086
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,489,767
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,449,996
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,331,333
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,088,746
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,550,000
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,427,708
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $20,446,667
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $8,774,996
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,907,639
align=center 2023 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,376,827
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,010,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $6,035,625
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,675,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,164,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,459,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,230,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,528,044
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $4,336,150
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,358,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,120,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,208,188
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,448,500
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,627,500
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,020,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $689,700
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,822,200
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,675,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,000,000
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,183,113
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,427,200
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $3,685,441
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,797,108
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $1,169,777
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $699,800
align=center 2024 align=center align=center align=center align=center $2,877,774
align=center 2025 align=center align=center align=center align=center $n/a
align=center 2025 align=center align=center align=center align=center $n/a

Notes

Club DP history

Notes

Atlanta United FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Héctor Villalba San Lorenzo2017
Miguel Almirón Lanúsalign=left 2017–2018
align=left Josef Martínezalign=left Torino2017–2022
align=left Esequiel Barcoalign=left Independiente2018–2021
align=left Pity Martínezalign=left River Plate2019–2020
align=left Marcelino Morenoalign=left Lanús2020
align=left Alan Francoalign=left Independiente2021
align=left Luiz Araújoalign=left Lille2021–2023
align=left Thiago Almadaalign=left Vélez Sarsfield2022–2024
align=left Giorgos Giakoumakisalign=left Celtic2023–2024
align=left Saba Lobzhanidzealign=left Hatayspor2023
align=left Stian Rode Gregersenalign=left Bordeaux2024–
align=left Aleksei Miranchukalign=left Atalanta2024–

Austin FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Cecilio Domínguezalign=left Independiente2021–2022
align=left Tomás Pochettinoalign=left Talleres2021
align=left Sebastián Driussialign=left Zenit Saint Petersburg2021–
align=left Alexander Ringalign=left New York City FC2022–2024[15]
align=left Emiliano Rigonialign=left São Paulo2022–2024
align=left Osman Bukarialign=left Red Star Belgrade2024–

Charlotte FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Jordy Alcívaralign=left L.D.U. Quito2022
align=left Karol Świderskialign=left PAOK2022–2023, 2024–
align=left Kamil Jóźwiakalign=left Derby County2022–2023
align=left Enzo Copettialign=left Racing Club2023–2024
align=left Liel Abadaalign=left Celtic2024–
align=left Pep Bielalign=left Olympiacos2024

Chicago Fire FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Cuauhtémoc Blanco América2007–2009
Freddie Ljungberg Seattle Sounders2010
Nery Castillo Shakhtar Donetsk2010
Álvaro Fernández Seattle Sounders2012–2013
Sherjill MacDonald Germinal Beerschot2012–2013
Federico Puppo Danubio2012–2014
Egidio Arévalo Ríos Tijuana2013
Juan Luis Anangonó El Nacional2013–2014
Gilberto Toronto FC2015–2016
David Accam Helsingborg2015–2017
Shaun Maloney Wigan Athletic2015
Kennedy Igboananike AIK2015–2016
Nemanja Nikolić Legia Warsaw2017–2019
Bastian Schweinsteiger Manchester United2017–2019
Aleksandar Katai Alavés2019
Robert Berić Saint-Étienne2020–2021
Ignacio Aliseda Defensa y Justicia2020–2021
Gastón Giménez2020–2022, 2024-
Xherdan Shaqiri Lyon2022–2024
Jairo Torres Atlas2022–2023
Ousmane Doumbia Lugano2023
Hugo Cuypers Gent2024–

Chivas USA (defunct)

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Juan Pablo Ángel LA Galaxyalign=left 2011–2012
align=left Oswaldo Mindaalign=left Deportivo Quito2012–2014
Shalrie Joseph New England Revolution2012
align=left Erick Torresalign=left Guadalajara2013–2014
align=left Mauro Rosalesalign=left Seattle Sounders2014

FC Cincinnati

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Fanendo Adialign=left Portland Timbersalign=left 2019
align=left Allan Cruzalign=left Heredianoalign=left 2019–2020
align=left Yuya Kuboalign=left Gentalign=left 2020, 2021–2022
align=left Jürgen Locadiaalign=left Brighton & Hove Albionalign=left 2020–2021
align=left Brenneralign=left São Pauloalign=left 2021–2023
align=left Luciano Acostaalign=left Atlasalign=left 2021–
align=left Obinna Nwobodoalign=left Göztepealign=left 2022–
align=left Aaron Boupendzaalign=left Al-Shababalign=left 2023–2024
align=left Kévin Denkeyalign=left Cercle Bruggealign=left 2025–

Colorado Rapids

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Gabriel Torresalign=left Zamora2013–2015
align=left Juan Edgardo Ramírezalign=left Argentinos Juniors2015–2017
align=left Kevin Doylealign=left Wolverhampton Wanderers2015–2016
align=left Shkëlzen Gashialign=left Basel2016–2018
align=left Tim Howardalign=left Evertonalign=left 2016–2019
align=left Younes Namlialign=left Krasnodaralign=left 2020–2021
align=left Gyasi Zardesalign=left Columbus Crew2022
align=left Kévin Cabralalign=left LA Galaxy2023–
align=left Andreas Maxsøalign=left Brøndby2023
align=left Rafael Navarroalign=left Palmeiras2023–
align=left Djordje Mihailovicalign=left AZ2023–

Columbus Crew

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Guillermo Barros Schelottoalign=left Boca Juniors2009–2010
align=left Andrés Mendozaalign=left Diyarbakırspor2010–2011
align=left Federico Higuaínalign=left Colón2012–2019
Kei Kamara Middlesbrough2016
Jonathan Mensah Anzhi Makhachkala2017
align=left Pedro Santosalign=left Braga2017–2019
align=left Gyasi Zardesalign=left LA Galaxy2019–2022
align=left Darlington Nagbealign=left Atlanta United2020–
align=left Lucas Zelarayánalign=left Tigres UANL2020–2023
align=left Cucho Hernándezalign=left Watford2022–
align=left Diego Rossialign=left Fenerbahçe2023–

FC Dallas

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Denílsonalign=left Al-Nassr2007
align=left David Ferreiraalign=left Atlético Paranaense2009–2013
Fabián Castillo Deportivo Cali2011–2015
align=left Julian de Guzmanalign=left Toronto FC2012
align=left Eric Hasslialign=left Toronto FC2013
align=left Mauro Díazalign=left River Plate2013–2016
align=left Andrés Ramiro Escobaralign=left Dynamo Kyiv2014
align=left David Texeiraalign=left Groningen2014–2015
align=left Carlos Gruezoalign=left VfB Stuttgart2016–2018
align=left Aníbal Chaláalign=left El Nacional2017
align=left Cristian Colmánalign=left Nacional Asunción2017–2018
align=left Santiago Mosqueraalign=left Millonarios2018–2020
align=left Bryan Acostaalign=left Tenerife2019–2021
align=left Pablo Aránguizalign=left Unión Española2019
align=left Franco Jaraalign=left Pachuca2020–2022
align=left Jesús Ferreiraalign=left FC Dallas Academy2022–
align=left Alan Velascoalign=left Independiente2022–
align=left Petar Musaalign=left Benfica2024–

D.C. United

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Luciano Emílioalign=left Olimpia2008–2009
align=left Marcelo Gallardoalign=left Paris Saint-Germain2008
align=left Branko Boškovićalign=left Rapid Wien2010–2012
Dwayne De Rosario New York Red Bulls2011–2013
align=left Hamdi Salihialign=left Rapid Wien2012
align=left Rafael Gladiadoralign=left Bahia2013
align=left Eddie Johnsonalign=left Seattle Sounders2014–2015
align=left Fabián Espíndolaalign=left New York Red Bulls2015–2016
align=left Paul Arriolaalign=left Tijuana2017–2021
align=left Wayne Rooneyalign=left Everton2018–2019
align=left Lucas Rodríguezalign=left Estudiantes2019
align=left Edison Floresalign=left Morelia2020–2022
align=left Taxiarchis Fountasalign=left Rapid Wien2022–2023
align=left Victor Pálssonalign=left Schalke 042022
align=left Christian Bentekealign=left Crystal Palace2022–
align=left Mateusz Klichalign=left Leeds United2023–
align=left Matti Peltolaalign=left HJK2024–

Houston Dynamo FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Luis Ángel Landínalign=left Morelia2009–2010
Boniek García Olimpia2012–2014
align=left Giles Barnesalign=left Doncaster Rovers2012–2016
Alexander López Olimpia2013–2014
align=left DaMarcus Beasleyalign=left Puebla2014–2016
align=left Mauro Manotasalign=left Uniautónoma2015–2016, 2020
align=left Erick Torresalign=left Guadalajara2015–2017
align=left Alberth Elisalign=left Monterrey2017–2020
align=left Tomás Martínezalign=left Braga2017–2019
align=left Darwin Quinteroalign=left Minnesota United2020–2021
align=left Teenage Hadebealign=left Yeni Malatyaspor2021–2023
align=left Sebastián Ferreiraalign=left Libertad2022–
align=left Héctor Herreraalign=left Atlético Madrid2022–2024
align=left Ezequiel Poncealign=left AEK Athens2024–

Inter Miami CF

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Matías Pellegrinialign=left Estudiantes2020
align=left Rodolfo Pizarroalign=left Monterrey2020–2023
align=left Gonzalo Higuaínalign=left Juventus2020–2022
align=left Blaise Matuidialign=left Juventus2021
align=left Gregorealign=left Bahia2021–2023
align=left Alejandro Pozueloalign=left Toronto FC2022
align=left Leonardo Campanaalign=left Wolverhampton Wanderers2023–
align=left Lionel Messialign=left Paris Saint-Germain2023–
align=left Sergio Busquetsalign=left Barcelona2023–

Sporting Kansas City

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Claudio Lópezalign=left Racing Clubalign=left 2008
Omar Bravo Guadalajara2011
Jéferson Vasco da Gama2011
Claudio Bieler L.D.U. Quito2013–2014
Matt Besler University of Notre Dame2014–2016
Graham Zusi University of Maryland2014–2017
Roger Espinoza Wigan Athletic2015–2018
align=left Diego Rubioalign=left Valladolid2016
Gerso Fernandes Belenenses2017
Yohan Croizet Mechelen2018–2019
Felipe Gutiérrez Real Betis2018–2020
Johnny Russell Derby County2019–2024
Alan Pulido Guadalajara2020–
Gadi Kinda Beitar Jerusalem2021–2023

LA Galaxy

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left David Beckhamalign=left Real Madrid2007–2012
Landon Donovan Bayer Leverkusen2010–2014
Juan Pablo Ángel New York Red Bullsalign=left 2011
align=left Robbie Keanealign=left Tottenham Hotspur2011–2016
Omar Gonzalez University of Maryland2013–2015
align=left Steven Gerrardalign=left Liverpool2015–2016
align=left Giovani dos Santosalign=left Villarreal2015–2018
align=left Jelle Van Dammealign=left Standard Liège2016–2017[16]
align=left Romain Alessandrinialign=left Marseille2017–2019
align=left Jonathan dos Santosalign=left Villarreal2017–2021
align=left Zlatan Ibrahimovićalign=left Manchester United2019
align=left Cristian Pavónalign=left Boca Juniors2020
align=left Javier Hernándezalign=left Sevilla2020–2023
align=left Kévin Cabralalign=left Valenciennes2021–2022
align=left Douglas Costaalign=left Juventus2022–2023
align=left Riqui Puigalign=left Barcelona2023–
align=left Gabriel Pecalign=left Vasco da Gama2024–
align=left Joseph Paintsilalign=left Genk2024–

Los Angeles FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Carlos Velaalign=left Real Sociedad2018 - 2023
align=left Diego Rossialign=left Peñarol2018 - 2021
align=left André Hortaalign=left Benfica2018 - 2019
align=left Brian Rodríguezalign=left Peñarol2019 - 2021
align=left Denis Bouangaalign=left Saint-Étienne2022 -
align=left Eduard Atuestaalign=left Palmeiras2024
align=left Olivier Giroudalign=left AC Milan2024 -

Minnesota United FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Darwin Quinteroalign=left América2018 - 2019
align=left Ángelo Rodríguezalign=left Deportes Tolima2018 - 2019
align=left Ján Gregušalign=left 2019 - 2021
align=left Thomás Chacónalign=left 2019 - 2020
align=left Emanuel Reynosoalign=left 2020 - 2024
align=left Adrien Hunoualign=left 2021 - 2022
align=left Luis Amarillaalign=left 2022 - 2023
align=left Ménder Garcíaalign=left Once Caldas2022 - 2023
align=left Teemu Pukkialign=left Norwich City2023 -
align=left Kelvin Yeboahalign=left Genoa2024 -
align=left Joaquín Pereyraalign=left Atlético Tucumán2024 -

CF Montréal

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Marco Di Vaio Bologna2012–2014
align=left Hernán Bernardelloalign=left Almería2013–2014
Ignacio Piatti San Lorenzoalign=left 2014–2019
Didier Drogba Chelsea2015–2016
align=left Lucas Ontiveroalign=left Galatasaray2016
align=left Blerim Džemailialign=left Bologna2017
Saphir Taïder Bolognaalign=left 2018–2020
Victor Wanyama Tottenham Hotspuralign=left 2020–
Aljaž Struna Houston Dynamoalign=left 2021
Djordje Mihailovic Chicago Firealign=left 2021

Nashville SC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Hany Mukhtar[17] align=left Brøndby2020–
align=left Randall Lealalign=left Saprissa2020–2021
align=left Jhonder Cádizalign=left Benficaalign=left 2020–2021
align=left Aké Arnaud Lobaalign=left Monterrey2021–2023
align=left Walker Zimmermanalign=left Los Angeles FC2022–
align=left Sam Surridgealign=left Nottingham Forest2023–

New England Revolution

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Milton Caraglio Rosario Central2011
Shalrie Joseph New York Freedomalign=left 2012
align=left Jerry Bengtsonalign=left Motagua2012–2014
align=left Jermaine Jonesalign=left Beşiktaş2014–2015
align=left José Gonçalvesalign=left Sion2016
align=left Xavier Kouassialign=left Sion2016–2017
Kei Kamara Columbus Crew2016–2017
Claude Dielna Sheffield Wednesday2018
Carles Gil Deportivo La Coruña2019–
Gustavo Bou Tijuana2019–2023
Adam Buksa Pogoń Szczecin2020–2022
Giacomo Vrioni Juventus2022–
Tomás Chancalay Racing Club2024–

New York City FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left David Villaalign=left Atlético Madrid2014–2018
align=left Frank Lampardalign=left Manchester City2015–2016
align=left Andrea Pirloalign=left Juventus2015–2017
Maximiliano Moralez León2017–2021
Jesús Medina Libertad2018–2021
Alexandru Mitriță Universitatea Craiova2019–2020
Talles Magno Vasco da Gama2021–2024
Thiago Martins Yokohama F. Marinos2022–
Santiago Rodríguez Montevideo City Torque2023–

New York Red Bulls

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Claudio Reynaalign=left Manchester City2007–2008
align=left Juan Pablo Ángelalign=left Aston Villa2007–2010
align=left Thierry Henryalign=left Barcelona2010–2014
align=left Rafael Márquezalign=left Barcelona2010–2012
Frank Rost Hamburger SV2011
Tim Cahill Everton2012–2014
Bradley Wright-Phillips Charlton Athletic2015–2016, 2017–2019
Gonzalo Verón San Lorenzo2015–2017
Sacha Kljestan Anderlecht2016–2017
Omer Damari RB Leipzig2016
Kaku Huracán2018–2021
Josh Sims Southampton2019–2020
Dru Yearwood Brentford2020–2021
Patryk Klimala Celtic2021–2022
Luquinhas Legia Warsaw2022–2023
Dante Vanzeir Union SG2023–
Emil Forsberg RB Leipzig2024–
Felipe Carballo Grêmio2024–

Orlando City SC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Kakáalign=left Milan2014–2017
align=left Carlos Rivasalign=left Deportivo Cali2015–2017
align=left Bryan Róchezalign=left Real España2015–2016
align=left Matías Pérez Garcíaalign=left San Jose Earthquakes2016–2017
Giles Barnes Vancouver Whitecaps2017
Yoshimar Yotún Malmö FF2017
Dom Dwyer Sporting Kansas City2018–2020
Sacha Kljestan New York Red Bulls2018
Josué Colmán Cerro Porteño2018–2019
Nani Sporting CP2019–2021
Mauricio Pereyra Krasnodar2019–2022
Facundo Torres Peñarol2022–
Ercan Kara Rapid Wien2022–2023
Martín Ojeda Godoy Cruz2023–
Luis Muriel Atalanta2024–

Philadelphia Union

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Freddy Adualign=left Benfica2011–2012
align=left José Klébersonalign=left Bahia2013
align=left Cristian Maidanaalign=left Rangers de Talca2014–2015
Maurice Edu Stoke City2014–2017
align=left Fernando Aristeguietaalign=left Nantes2015
Alejandro Bedoya Nantes2016–2019
Bořek Dočkal Henan Jianye2018
Marco Fabián Eintracht Frankfurt2019
Jamiro Monteiro Metz2020–2021
Julián Carranza Inter Miami2022–2024
Mikael Uhre Brøndby2022–
Dániel Gazdag Budapest Honvéd2023–

Portland Timbers

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Diego Charáalign=left Deportes Tolima2011–2013
Kris Boyd Eskişehirspor2012
align=left Diego Valerialign=left Lanús2013–2019
align=left Fanendo Adialign=left Copenhagen2014–2015, 2016–2018
Liam Ridgewell West Bromwich Albion2014–2016
align=left Lucas Melanoalign=left Lanús2015–2016, 2019
Sebastián Blanco San Lorenzo2017–2023
Brian Fernández Necaxa2019
Yimmi Chará Atlético Mineiro2020–2023
Jarosław Niezgoda Legia Warsaw2020–2023
Evander Midtjylland2023–
Jonathan Rodríguez América2024–

Real Salt Lake

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Álvaro Saboríoalign=left Sion2011–2015
Javier Morales Vecindario2011–2015
align=left Kyle Beckermanalign=left Colorado Rapids2015
align=left Joao Plataalign=left Toronto FC2015–2016
Sebastián Jaime Unión Española2014–2015
align=left Juan Manuel Martínezalign=left Boca Juniors2015–2016
Yura Movsisyan Spartak Moscow2016–2017
Albert Rusnák Groningen2017–2021
Jefferson Savarino Zulia
Atlético Mineiro		2017–2019
2022–2023
Sam Johnson Vålerenga2019–2020
Jeizon Ramírez Deportivo Táchira2020–2021
Damir Kreilach Union Berlin2020–2023
Cristian Arango Pachuca2023–
Diogo Gonçalves Copenhagen2024–

St. Louis City SC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
João Klauss TSG 1899 Hoffenheim2023–
Eduard Löwen Hertha BSC2023–
Marcel Hartel FC St. Pauli2024–

San Jose Earthquakes

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Geovanni Hull City2010
align=left Chris Wondolowskialign=left Houston Dynamo2013–2019
align=left Matías Pérez Garcíaalign=left Tigre2014–2016
align=left Innocent Emegharaalign=left Qarabağ2015–2016
Simon Dawkins Derby County2016–2017
Valeri Qazaishvili Vitesse2017–2020
Magnus Eriksson Djurgårdens IF2018
Cristian Espinoza Villarreal2020–
Javier Eduardo López Guadalajara2021–2022
Jamiro Monteiro Philadelphia Union2022–2023
Carlos Gruezo FC Augsburg2023–
Hernán López Godoy Cruz2024–

Seattle Sounders FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Freddie Ljungberg West Ham United2009–2010
Álvaro Fernández Nacional2010–2012
Blaise Nkufo Twente2010
Fredy Montero Deportivo Cali2011-2012
Mauro Rosales River Plate2011–2013
Christian Tiffert Kaiserslautern2012–2013
align=left Shalrie Josephalign=left Chivas USA2013
Obafemi Martins Levante2013–2015
Clint Dempsey Tottenham Hotspur2013–2018
align=left Osvaldo Alonsoalign=left Charleston Battery2014–2018
Nelson Valdez Eintracht Frankfurt2015–2016
align=left Nicolás Lodeiroalign=left Boca Juniors2016–2023
align=left Raúl Ruidíazalign=left Morelia2018–
align=left Víctor Rodríguezalign=left Sporting Gijón2019
align=left Xavier Arreagaalign=left Barcelona S.C.2019
align=left João Pauloalign=left Botafogo2020–2021
Albert Rusnák Real Salt Lake2022–
Pedro de la Vega Lanús2024–

Toronto FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
align=left Julian de Guzmanalign=left Deportivo La Coruñaalign=left 2009–2012
align=left Mistaalign=left Deportivo La Coruñaalign=left 2010
Danny Koevermans PSV Eindhoven2011–2013
Torsten Frings Werder Bremen2011–2012
Eric Hassli Vancouver Whitecaps2012
Matías Laba Argentinos Juniors2013
Gilberto Internacional2014
Michael Bradley Roma2014–2019
Jermain Defoe Tottenham Hotspur2014–2015
Sebastian Giovinco Juventus2015–2018
align=left Jozy Altidorealign=left Sunderland2015–2021
align=left Alejandro Pozueloalign=left Genk2019–2022
align=left Pablo Piattialign=left Espanyol2020
align=left Yeferson Soteldoalign=left Santos2021
align=left Carlos Salcedoalign=left Tigres UANL2022
align=left Lorenzo Insignealign=left Napoli2022–
align=left Federico Bernardeschialign=left Juventus2022–
align=left Jonathan Osorioalign=left SC Toronto2023–2024
align=left Richie Laryeaalign=left Nottingham Forest2024–

Vancouver Whitecaps FC

PlayerPrevious clubYears as DP
Eric Hassli Zürich2011–2012
align=left Mustapha Jarjualign=left Monsalign=left 2011
Barry Robson Middlesbrough2012
Kenny Miller Cardiff City2012–2014
Matías Laba Toronto FC2014–2017
align=left Mauro Rosalesalign=left Chivas USAalign=left 2014
Pedro Morales Málaga2014–2016
Octavio Rivero O'Higgins2015–2016
Fredy Montero Tianjin TEDA
Sporting CP		2017
2019
align=left Brek Sheaalign=left Orlando City2017–2018
align=left Kendall Wastonalign=left Saprissa2018
align=left Hwang In-beomalign=left Daejeon Citizen2019–2020
align=left Joaquín Ardaizalign=left Chiasso2019
align=left Ali Adnan Kadhimalign=left Udinese2019–2021
align=left Lucas Cavallinialign=left Puebla2020–2022
align=left Ryan Gauldalign=left Farense2021–
align=left Andrés Cubasalign=left Nîmes2022–
align=left Sergio Córdovaalign=left FC Augsburg2023
align=left Stuart Armstrongalign=left Southampton2024–

Past and present Designated Players by country

NumberCountryPlayers
56 ArgentinaLuciano Acosta, Ignacio Aliseda, Thiago Almada, Esequiel Barco, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Hernán Bernardello, Claudio Bieler, Sebastián Blanco, Gustavo Bou, Milton Caraglio, Julián Carranza, Tomás Chancalay, Enzo Copetti, Pedro de la Vega, Mauro Díaz, Sebastián Driussi, Fabián Espíndola, Cristian Espinoza, Brian Fernández, Alan Franco, Marcelo Gallardo, Federico Higuaín, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sebastián Jaime, Franco Jara, Matías Laba, Claudio López, Hernán López, Cristian Maidana, Juan Manuel Martínez, Pity Martínez, Tomás Martínez, Lucas Melano, Lionel Messi, Javier Morales, Maximiliano Moralez, Marcelino Moreno, Martín Ojeda, Lucas Ontivero, Cristian Pavón, Matías Pellegrini, Joaquín Pereyra, Matías Pérez García, Ignacio Piatti, Pablo Piatti, Tomás Pochettino, Ezequiel Ponce, Juan Edgardo Ramírez, Emanuel Reynoso, Emiliano Rigoni, Lucas Rodríguez, Mauro Rosales, Diego Valeri, Gonzalo Verón, Milton Valenzuela, Alan Velasco
align=left 25align=left United Statesalign=left Freddy Adu, Jozy Altidore, Paul Arriola, DaMarcus Beasley, Kyle Beckerman, Alejandro Bedoya, Matt Besler, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan, Dom Dwyer, Maurice Edu, Jesús Ferreira, Omar Gonzalez, Tim Howard, Eddie Johnson, Jermaine Jones, Djordje Mihailovic, Darlington Nagbe, Claudio Reyna, Brek Shea, Chris Wondolowski, Gyasi Zardes, Walker Zimmerman, Graham Zusi
align=left 19align=left Brazilalign=left Luiz Araújo, Brenner, Douglas Costa, Denílson, Luciano Emílio, Evander, Geovanni, Gilberto, Rafael Gladiador, Jéferson, Kaká, João Klauss, José Kléberson, Luquinhas, Talles Magno, Thiago Martins, Rafael Navarro, João Paulo, Gabriel Pec
align=left 18align=left Mexicoalign=left Cuauhtémoc Blanco, Omar Bravo, Nery Castillo, Marco Fabián, Javier Hernández, Héctor Herrera, Luis Ángel Landín, Javier Eduardo López, Hirving Lozano, Rafael Márquez, Rodolfo Pizarro, Alan Pulido, Carlos Salcedo, Giovani dos Santos, Jonathan dos Santos, Erick Torres, Jairo Torres, Carlos Vela
align=left 16align=left Colombiaalign=left Juan Pablo Ángel, Cristian Arango, Eduard Atuesta, Fabián Castillo, Diego Chará, Yimmi Chará, Andrés Ramiro Escobar, David Ferreira, Ménder García, Cucho Hernández, Mauro Manotas, Fredy Montero, Santiago Mosquera, Luis Muriel, Darwin Quintero, Ángelo Rodríguez
align=left 15align=left Uruguayalign=left Joaquín Ardaiz, Felipe Carballo, Thomás Chacón, Álvaro Fernández, Nicolás Lodeiro, Mauricio Pereyra, Federico Puppo, Egidio Arévalo Rios, Octavio Rivero, Brian Rodríguez, Jonathan Rodríguez, Santiago Rodríguez, Diego Rossi, David Texeira, Facundo Torres
align=left 12align=left Paraguayalign=left Miguel Almirón, Luis Amarilla, Cristian Colmán, Josué Colmán, Andrés Cubas, Cecilio Domínguez, Sebastián Ferreira, Gastón Giménez, Kaku, Jesús Medina, Nelson Valdez, Héctor Villalba
align=left 10align=left Englandalign=left David Beckham, Jermain Defoe, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Liam Ridgewell, Wayne Rooney, Josh Sims, Sam Surridge, Bradley Wright-Phillips, Dru Yearwood
align=left 9align=left Francealign=left Romain Alessandrini, Kévin Cabral, Yohan Croizet, Claude Dielna, Olivier Giroud, Eric Hassli, Thierry Henry, Adrien Hunou, Blaise Matuidi
align=left 8align=left Ecuadoralign=left Jordy Alcívar, Juan Luis Anangonó, Xavier Arreaga, Leonardo Campana, Aníbal Chalá, Carlos Gruezo, Oswaldo Minda, Joao Plata
align=left 8align=left Spainalign=left
align=left 7align=left Germanyalign=left
align=left 7align=left Hondurasalign=left Bryan Acosta, Jerry Bengtson, Alberth Elis, Roger Espinoza, Boniek García, Alexander López, Bryan Róchez
align=left 7align=left Scotlandalign=left Stuart Armstrong, Kris Boyd, Ryan Gauld, Shaun Maloney, Kenny Miller, Barry Robson, Johnny Russell
align=left 7align=left Venezuelaalign=left Fernando Aristeguieta, Jhonder Cádiz, Sergio Córdova, Josef Martínez, Jeizon Ramírez, Jefferson Savarino, Yeferson Soteldo
align=left 6align=left Italyalign=left
align=left 6align=left Polandalign=left Adam Buksa, Kamil Jóźwiak, Mateusz Klich, Patryk Klimala, Jarosław Niezgoda, Karol Świderski
align=left 5align=left Canadaalign=left Lucas Cavallini, Julian de Guzman, Dwayne De Rosario, Richie Laryea, Jonathan Osorio
align=left 5align=left Costa Ricaalign=left Allan Cruz, Luis Díaz, Randall Leal, Álvaro Saborío, Kendall Waston
align=left 5align=left Portugalalign=left Diogo Gonçalves, José Gonçalves, André Horta, Nani, Pedro Santos
align=left 4align=left Belgiumalign=left Christian Benteke, Hugo Cuypers, Jelle Van Damme, Dante Vanzeir
align=left 4align=left Chilealign=left Pablo Aránguiz, Felipe Gutiérrez, Pedro Morales, Diego Rubio
align=left 4align=left Ghanaalign=left David Accam, Osman Bukari, Jonathan Mensah, Joseph Paintsil
align=left 4align=left Ivory Coastalign=left Ousmane Doumbia, Didier Drogba, Xavier Kouassi, Aké Arnaud Loba
align=left 4align=left Nigeriaalign=left Fanendo Adi, Kennedy Igboananike, Obafemi Martins, Obinna Nwobodo
align=left 4align=left Perualign=left Edison Flores, Andrés Mendoza, Raúl Ruidíaz, Yoshimar Yotún
align=left 4align=left Swedenalign=left Magnus Eriksson, Emil Forsberg, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Freddie Ljungberg
align=left 4align=left Switzerlandalign=left Blerim Džemaili, Innocent Emeghara, Blaise Nkufo, Xherdan Shaqiri
align=left 3align=left Albaniaalign=left Shkëlzen Gashi, Hamdi Salihi, Giacomo Vrioni
align=left 3align=left Denmarkalign=left Andreas Maxsø, Younes Namli, Mikael Uhre
align=left 3align=left Finlandalign=left Matti Peltola, Teemu Pukki, Alexander Ring
align=left 3align=left Israelalign=left Liel Abada, Omer Damari, Gadi Kinda
align=left 3align=left Netherlandsalign=left Danny Koevermans, Jürgen Locadia, Sherjill MacDonald
align=left 2align=left Armeniaalign=left Yura Movsisyan, Lucas Zelarayán
align=left 2align=left Croatiaalign=left Damir Kreilach, Petar Musa
align=left 2align=left Gabonalign=left Denis Bouanga, Aaron Boupendza
align=left 2align=left Georgiaalign=left Saba Lobzhanidze, Valeri Qazaishvili
align=left 2align=left Greecealign=left Taxiarchis Fountas, Giorgos Giakoumakis
align=left 2align=left Hungaryalign=left Dániel Gazdag, Nemanja Nikolić
align=left 2align=left Irelandalign=left Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane
align=left 2align=left Jamaicaalign=left Giles Barnes, Simon Dawkins
align=left 2align=left Slovakiaalign=left Ján Greguš, Albert Rusnák
align=left 2align=left Sloveniaalign=left
align=left 1align=left Algeriaalign=left Saphir Taïder
align=left 1align=left Australiaalign=left Tim Cahill
align=left 1align=left Austriaalign=left Ercan Kara
align=left 1align=left Cape Verdealign=left Jamiro Monteiro
align=left 1align=left Cubaalign=left Osvaldo Alonso
align=left 1align=left Czech Republicalign=left Bořek Dočkal
align=left 1align=left Gambiaalign=left Mustapha Jarju
align=left 1align=left Grenadaalign=left Shalrie Joseph
align=left 1align=left Guinea-Bissaualign=left Gerso Fernandes
align=left 1align=left Icelandalign=left Victor Pálsson
align=left 1align=left Iraqalign=left Ali Adnan Kadhim
align=left 1align=left Japanalign=left Yuya Kubo
align=left 1align=left Kenyaalign=left Victor Wanyama
align=left 1align=left Liberiaalign=left Sam Johnson
align=left 1align=left Montenegroalign=left Branko Bošković
align=left 1align=left Norwayalign=left Stian Rode Gregersen
align=left 1align=left Panamaalign=left Gabriel Torres
align=left 1align=left Romaniaalign=left Alexandru Mitriță
align=left 1align=left Russiaalign=left Aleksei Miranchuk
align=left 1align=left Serbiaalign=left Aleksandar Katai
align=left 1align=left Sierra Leonealign=left Kei Kamara
align=left 1align=left South Koreaalign=left Hwang In-beom
align=left 1align=left Togoalign=left Kévin Denkey
align=left 1align=left Zimbabwealign=left Teenage Hadebe

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Hollywood Ending: If this was indeed David Beckham's final game in MLS, he went out in style, carrying the Galaxy to a championship and affirming the value of star power in America. Wahl. Grant. November 28, 2011. Sports Illustrated. November 25, 2011. In the first four seasons of MLS's Beckham Rule, which allowed clubs to sign up to three designated players outside the salary cap, .....
  2. News: Becks could be the next American idol. https://web.archive.org/web/20060414155630/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060413/asp/sports/story_6093255.asp. dead. April 14, 2006. The Telegraph. December 1, 2007. April 13, 2007. Lansley, Pete.
  3. Web site: PlayersUnion . Mlsplayers.org . April 25, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120511125731/http://www.mlsplayers.org/salary_info.html . May 11, 2012 . dead .
  4. News: Beckham hopes to make US history. BBC. December 1, 2007 . January 12, 2007.
  5. News: Palencia Has Richest MLS Salary. The Washington Post. December 1, 2007. April 26, 2006. Goff, Steven.
  6. News: Debate highlights MLS salary cap split. Sports Business Journal. December 1, 2007. November 26, 2007. Mickle, Tripp. August 13, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100813112138/http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article.main&articleId=57143&requestTimeout=900. dead.
  7. News: In M.L.S., Designated Players Do Not Guarantee Great Expectations. The New York Times. March 18, 2009. March 18, 2009. Bell, Jack.
  8. News: Galaxy, Milan, Inter wait on Becks . CNN . February 24, 2009 . May 1, 2010 . October 24, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121024064112/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/soccer_america/02/24/aeg.beckham/ . dead .
  9. News: Fulham complete Johnson signing . BBC Sport. https://web.archive.org/web/20080127164821/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/f/fulham/7202841.stm. January 27, 2008. January 23, 2008.
  10. News: Major League Soccer adds second DP slot, can purchase a third (league release) . Joshua . Mayers . April 1, 2010 . The Seattle Times . April 2, 2010.
  11. News: 2012 MLS Roster Rules . mlssocer.com . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120220005943/http://www.mlssoccer.com/2012-mls-roster-rules . February 20, 2012 .
  12. Web site: Roster Rules and Regulations . Major League Soccer . May 11, 2015 . August 23, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130823031630/http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/roster-rules-and-regulations . dead .
  13. Web site: 2024 MLS Player Salaries. Major League Soccer Players Union.
  14. Web site: MLS Roster Rules and Regulations - MLSsoccer.com. June 20, 2017.
  15. Web site: Austin FC Acquires $1,075,000 in General Allocation Money . August 15, 2024 . Austin FC . August 16, 2024.
  16. Web site: Jelle van Damme completes exit from LA Galaxy and joins Royal Antwerp. espnfc.us. ESPN. August 18, 2017. May 1, 2020.
  17. Web site: Roster | Nashville SC.

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