Seattle Sounders’ Obed Vargas tops Major League Soccer’s 22 Under 22 list as homegrown talents dominate rankings

The 20-year-old Mexican international achieved a significant milestone by becoming the third Seattle Sounders player to rank first overall in the history of the list and the first since it expanded to the 22 Under 22 format in 2018. Vargas also made history as the first Mexican player to earn the top position in the prestigious rankings, capping off a breakthrough season where he established himself as a key part of Seattle's midfield.

The 2025 list underscores MLS clubs’ continued investment in youth development, with academy products making up nearly two-thirds of the selections. 

Orlando City SC and U.S. international right back Alex Freeman claimed the No. 2 spot after a breakout season, while Charlotte FC’s Idan Toklomati, Austin FC’s Owen Wolff, and LAFC’s David Martínez rounded out the top five. Philadelphia Union, the only club with three players featured - Quinn Sullivan (No. 6), Olwethu Makhanya (No. 13), and Frankie Westfield (No. 18) — continue to set the standard for academy development.

Expansion side San Diego FC also made a strong impression with Luca Bombino (No. 9) and Manu Duah (No. 15), while Real Salt Lake’s Zavier Gozo (No. 10) further highlighted the homegrown influence across the list. New England Revolution (with Peyton Miller (No. 7) and Ilay Feingold (No. 17)) and LAFC were the other clubs with multiple representatives, underscoring the league-wide commitment to developing and elevating young players.

The race for the MLS playoffs is underway as the last matchday of the MLS season, the famed Decision Day, is less than two weeks out. While the Eastern Conference playoff teams are locked in, teams are still fighting for positioning on that side of the bracket. In the West, the No. 8 and No. 9 spots are still open as four teams, FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapids and San Jose Earthquakes, are all fighting for those two play-in spots.