Stats

MLS is the real deal, folks.

Major League Soccer has solidified its position among the world’s top-tier soccer leagues, now ranked as the ninth-best league globally, according to Opta Analyst.

MLS ranked as ninth-best league in the world, over EFL Championship and Eredivisie

This milestone places MLS above renowned leagues like the English Championship and the Dutch Eredivisie — two leagues in Europe with long histories of having top soccer talents.

Cristiano Ronaldo goal 925 of his career saw the Al Nassr striker score from close range in his side’s 2-0 victory vs. Al Wehda on Tuesday.

In the 48th minute CR7 scored the game’s opening goal with a flicked header to the far post after a sublime delivery into the penalty area.

Cristiano Ronaldo goal 925

Anders Dreyer scored a brace and CJ dos Santos recorded three saves for his first career clean sheet as visiting San Diego FC stunned defending MLS champ LA Galaxy 2-0 on Sunday in the season-opening match for both teams in Carson, California.

It began as a celebration for both teams — the inaugural match in club history for expansion San Diego as well as the unveiling of the Galaxy's championship banner for their league-record sixth title earned in 2024.

But this match finished as one for San Diego (1-0-0, 3 points) to remember and the Galaxy to lament.

Hold your horses, Inter Miami.

As Major League Soccer continues to grow in both popularity and market value, several franchises have emerged as the most valuable in 2025.

With the arrivals of top players to the league, as well as the emergence of new expansion clubs and numerous investments from the 30 teams in MLS, club-values have skyrocketed in the last decade, with multiple teams in the United States becoming some of the most valuable in Latin America.

Clubs worldwide spent a record $2.35 billion on international transfers in men's soccer in the January window, nearly a 58% increase from last year, world soccer's governing body FIFA said in a study published on Friday.

According to FIFA's International Transfer Snapshot, the amount is also 47.1% higher than the previous record set in January 2023 when there was a total outlay of $1.57 billion.

Cristiano is still "SiUUUU"—ing in his forties.

Cristiano Ronaldo marked another historic milestone in his illustrious career, scoring his first-ever goal as a 40-year-old in Al Nassr's dominant 3-0 victory over Al Fayha in the Saudi Pro League. The Portuguese legend’s strike came in the 74th minute, showcasing his he's far from being finished despite his recent birthday.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo scores first goal as 40-year-old; marks 924 career goals

Welcome to this week’s edition of USMNT Abroad, where we bring you the latest updates on American soccer players making waves across Europe. 

From standout performances to key transfers, rumors and injury reports, The18 has got you covered with all the action involving U.S. men’s national team players in Europe’s top leagues. 

C’mon, you yanks!

USMNT Abroad this weekend: The latest on American players in Europe

Antonee Robinson (Fulham)

United States men’s national team fans received devastating news on Thursday as Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad reported that star U.S. and PSV striker Ricardo Pepi is out indefinitely with a knee injury.

Ronaldo has marked another milestone in his illustrious career by netting his 920th goal in a 3-1 win for Al Nassr against Al Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.

Watch: Cristiano Ronaldo 920th goal vs. Al Fateh

The Portuguese icon’s goal came in the 87th minute following a well-timed interception by the Al Nassr midfield in the opposition's half. Ronaldo was perfectly placed to latch onto a precise cross from Sadio Mané from the left flank, with the 39-year-old sealing the victory for his team.