Who is in the MLS All Star Game this year? Let’s dive deep. MatsuGoal walks you through the 2025 MLS All-Star roster: the names, the absences, and what makes this squad special.
What Is The MLS All Star Game
The MLS All-Star Game is the annual showcase where the best of Major League Soccer face off — this time against the All-Stars from Mexico’s Liga MX. It’s more than a friendly: it’s about pride, fan votes, rising stars, and marquee names. For many players, getting selected is a badge of honor, and for fans, it’s a chance to see a stacked lineup.
2025 Roster Summary
Here’s the gist: 26 players were selected originally, later expanded to 29 available names. Of note: Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were voted in but did not participate. Evander (FC Cincinnati) won the fan vote to be Captain.
15 MLS clubs are represented, with teams like Vancouver Whitecaps FC, Nashville SC, Philadelphia Union, San Diego FC among those with multiple selections.
Who Made The Team
Here are the players available for the match (excluding Messi & Alba), grouped by position. These are the ones who actually were on the field or eligible. These are the stars MatsuGoal promises gave you.
Goalkeepers
- Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)
- Brad Stuver (Austin FC)
- Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Defenders
- Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew)
- Guilherme Biro (Austin FC)
- Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Michael Boxall (Minnesota United FC)
- Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC)
- Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union)
- Andy Najar
- Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati)
- Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)
Midfielders
- Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Cristian Espinoza (San Jose Earthquakes)
- Evander (FC Cincinnati) (also Captain via fan vote)
- Carles Gil (New England Revolution)
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
- Hany Mukhtar
- Jeppe Tverskov (San Diego FC)
- Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC)
- Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC)
Forwards / Wingers
- Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union)
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)
- Chucky Lozano (San Diego FC)
- Marco Pašalić (Orlando City SC)
- Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew)
- Sam Surridge
- Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
What’s Missing: Messi & Alba
Though Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba were initially voted into the 2025 MLS All-Star roster, they did not participate in the match or associated events. That absence triggered league discipline under MLS rules.
Their names remained part of the roster announcement, but for the actual game and fan spectacle: they were absent.
Stars, Debuts & Highlights
MatsuGoal loves the stories behind the names. Here are some of the most interesting:
- Evander not only plays well; he got voted in as captain. Big deal.
- Sam Surridge, Marco Pašalić, and Obed Vargas made their first All-Star appearances. Fresh energy.
- Hany Mukhtar and Carles Gil among veterans who’ve been there and are still delivering.
- Young talent: Alex Freeman, a rising name, carried enough promise to make the squad at a young age.
Final Roster Count & Clubs
- Total available players: 29 names were on the roster list; 2 (Messi & Alba) didn’t play, so 27 were actually participating.
- Number of clubs represented: 15 clubs had at least one player selected. Vancouver Whitecaps FC had the best representation.
Why It Matters
The MLS All Star Game is more than a gala: it’s a platform. Players gain exposure. Clubs get recognition. Fans get to see top-tier matchups. Plus, when Messi & Alba are involved—even if just in votes—it draws international attention. The mix of veterans, rising stars, and first-timers makes for a dynamic squad that reflects where MLS is: growing, competitive, exciting. MatsuGoal believes this year’s roster delivers that.
Conclusion
Who is in the MLS All Star Game isn’t just a list—it’s a story of selections, expectations, and surprises. From Evander’s captaincy to young players making their debut, from big names like Messi & Alba being voted but not playing, to clubs fighting for representation—this year’s All-Star roster has it all.
Want to dive deeper? MatsuGoal recommends checking match lineups, goals, and saving your favorite highlight reels. If you want, I can also pull up MLS vs Liga MX All Stars roster, match stats, or player-by-player grades — what do you prefer next?
