The 5 Greatest MLS Football Clubs of All-Time
- Think Football Ideas
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
Ranking the 5 Biggest MLS Football Clubs of All Time
When Major League Soccer launched on the 17th of December in 1993, few in the United States fully understood the sport’s potential or how it could grow.
Over the decades, MLS has evolved into a competitive league that balances domestic development with international attention. Several franchises have risen above the rest, capturing fans, players, and global interest.
Below Are The 5 Greatest MLS Football Clubs of All-Time
5. New York City FC
Nickname(s): The Pigeons, The Boys in Blue
Founded: May 21, 2013
Major Honour(s): 1 MLS Cup
New York City FC has emerged as a notable presence in American soccer thanks to its association with the City Football Group. The club has attracted star talent such as Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo, while David Villa’s performances helped establish NYCFC’s reputation early on.
Consistent competitiveness in the Eastern Conference culminated in their 2021 MLS Cup triumph. Revenue, visibility, and pedigree combine to make New York City FC a major player despite being relatively young in MLS terms.
4. Atlanta United
Nickname(s): The Five Stripes
Founded: April 16, 2014
Major Honour(s): 1 MLS Cup
Atlanta United’s rise has been meteoric since their debut in 2017. The Five Stripes captured the imagination of fans with an MLS Cup victory in their second season, powered by standout performers Josef Martinez and Miguel Almiron.
Though the club has experienced fluctuations in form since then, its fanbase, commercial strength, and exciting style of play solidify Atlanta United as one of the league’s most prominent teams.
3. Seattle Sounders
Nickname(s): The Sounders, The Rave Green
Founded: November 13, 2007
Major Honour(s): 2 MLS Cups and 1 Supporters' Shield
Seattle Sounders have been a model of consistency and success in MLS. Their golden era from 2016 to 2020 saw four MLS Cup final appearances and two championships, cementing their competitive legacy.
The club’s cult following in Europe, fueled by Xbox-branded jerseys and charismatic players, highlights the Sounders’ global profile. Only a single season outside the playoffs underscores their reliability, making them a cornerstone franchise in the Western Conference.
2. Inter Miami
Nickname(s): The Herons
Founded: January 29, 2018
Major Honour(s): 1 Supporters' Shield and 1 Leagues Cup
Inter Miami has quickly become one of MLS’s most talked-about franchises. Founded in 2018, the club’s profile skyrocketed following the signings of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
Co-owned by David Beckham, the Herons have combined star power with commercial success, topping the Eastern Conference in 2024 and generating record revenues.
While on-field achievements in the playoffs remain limited, Inter Miami’s stature, influence, and global attention firmly place them among the league’s elite.
1. LA Galaxy
Nickname(s): Galaxy, Los Galácticos
Founded: June 15, 1994
Major Honour(s): 6 MLS Cups and 4 Supporters' Shield
LA Galaxy is synonymous with MLS’s growth and international recognition. The franchise’s profile exploded with David Beckham’s arrival, creating a model for star-driven appeal in the United States.
Beyond Beckham, the club has consistently drawn top-tier talent such as Steven Gerrard, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Marco Reus. With six MLS Cup titles and multiple runner-up finishes, LA Galaxy has remained competitive since the league’s early years.
Their sustained success, global reputation, and influence over the league’s identity make them the undisputed top MLS club of all time.
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