Major League Soccer has revealed the finalists for its 2025 Year-End Awards, with Lionel Messi once again leading the pack for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP.
The Inter Miami star headlines a five-player shortlist after another sensational campaign, finishing the regular season with 29 goals and 19 assists to claim the Golden Boot. Messi now aims to become the first player in MLS history to win back-to-back MVP titles.
LAFC’s Denis Bouanga returns as a finalist after netting 24 goals and nine assists, while San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer impressed in his debut season with 19 goals and 19 assists joining an elite group of players to record at least 15 goals and 15 assists in a single campaign.
Evander of FC Cincinnati and Sam Surridge of Nashville SC complete the list, both playing key roles in guiding their clubs into playoff contention.
MVP Finalists:
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)
- Evander (FC Cincinnati)
- Sam Surridge (Nashville SC)
For the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year honor, three names stand out after remarkable turnarounds this season.
San Diego FC’s Mikey Varas led the expansion club to a record-breaking debut campaign, earning the most points ever by a first-year side. Philadelphia Union’s Bradley Carnell revived his team with a high-intensity pressing style, turning them into Eastern Conference contenders. Vancouver Whitecaps’ Jesper Sørensen also impressed, guiding his team to second place in the Western Conference.
Coach of the Year Finalists:
- Mikey Varas (San Diego FC)
- Bradley Carnell (Philadelphia Union)
- Jesper Sørensen (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
MLS also confirmed finalists for several other top honors, including Comeback Player, Defender, and Goalkeeper of the Year.
Comeback Player of the Year:
- Lawrence Ennali (Houston Dynamo FC)
- Nick Hagglund (FC Cincinnati)
- Richie Laryea (Toronto FC)
Defender of the Year:
- Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union)
- Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)
Goalkeeper of the Year:
- Matt Freese (New York City FC)
- Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)
- Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
Winners for all awards will be announced during the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.