Major League Soccer is making bold moves to elevate its global profile—and 2025 has been a landmark year. With superstar signings like Lionel Messi, Heung-Min Son, and Thomas Müller, the league has shattered its previous transfer records, investing over $300 million in new talent. But according to former LAFC winger Gareth Bale, it’s still not enough.
Bale: “MLS isn’t the best because it doesn’t have the best”
In a candid interview with Front Office Sports, Bale praised the league’s growth but pointed to its salary structure as a major roadblock. “The only reason MLS isn’t bigger is because the best players in the world aren’t playing here,” he said. “It’s a good league, and it’s growing, but it’s not the best.”
Bale, who retired in 2023 after a brief stint with LAFC, admitted he joined late in his career—like many European stars—and wishes he had come earlier. “I loved my time here. Honestly, I wish I’d come sooner,” he said. “But when you’re offered way more money in Europe, it’s your job. You’re not going to take a pay cut just to help grow the game. As much as we’d love to, it’s just not viable”.
Salary caps and missed opportunities
MLS operates under a strict salary cap system, which limits how much teams can spend outside of a few “Designated Player” slots. While Messi earns over $20 million annually, most players make under $1 million—a stark contrast to Europe’s top leagues, where stars like Erling Haaland earn upwards of $37 million a year.
Bale believes that loosening these restrictions and investing in younger talent is key to accelerating the league’s growth. “You’ve got the cities, the stadiums, the fans—but something’s still missing,” he said. “If you can bring in better, younger players earlier, the growth will come faster.”
US owners in Europe: a positive influence
Bale also praised American ownership in European soccer, saying it’s helping bridge the gap between markets. “They’re investing in the game—not to lose money, but to grow it,” he said. “Having U.S. entrepreneurs involved in European football is great. It brings the sport closer to bigger audiences.”
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and the recent Club World Cup boosting visibility, Bale sees momentum building. “Soccer’s becoming a major sport in the U.S. I’ve played here—I’ve seen the growth. It’s happening.”