Major League Soccer (MLS) has hosted a diverse array of international talent over the years, including several standout Portuguese players who left their mark on the league.
Out of the 21 Portuguese players who have graced MLS fields, the ProfitDuel team, experts in side hustles, have dived into a selection of Portuguese stars with the most successful careers and can be considered the best talent.
Nani – Orlando City SC
Luis Nani, one of the most celebrated Portuguese wingers and perhaps in the history of the modern game, joined Orlando City SC in 2019. Coming from a successful career primarily with Manchester United alongside the likes of Sporting CP, Valencia and Fenerbahce, Nani brought flair, leadership, and a winning mentality to MLS. The highly decorated tricky winger has triumphed on the grandest of stages throughout his career, claiming FIFA Club World Cup, Champions League, Premier League, Community Shield, and Portuguese League Cup medals.
For his country, Nani made his debut in 2006 and went on to feature 112 times while scoring 23 goals, three of which came in the 2016 European Championships. There, he played a vital role in earning the first major title in the history of the Portugal national team.
Stats at Orlando City SC
- Appearances: 88
- Goals: 31
- Assists: 18
As Orlando’s captain, Nani was instrumental in guiding the club to its first-ever playoff appearance in 2020. His spectacular goals, including several long-range strikes, earned him a reputation as one of the most skilful players in the league. His leadership extended beyond the pitch, inspiring younger players and elevating the club’s profile internationally.
Now, at the age of 38, Nani is still plying his trade in the top flight of Portuguese soccer for Estrela Amadora, situated close to his birthplace. He returned from a stint abroad with Adana Demirspor in Turkey and joined the side ahead of the 2024/25 campaign. He has found the back of the net once in 10 appearances.
Yannick Djaló – San Jose Earthquakes
Yannick Djaló joined San Jose Earthquakes on loan from Benfica in 2014. Despite struggling with injuries during his time in MLS, Djaló made an impact when fit, showcasing his electrifying pace and ability to break down defences.
Stats at San Jose Earthquakes
- Appearances: 17
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 4
The forward was born in Guinea-Bissau and qualified to represent Portugal, for whom he did, and featured prominently in their youth teams up to under-23 level. He made 26 appearances in total and scored three goals; however, he only made a sole appearance for the Portuguese first team, which came in a 4-4 European Qualifiers draw against Cyprus back in 2010.
Djaló, now 38 and retired from the game, enjoyed a fruitful career. He played most of his game time at Sporting CP, where he was a Portuguese Cup and Super Cup winner. He also played for Benfica, Toulouse in France, and Mordovia Saransk in Russia before ending his career at Thai first-tier outfit Ratchaburi.
Diogo Gonçalves – Real Salt Lake
Diogo Gonçalves is relatively new to the list after joining Real Salt Lake at the end of the 2023/24 European calendar, part-way through the 2024 MLS season. He made the switch in August from Benfica and has gone on to make 11 appearances in league and cup action while scoring twice. The midfielder netted against Portland Timbers and Austin FC, helping to secure draws in both games and cementing third place in the Western Conference overall.
Stats at Real Salt Lake
- Appearances: 12
- Goals: 2
While his contributions were limited in terms of numbers, his technical skills and adaptability were evident. The 2025 season will provide a consistent opportunity for the 27-year-old midfielder to flourish after being embedded into Salt Lake’s style of play for the culmination of the 2024 campaign.
The former Portuguese under-21 international made 71 appearances at youth level, scoring 20 goals, but he has yet to break into the first team. Prior to joining Real Salt Lake, Gonçalves enjoyed his most successful season at FC Copenhagen, where he scored on 21 occasions and provided eight assists in 57 games. He helped the Danish side win their top-flight league title alongside a domestic cup while starring in the Champions League against powerhouses such as Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City.
Abel Xavier – LA Galaxy
Former Portuguese international Abel Xavier took to the field in MLS and spent nearly two seasons with the LA Galaxy, joining the club in May 2007 and departing in July 2008. During his tenure, he made 25 appearances and assisted twice. Before arriving in MLS, Xavier built an illustrious 17-year career in Europe, playing for some of the continent’s top clubs, including real Oviedo, Benfica, Middlesbrough, Everton, PSV Eindhoven, and Liverpool.
He represented his country 20 times for the first team and scored twice while featuring in the 2000 European Championships and other major tournaments, too. His extensive experience made him a key figure in the Galaxy’s defence, where he served as both a physical presence and a mentor to younger players.
Stats at LA Galaxy
- Appearances: 25
- Assists: 2
After retiring from professional soccer at the end of his spell with LA Galaxy, Xavier transitioned into coaching. He has managed teams like Olhanense in Portugal and the Mozambique national team, further cementing his connection to the game and his legacy as a soccer ambassador.
Abel Xavier’s brief yet impactful stay in MLS contributed to a key moment in the league’s history: boosting the ability to attract seasoned international stars who bring talent and invaluable experience to American soccer.