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Over the last decade, Major League Soccer (MLS) has evolved into one of the biggest soccer leagues on the planet. Several superstars have migrated to the league from impressive pastures including the likes of David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, and Lionel Messi.
With the varying calibre of players among the most prominent teams, the battle for the Golden Boot in MLS is always fascinating.
We look back at the top scorer battle of 2023, check out the all-time MLS goalscoring records, and explain how to bet on the MLS top scorer market right here with BetVictor Canada.
Top Scorer in MLS 2023
The fight for the MLS Golden Boot in 2023 was thrilling. A host of players hit double figures, but Los Angeles striker Denis Bouanga topped the charts at the end of the 2023 campaign.
The French player has made appearances for Gabon on the international stage but is more recently renowned for having had a sensational season in front of goal, having netted 20 times for LAFC.
Overall, he finished three goals clear of Luciano Acosta and Giorgos Giakoumakis. However, his main edge over the competitors was consistency – Bouanga thoroughly deserved the accolade of being declared the MLS top scorer in 2023.
Most Goals in MLS Game
Many players have scored four goals in one game, including Teemu Pukki in October 2023. Nonetheless, there was one man who once netted five goals in a single MLS match.
Back in 2000, Clint Mathis scored five as MetroStars beat Dallas Burn 6-4. Over 20 years have passed, and yet Mathis still holds the impressive record for most goals in a single MLS game.
Most Goals in MLS Season
Mexican great Carlos Vela holds the record for the most goals in a single MLS season. In the 2019 campaign, the former Arsenal striker scored a staggering 34 times for Los Angeles.
Vela won the MLS MVP Award but was also named in the MLS Best XI, and helped LAFC to the Supporters’ Shield in a remarkable 2019 season. It’ll take some serious effort to snatch Vela’s record for most goals in an MLS season.
MLS All-Time Top Scorer
Chris Wondolowski is the MLS all-time top goalscorer. The Californian had a sensational MLS career and spent 16 years right at the top of his game before hanging up his boots with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2021.
Throughout his stunning MLS career, Wondolowski scored 171 goals in 413 MLS appearances. According to the history books, he boasts the most goals in MLS history by a distance, with Landon Donovan in second with 145.
MLS Most Famous Players
Several of the world’s very best and most famous players have graced America’s top tier over the years. Some of England’s finest moved to MLS during their careers, including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard.
In recent times, the likes of Gareth Bale, Gonzalo Higuain, and Giorgio Chiellini have headed for the States. However, the biggest MLS transfer of all time was Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023. Messi is regarded by many as the greatest player of all time, and it was a real coup for MLS to bring him to America.
MLS Most Valuable Players
The MVP Award is handed out each season to the most valuable player in the league. Some big names have been awarded MVP status over the years. The award started in 1996 and has been a mainstay in MLS ever since.
As a team, DC United has won the most with four. The last DC player to be named MVP was Canadian star Dwayne De Rosario in 2011. Predrag Radosavljević (Preki) is the only player to have won the MLS Most Valuable Player Award more than once.
Most Expensive Player in MLS
In terms of MLS’ outgoings, Miguel Almiron’s $26 million transfer to Newcastle United in 2019 is still an MLS record. However, the most money paid for a player by an MLS club is $15.9 million. Thiago Almada moved to Atlanta United from Velez Sarsfield in 2022, making him the most expensive player in MLS history.
Top Goalscorer Betting Odds
Before each MLS season, backing the MLS top scorer is a popular choice among soccer bettors. Before placing any top-scorer bets, there are plenty of ways to check in on how players are performing, with stats and articles available on recent form, injury news, and other important factors.
We have competitive MLS odds, as well as ongoing bonuses and promotions for new and existing customers.
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Top MLS Scorer FAQs
Chris Wondolowski still holds the record for the most MLS goals. The striker scored 171 from 2005 to 2021.
There are 34 games in a regular MLS season, with all teams playing home and away games. There are also playoff and cup fixtures.
Since the league’s inception in 1996, there have never been relegations. MLS has a fixed membership and remains one of the few leagues in the world with no demotions.
Luciano Acosta was named MVP at the end of the 2023 MLS campaign. He had an outstanding season for Cincinnati, contributing to 31 goals.
