The MLS might not be considered one of the best leagues in the world, under the thumb of other elite leagues like the Bundesliga in Germany, Premier League in England, and Ligue 1 in France, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some super talented players who take part in the United States domestic league. The MLS is well known for having homegrown talent come through the team’s ranks and also being a great choice for older veterans who want to end their career in a fantastic league with a good fan base.
So, who can we expect to see from the MLS grace the international stage in Paris this upcoming summer? The Olympics are something that people wait around four years for, so we can expect that players will be trying their absolute hardest to make their respective country’s squads to put on the jersey and make their home country proud.
MLS Stars in Paris Olympics
Who from the MLS can we expect to see this upcoming July in the Parisian stadium? Keep reading to find out.
Walker Zimmerman
Walker Zimemrman has just been called up to the most recent camp squad list for the US National Team, along with dozens of newbies who are vying for their spot on the senior team. Zimmerman is one of the only veteran players still on the men’s team, having amassed 42 appearances for the senior team since joining in 2017.
He came through the ranks in the U18, U20, and U23 squads, before progressing to the adult team. At 31 years of age, this is very possibly his last Olympics, so he will try his hardest to make sure he doesn’t get beat out for a spot at center back before the Paris Olympics is underway.
Alessandro Schopf
A lesser-known MLS player is Schopf, a German-born professional footballer who currently plays for the Vancouver Whitecaps, the only Canadian team in the MLS, and the Austrian national team. He first began his senior career at Bayern Munich II and then progressed towards senior sides like 1. FC Nurnberg, Schalke 04, and Arminia Bielefeld. Since joining Vancouver in 2022, he has made 24 appearances and scored his own goal as a midfielder.
For the Austrian team, he received his first call-up back in 2016 and has since made 32 appearances and scored six goals for his country. Despite not being a regular player for the national team, he could very well make the Olympic roster due to his experience, dedication, and longevity in the MLS.
Sam Adekugbe
Adekugbe is a professional soccer player who also is a member of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the MLS and the Canadian national team. He was born in London, England, but earned Canadian citizenship eight years ago and has since been capped for the Canada senior team more than 40 times. He began his senior career at the Vancouver Whitecaps and then took his talents abroad to Brighton and Hove Albion, IFK Goteborg, Valerenga, Hatayspor, and Galatasaray.
He has since returned to his first senior club to regain fitness before the Summer Olympics. He was most recently called up to the Canadian national team in June of 2023 for the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League finals.
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Lorenzo Insigne
Insigne is one of the most well-known Italian footballers to ever come from Naples in his home country. At 32 years old, this could very well be his last Olympics if he makes the roster. He currently plays as a winger and attacker for Torotno FC in the MLS.
He began his senior career at Napoli, where he spent the majority of his time. After coming up through the youth ranks at the same club, he spent 12 years at Napoli, making more than 300 appearances and also recording appearances on loan spells for Cavese, Foggia, and Pescara. Now, he plays at Toronto FC, making forty appearances and scoring thirteen goals in the process.
For the Italian national team, he has made more than 75 appearances at all age levels.
Zorhan Bassong
Another lesser-known player who could make an appearance for the Canadian national team is Bassong, a young Canadian soccer player who currently plays as left back for Sporting Kansas City in the MLS. He began his club career at Lile B, then moved to Cercle Brugge, CF Montreal, Arges Pitesti, and Farul Constanta before returning to North America.
He made his senior debut for the Canadian national team in 2020 but has made very few appearances since then. This could be his breakout tournament.
About the Author
Emma is an athlete and sports fan who currently plays professional soccer. Growing up, she reached a high level in track and field, distance running, and soccer on both club and university teams.
