The MLS is known for bringing in some of soccer\u2019s biggest names towards the end of their career, but who is the oldest goalscorer in Major League Soccer history?<\/strong><\/p>\n For almost two decades players have moved to the MLS in the latter stages of their career, making their final appearances in the United States\u2019 elite division.<\/p>\n The catalyst for this was none other than David Beckham, who joined LA Galaxy in 2007 at 32-years-old after an elite career in Europe with Manchester United and Real Madrid.<\/p>\n Beckham did not go on to finish his career in the States, moving to Paris to play for PSG before calling it a day in an emotional fixture in May 2013.<\/p>\n Prior to the Englishman, there had been a few others like Lothar Matth\u00e4us or Hristo Stoichkov who joined in the early 2000\u2019s, however, these two signings did not have the same impact that Beckham\u2019s did.<\/p>\n Since Beckham, the likes of Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, Andrea Pirlo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all moved to the United States in their older age \u2013 but why did they decided to make the switch?<\/p>\n One key reason for moving to the MLS is the attraction over living in the United States, with a host of different states offering a lot of unique features and superb weather in places like Los Angeles.<\/p>\n Another factor is the quality of the league, with players understanding that they cannot compete in Europe\u2019s elite leagues anymore and the standard of the MLS is more suited to them in their latter stages \u2013 although the quality has undoubtedly improved.<\/p>\n A slightly more niche factor, as it is only for a select few players, is additional features in a contract and this was Beckham\u2019s deal as he was promised the chance to own an MLS side in the future \u2013 which he has managed with Inter Miami.<\/p>\n Speaking of Inter Miami, their star man Lionel Messi was reportedly handed a percentage in the revenue made by Adidas and Apple while also being the highest paid player in the MLS<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Preki<\/strong> \u2013 42 years, 3 months & 21 days (2005) The oldest player to ever score in the MLS is a record that has stood since 2005, as Preki scored a last-minute equaliser for Kansas City Wizards at 42 years, 3 months and 21 days.<\/p>\n Currently, Preki is the assistant manager at Seattle Sounders and the former USMNT player took the record of Colombia legend, Carlos Valderrama who scored for Colorado Rapids at 41 years and 23 days.<\/p>\n The Colombian is regarded as one of the best players in MLS history and was in the all-star team in four consecutive seasons between 1996 and 2000.<\/p>\n Interestingly, the top two players are the only players to score a goal in the MLS aged 40 or over, with the next place going to Kei Kamara who was 39 years, 10 months and 3 days when he scored for Los Angeles FC in a 2-1 win over their fierce rivals LA Galaxy in July 2024.<\/p>\nSoccer Why Do Players Go To MLS To Finish Their Career?<\/h2>\n
Soccer Oldest Goalscorers in MLS History<\/h2>\n
2. Carlos Valderrama<\/strong> \u2013 41 years & 23 days (2002)
3. Kei Kamara<\/strong> \u2013 39 years, 10 months & 3 days (2024)
4. Claudio Su\u00e1rez<\/strong> \u2013 38 years, 9 months & 12 days (2007)
5. Chris Wondolowski<\/strong> \u2013 38 years, 9 months & 11 days (2021)
6. Olivier Giroud<\/strong> \u2013 38 years, 7 months & 25 days (2025)
7. Chris Henderson<\/strong> \u2013 38 years, 7 months & 8 days (2009)
8. Giorgio Chiellini<\/strong> \u2013 38 years, 6 months & 18 days (2023)
9. Didier Drogba<\/strong> \u2013 38 years, 6 months & 7 days (2016)
10. Brian McBride<\/strong> \u2013 38 years, 4 months & 5 days (2010)<\/p>\n