The MLS regular season has wrapped up and the MLS Cup playoffs are in full swing. But before we get to the MLS Cup final on Saturday, Dec. 6., the league will be handing out its top individual awards.
See who’ll be winning honors such as Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year, and which stars will be making the Best XI.
JUMP TO: Defender | Comeback Player | Young Player | MVP | Coach | Newcomer | Goalkeeper
MLS Defender of the Year
Tristan Blackmon, Defender, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
(Photo by Rich Lam/Getty Images)
It’s been a breakout season for both Blackmon and his ‘Caps side, which finished among the best teams in the Western Conference and reached the CONCACAF Champions League final. Blackmon anchored a backline that allowed the second-fewest goals (38) and logged the second-most clean sheets (13) this season. He played in 25 regular season games this season and added two goals and one assist. Blackmon also earned his first two caps with the U.S. men’s national team in September.
Other Candidates:
- Jakob Glesnes (Philadelphia Union)
- Kai Wagner (Philadelphia Union)
MLS Comeback Player of the Year
Nick Haaglund, Defender, FC Cincinnati
(Photo by Jeff Dean/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati native has bounced back this season after suffering a fractured fibula in June 2024, which was his third season-ending injury in the prior four seasons. Haaglund has anchored the backline of the Orange-and-Blue in his 17 appearances this season. He did this despite suffering another injury – two fractured ribs and a collapsed lung – in May. He returned in August and helped Cincy finish second in the overall standings, behind the Supporters Shield-winning Philadelphia Union.
Other Candidates:
- Lawrence Ennali (Houston Dynamo FC)
- Richie Laryea (Toronto FC)
MLS Young Player of the Year
Alex Freeman, Right Back, Orlando City SC
Eligible players must be born on or after Jan. 1, 2003.
(Photo by Mark Thorstenson – Orlando City/MLS via Getty Images)
At age 21, Freeman has turned into one of the league’s breakout talents while also staying in the fold with the U.S. men’s national team. His versatility in the back-line earned him an All-Star selection and his six goals is tied for most among MLS defenders. The son of former NFL star Antonio Freeman, he also earned 11 caps with the USMNT and was part of the squad that reached the Gold Cup final earlier this summer.
Other Candidates
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
- Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders FC)
MLS Goalkeeper of the Year
(Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Dayne St. Clair, Minnesota United FC
In a category that featured the likely starters for two of three co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, it was the 27-year-old Canadian who emerged as the league’s top keeper over USMNT regular Matt Freese. The 27-year-old St. Clair has led Minnesota United to the MLS Cup finals, while also making his case to be the No. 1 for the Canadian national team. In league play, St. Clair recorded career highs in saves (113) and shutouts (10) across 30 matches. He was the only goalkeeper in 2025 to record a goals-against average of 1.00 or lower, while saving at least 75% of his shots.
Other Candidates
- Matt Freese (New York City FC)
- Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
MLS MVP Candidates
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC)
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)
- Evander (FC Cincinnati)
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
- Sam Surridge (Nashville SC)
MLS Coach of the Year Candidates
- Bradley Carnell (Philadelphia Union)
- Jesper Sørensen (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Mikey Varas (San Diego FC)
MLS Newcomer of the Year Candidates
“Newcomer” is defined as a player with previous professional experience who made his MLS debut in 2025.
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)
- Son Heung-min (LAFC)
- Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC)
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