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 Participant of the 12 months
Nick Haaglund, Defender, FC Cincinnati
(Picture by Jeff Dean/Getty Photos)
The Cincinnati native has bounced again this season after struggling a fractured fibula in June 2024, which was his third season-ending harm within the prior 4 seasons. Haaglund has anchored the backline of the Orange-and-Blue in his 17 appearances this season. He did this regardless of struggling one other harm – two fractured ribs and a collapsed lung – in Might. He returned in August and helped Cincy end second within the total standings, behind the Supporters Protect-winning Philadelphia Union.
Different Candidates:
- Lawrence Ennali (Houston Dynamo FC)
- Richie Laryea (Toronto FC)
MLS Younger Participant of the 12 months
Alex Freeman, Proper Again, Orlando Metropolis SC
Eligible gamers have to be born on or after Jan. 1, 2003.
(Picture by Mark Thorstenson – Orlando Metropolis/MLS by way of Getty Photos)
At age 21, Freeman has become one of many league’s breakout skills whereas additionally staying within the fold with the U.S. males’s nationwide crew. His versatility within the back-line earned him an All-Star choice and his six objectives is tied for many amongst MLS defenders. The son of former NFL star Antonio Freeman, he additionally earned 11 caps with the USMNT and was a part of the squad that reached the Gold Cup ultimate earlier this summer season.
Different Candidates
- Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
- Obed Vargas (Seattle Sounders 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 12 months Candidates
- Bradley Carnell (Philadelphia Union)
- Jesper Sørensen (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
- Mikey Varas (San Diego FC)
MLS Newcomer of the 12 months Candidates
“Newcomer” is outlined as a participant with earlier skilled expertise who made his MLS debut in 2025.
- Anders Dreyer (San Diego FC)
- Son Heung-min (LAFC)
- Philip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire FC)
MLS Goalkeeper of the 12 months Candidates
- Matt Freese (New York City FC)
- Dayne St. Clair (Minnesota United FC)
- Yohei Takaoka (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
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