Inside the MLS Locker Room: 2025 Player Poll Reveals League’s Best Trash Talker, Funniest Teammate

Over 500 MLS players voted in the annual MLSPA player poll. The results offer a unique insider’s view of the league. Players picked winners in categories from best trash talker to worst away locker room.

The anonymous survey was conducted as the 2026 season approaches. It reveals who players respect and what they gripe about. The results were shared publicly by the players’ union.

Richie Laryea Voted MLS’s Top Trash Talker

Toronto FC defender Richie Laryea won the trash talker category. He speaks primarily English on the pitch. Despite his verbal game, he has never received a red card in his career.

FC Cincinnati’s Matt Miazga finished second in voting. Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez placed third. The poll highlights the league’s diverse linguistic landscape.

Lighthearted Honors and Serious Respect

The poll also named Raheem Edwards the funniest player. The Red Bull New York veteran has played for six MLS clubs. He made over 200 regular-season appearances.

DeAndre Yedlin won most fashionable player. The Real Salt Lake defender has experience in multiple soccer cultures. Sebastian Ibeagha and Kellyn Acosta were other top finishers.

Charlotte FC’s Brandt Bronico was named the fittest player. Seattle’s Cristian Roldan finished second. LAFC’s Denis Bouanga came in third.

Goalkeeper honors went to St. Louis CITY SC’s Roman Bürki. The former Borussia Dortmund player is the league’s lone Designated Player goalkeeper. LAFC’s Hugo Lloris and Charlotte’s Kristjan Kahlina followed.

Facilities, Underrated Talent, and Club Appeal

Austin FC’s Q2 Stadium and FC Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium tied for best pitch. Austin uses a durable grass for Texas heat. Cincinnati uses a specific Bermudagrass natural grass.

The worst away locker room award went to New York City FC. Their auxiliary room at Yankee Stadium is notoriously tight. Colorado and Montréal also received negative mentions.

In a telling category, LAFC was voted the club players most want to join. The star-powered club beat expansion side San Diego FC and Nashville SC. This highlights LAFC’s rising prestige.

LAFC also won for best home field advantage. Their 3252 supporters’ group creates an intense atmosphere. Seattle and Charlotte also ranked highly for their loud NFL stadium crowds.

The 2025 MLSPA poll provides a candid snapshot of player sentiment. It reveals respect for veterans like the now-retired Darlington Nagbe, voted most underrated. This annual survey continues to be an authentic voice from within the MLS locker room.

Thought you’d like to know

Who conducts the MLS player poll?

The MLS Players Association (MLSPA) runs the annual anonymous survey. Over 500 players from across the league participated in the 2025 edition. The union shares the full results publicly.

Which stadium has the worst away locker room according to players?

Players voted New York City FC’s auxiliary locker room at Yankee Stadium the worst. The space is tight because it’s a converted baseball stadium. Colorado and Montréal’s away rooms also received poor marks.

Which club do MLS players most want to play for?

LAFC topped the list of most desirable clubs for players. The star-studded club was followed by expansion side San Diego FC. Nashville SC finished in third place.

Who was voted the most underrated player in MLS?

Columbus Crew veteran Darlington Nagbe won most underrated player. This came in his final season before retirement. He played 445 regular-season games in his career.

Which goalkeepers were rated the best by their peers?

St. Louis CITY SC’s Roman Bürki was voted the best goalkeeper. LAFC’s Hugo Lloris, a World Cup winner, came in second. Charlotte FC’s Kristjan Kahlina finished third.