When the MLS season resumes after the Leagues Cup break, most teams will only have nine matches left in their regular season. Decision Day looms on Oct. 18, with the playoffs quickly barreling towards us. 

It feels crazy to say, but the 2025 season is almost over. And with the end of the regular season comes voting for end-of-season awards. 

In 2025, MLS has been arguably more competitive than ever, with multiple teams contending for the Supporters’ Shield and a pack of high-performers at the top of the Eastern Conference. Those teams are led by several star players, each with strong cases to take home the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award. Let’s break down the top candidates.

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History

The MVP award is given out each year to the player deemed “most valuable.” Unsurprisingly, the true meaning of “most valuable” has been grounds for some spirited debate, but the award generally functions like a Player of the Year award.

Sporting KC legend Preki is the only player ever to win the award twice (1997 and 2003), while its namesake Landon Donovan’s sole win came in 2009.

Recent winners include Carles Gil (New England Revolution, 2021), Hany Mukhtar (Nashville SC, 2022), Lucho Acosta (FC Cincinnati, 2023) and Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, 2024).

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2025 Honorable mentions

Dénis Bouanga (LAFC), Phillip Zinckernagel (Chicago Fire), Tani Oluwaseyi (Minnesota United), Tai Baribo (Philadelphia Union), Diego Rossi (Columbus Crew), Albert Rusnák (Seattle Sounders).

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The Top 7 2025 MVP Candidates

7. Pep Biel, Charlotte FC (Spain)

• The Numbers
  Goals: 10
  Assists: 12
  Goal contributions: 22
  Games: 24
  Minutes: 1,972

Pep Biel has been a constant for Charlotte FC this season. Operating as a true No. 10, the Spaniard has excelled as both a goal-scorer and a playmaker, acting as the creative hub for the Crown.

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Charlotte hit a significant dip in form in the middle of the season, going on a run of two wins from 12 matches. That streak will impact their final position in the standings and likely Biel’s candidacy with it. But with storylines heavily impacting voting, a late push up the standings with continued form from Biel will see him climb the table.