Neymar’s MLS Move: A New Chapter in American Soccer? 
The 2025 MLS SuperDraft took place on December 20, 2024, showcasing the future stars of Major League Soccer. Teams selected a total of 90 players, with notable picks including Manu Duah at No. 1 and Jesus Barea at No. 19. The draft highlighted the strategic moves teams made to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season.
Key Takeaways
- Top Pick: Manu Duah was selected first overall by San Diego FC, marking a historic moment for the expansion team.
- Notable Selections: Jesus Barea, a standout from Missouri State, was picked 19th overall by Real Salt Lake.
- Team Strategies: Teams like Real Salt Lake and San Diego FC made significant moves to enhance their squads.
Overview of the Draft
The MLS SuperDraft is a pivotal event for teams looking to strengthen their rosters with fresh talent. This year, the draft saw a mix of established college players and promising young athletes, with teams eager to find the next big star.
Top Picks of the Draft
- Manu Duah (San Diego FC) – No. 1 Overall
- Jesus Barea (Real Salt Lake) – No. 19 Overall
- Max Kerkvliet (Real Salt Lake) – No. 21 Overall
- Lineker Rodrigues dos Santos (Real Salt Lake) – No. 29 Overall
- Sergi Solans (Real Salt Lake) – No. 30 Overall
Team Strategies and Grades
The draft not only showcased individual talent but also highlighted the strategies teams employed to build competitive rosters. Here are some insights into how various teams fared:
- Real Salt Lake: Acquired four first-round picks, focusing on youth and versatility to enhance their attacking options.
- San Diego FC: Made a significant statement by selecting Duah first overall, setting the tone for their inaugural season.
- Atlanta United: Opted for a defensive strategy, selecting key defenders to strengthen their backline.
Conclusion
The 2025 MLS SuperDraft was a thrilling event that set the stage for the upcoming season. With teams making bold moves and selecting promising talent, fans can look forward to an exciting year ahead in Major League Soccer. The selections made during the draft will undoubtedly shape the future of the league as these young athletes step onto the professional stage.
Sources
- Barea Selected 19th Overall by Real Salt Lake in MLS SuperDraft – Missouri State, Missouri State University Athletics.
- MLS SuperDraft 2025: Every team’s selections | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
- MLS SuperDraft 2025 grades: How did your club fare? | MLSSoccer.com, MLSsoccer.com.
- Real Salt Lake Adds Eight Players Via 2025 MLS SuperDraft | Real Salt Lake, Real Salt Lake.
- San Diego FC drafts Manu Duah No. 1 overall in MLS SuperDraft | High School Sports | syvnews.com, Santa Ynez Valley News.
