The MLS is a prime destination for stars of World football to continue to shine in the twilight of their careers. From Pele or Cruyff, to Beckham or Henry, many legends have put an end to their footballing days in the USA.
A 'franchise player' is a footballer who is signed by an MLS club and who is exempt of salarial restrictions, thanks to the 'Beckham Law' which was introduced to the MLS in 2007 in order for LA Galaxy to sign the Englishman.
Since then, in the last ten years, many have followed his footsteps in joining American teams from European football. Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Ashley Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Andrea Pirlo... the list goes on.
America was a popular destination before Beckham travelled across the Atlantic, with Germany's World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus joining MetroStars (now NYC Red Bulls) in the year 2000.
It all began in 1975, when the American league was still the NASL, New York Cosmos managed to sign the legendary Pele, while LA Aztecs secured the services of George Best. In 1978 it was the turn of Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff to join New York Cosmos and LA Aztecs, respectively. The love for the sport in America grew hugely, and it has continued to do so reaching its peak in the last decade.
The biggest exodus to the MLS has taken place since Beckham's signing for Galaxy, with players making the switch earlier in their careers to spend more seasons in the USA.
Sebastian Giovinco is an example of this prompt move to the MLS, joining Toronto at the age of 28 in 2015, and who has gone on to show the extent of his talent in a less demanding league than the Serie A.
The Italian has it easier at Toronto than David Villa at New York City. The Spaniard arrived to a team which started from scratch and has since gone on to score 51 goals in 78 fixtures, while also providing 18 assists. Thierry Henry had to play 122 matches in order to reach the 51-goal mark.
With Frank Lampard retired and Andrea Pirlo sidelined through injury, Villa has taken it upon himself to create and bang in the goals for City.
Many legendary players have made appearances in the MLS, but few have done so at such a high level, and with the grace and humility of the 35-year-old World Cup winning Spaniard. Is David Villa the best franchise player in the history of MLS?