Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States is a professional football league that is growing very quickly. Many First Division players from Costa Rica are attracted to the MLS for its commitment to constantly develop, its style and pace of play, and its lucrative wages. A total of eight Ticos are currently playing in the MLS, and talented striker Alvaro Saborio continues to be the best paid player among his fellow countrymen.

 

The striker, who recently returned to action after an injury that sidelined him four months, is earning $453,000 per season, about 242 million colones at today’s exchange rate, and he is also the highest-paid player of his club, the Real Salt Lake, which is headquartered in the lovely Beehive State of Utah.

 

Until last year, Saborío’s earnings were followed by those of Jairo Arrieta; however, this season’s surprise is defender Kendall Waston, who is earning $201,000 (about 107 million colones). This MLS tournament season is the first for the former Deportivo Saprissa player, who has gradually gained starter status in his club, the Vancouver Whitecaps.

 

The list of Ticos in the MLS is rounded off by Roy Miller, Rodney Wallace, Gonzalo Segares, Waylon Francis, Leonardo Gonzalez, and Jairo Arrieta. There are currently 572 footballers in the MLS, and various players from Costa Rica have polished their careers in the United States.

 

The best paid footballer in the MLS will not begin play until next year’s season. Brazilian wonder Kaká, who used to be a fixture in the Selecao and has played for world-class clubs such as Real Madrid in Spain and AC Milan in Italy, will make $7,167,500 this year. Another highly-paid MLS player will be Spanish striker David Villa of the New York FC, an expansion club similar to Kaká’s Orlando City SC.