Leagues Cup 2025 is almost here, and with it comes a new wave of talent, key transfers, and returning stars ready to take the spotlight once again. Featuring the top teams from MLS and Liga MX, the tournament is brimming with potential. Here’s your definitive breakdown of the top players to know—whether they’re returning heroes, adjusting to new homes, or arriving from Europe and beyond.
Recent Arrivals From Other Leagues
Rodrigo De Paul – FROM Atlético Madrid >>> TO Inter Miami
Arguably the most notable name recently dropped into the player pool, World Cup winner De Paul joins Inter Miami on the eve of Leagues Cup 2025. Known for his relentless work rate and pinpoint passing, De Paul brings elite pedigree to a team already loaded with star power. The 31-year-old Argentinian joins his captain from their World Cup title run as he looks to have the same impact in MLS.
Keylor Navas – FROM Newell’s Old Boys >>> TO Pumas UNAM
The Costa Rican legend and former Real Madrid and PSG star is ready to make his debut in Leagues Cup. Navas, a three-time Champions League winner, is 38 years old but his reflexes and big-game experience remain world-class. His presence alone elevates Pumas’ ambitions—and he's already logged his first clean sheet in Pumas’ 2-0 win over Querétaro.
William Carvalho – FROM Real Betis >>> TO Pachuca
Pachuca made one of the most shrewd pickups of the summer by landing Portuguese international William Carvalho. A calming presence in the midfield, the 33-year-old brings 100+ matches of LaLiga experience. His tactical intelligence and strength in duels will anchor a young Tuzos squad.
James Rodríguez – FROM Rayo Vallecano >>> TO Club León
James has played all over the world and is now back in the Western Hemisphere with plenty to prove. The Colombian playmaker signed with León in January and has already contributed in numerous ways. While injuries have slowed him in recent years, his vision and left foot are still top-tier. If he can stay fit, James could be one of the tournament’s most intriguing players to watch.
Return of the 2024 Stars
Dennis Bouanga – Los Angeles FC
Bouanga was electric during LAFC’s 2024 Leagues Cup campaign, scoring six goals and playing a central role in their run to the finals. The Gabonese international also added six goals in the 2023 tournament making him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer surpassing Lionel Messi. He’s continued his good play in MLS this season, with 13 goals and seven assists as we near the start of Leagues Cup 2025. His pace, flair, and ability to create chaos in the final third make him a constant threat—LAFC will once again lean heavily on him.
Diego Rossi – Columbus Crew
Rossi’s return to MLS in 2023 was already a major headline, but he backed it up with a strong showing during Columbus’ title-winning Leagues Cup run in 2024. The Uruguayan attacker tallied six goals in the tournament, including a crucial brace in the semifinals. The 2020 MLS Golden Boot winner, Rossi is coming off his 4th All-Star appearance in 2025 and he continues to step up as the Crew’s offensive leader following the departure of “Cucho” Hernández to Real Betis. Expect him to be one of the tournament’s most influential players again.
Jesús Angulo – Toluca
One of Toluca’s key contributors, Angulo scored three goals during the 2024 tournament—the most of any Liga MX player—as "Los Diablos Rojos" made a spirited run to the knockout rounds before losing to Colorado. The versatile attacker continued his good form throughout the Liga MX season, playing a pivotal role in Toluca’s Clausura championship, where he added three goals and five assists. Known for his movement, finishing, and ability to operate across the front line, Angulo is a veteran of the 2023 and 2024 edition of Leagues Cup with four goals across eight appearances and that familiarity with MLS defenses make him a must-watch figure.
Zack Steffen – Colorado Rapids
Steffen was a rock in goal during the 2024 Leagues Cup, helping Colorado finish 3rd after a stellar performance in the penalty shootout vs Philadelphia in the 3rd place game. In fact, Steffen repeated his impressive penalty shootout performances two more times becoming the first player to win three separate penalty shootouts in one tournament. The 30-year-old could be the difference-maker once again for Colorado in those knockout round matchups.
Same Faces, New Places
Jack McGlynn – FROM Philadelphia Union >>> TO Houston Dynamo
A homegrown success story in Philly, McGlynn made a surprise switch to Houston in early 2025. The 22-year-old midfielder completed 88% of his passes and had two assists for the Union in last year’s tournament. At Houston, he’s been deployed in a more attacking role and already has three goals and five assists in 19 starts. His creativity and range of passing make him a player to watch this summer.
Christian Ramirez – FROM Columbus Crew >>> TO LA Galaxy
Veteran striker Ramirez was an unsung hero in Columbus’ 2024 Leagues Cup title run as he offered a physical presence up top. His offseason move to LA Galaxy gave him a fresh start, and he’s already scored four goals in the MLS regular season. Ramirez’s experience in Leagues Cup, three goals and one assist in eight games over the 2023 and 2024 tournaments, could be vital for the Galaxy’s push into the knockout rounds.
Mateusz Bogusz – FROM Los Angeles FC >>> TO Cruz Azul
One of the more intriguing cross-border transfers, Bogusz left LAFC for Cruz Azul in a $10 million transfer in January. The Polish midfielder scored three goals during LAFC’s run to the championship game in last year’s tournament. He’s adjusting well in Mexico, already contributing, including scoring a goal in the finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup as Cruz Azul prevailed. His familiarity with MLS teams could be an X-factor for “La Maquina” if they hope to make a deep run.
Omar Campos – FROM Los Angeles FC >>> TO Cruz Azul
Campos, a dynamic fullback, joined Bogusz in going from LAFC to Cruz Azul. The former Santos Laguna player spent just half a season with LAFC, where he impressed with his overlapping runs and defensive grit, before making his return to Liga MX with Cruz Azul. The 23-year-old is now looking to establish himself and his two-way play can be useful in matchups against MLS wingers.
