GOAL takes a look at the 10 most disappointing Designated Player signings over the past five years in Major League Soccer
Olivier Giroud departed LAFC this summer, becoming the latest high-profile Designated Player to underwhelm in Major League Soccer. The Frenchman had moments, but he never lived up to expectations. The same can be said for a number of high-profile players who have disappointed in that label since its introduction to the league 18 years ago.
Dubbed the “Beckham Rule,” the DP mechanism was originally created so the LA Galaxy could sign the England icon. It’s since become a cornerstone of MLS roster building, and teams have heavily relied on it to bring superstar talent to the league. Not all have worked. Disastrous DP signings have plagued the league, with prominent examples such as Rafael Marquez and the New York Red Bulls, Steven Gerrard and the LA Galaxy, and Andrea Pirlo and NYCFC.
In recent years, though, the hit rate has vastly improved, with fewer “big-time” misses.
Lionel Messi is the most historic DP signing to date, but the past five years have seen multiple success stories that elevated players, clubs, and coaches alike – from Messi to Denis Bouanga, former Columbus Crew ace Cucho Hernández and the mercurial Emanuel Reynoso.
Of course, not everyone lived up to the hype.
From Inter Miami's Disasstrous Duo Of Blaise Matuidi and Rodolfo Pizarro to Insigna and Xherdan Shaqiri in Chicago, GOAL highlights the top 10 most disappointing DP signings since 2020.
