David Villa • New York City FC • Forward

He has won a World Cup and European title with Spain's national team as well as a UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup with FC Barcelona. The reigning MLS MVP scored 23 goals while helping his team reach the conference semis last season.

Sebastian Giovinco • Toronto FC • Forward

The Italian national team member is Toronto's all-time leading scorer. He led the league for a second consecutive year in combined goals, 17, and assists, 15. The 30-year-old will look to avenge Toronto's 2016 MLS Cup final loss this year.

Giovani Dos Santos • Los Angeles Galaxy • Midfielder

The 27-year-old Mexican national team member and sometimes captain has won three CONCACAF Gold Cups and an Olympic gold medal. He tallied a "double-double" with 14 goals and 12 assists last season as L.A. made it to the conference semifinals.

Kaka • Orlando City SC • Midfielder

Last season the 34-year-old was the highest-paid player in MLS, making $7.167 million in total compensation. The Brazilian won a World Cup in 2002 and the 2007 Ballon d'Or, awarded to the best soccer player in the world.

Sacha Kljestan • New York Red Bulls • Midfielder

The newly named team captain led MLS with 20 assists last year, helping his team to the conference semis. He is one of MLS' many U.S. national team players, along with Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore.

MEGAN RYAN