Four ex-Premier League players now in charge of MLS teams

In recent years there’s been an explosion in the number of former Premier League players making the move to MLS. This was started by David Beckham in 2007 and the Englishman is now at the forefront of another trend.

As co-owner of Inter Miami, Beckham was instrumental in bringing in former Liverpool and Barcelona star Javier Mascherano as the new Herons head coach. Mascherano has no senior coaching experience but boasts a stellar career at the top table of European soccer.

Mascherano is the fourth former Premier League player set to take charge of an MLS team for the 2025 season.

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In a statement announcing the news, Beckham said: “Throughout his career as one of the world’s best players and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great – relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts and understanding to back it up. We’re very excited to welcome him to lead our team."

Former PL stars in charge in MLS

Earlier this week Olof Mellberg became the fourth, the ex-Aston Villa defender officially unveiled as the new head coach of St. Louis City SC. The other well-known former player is Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville, who made over 500 Premier League appearances for Manchester United and Everton.

Less famed for their Premier League exploits is the remaining member of this managerial quartet. CF Montreal head coach Laurent Courtois spent an ill-fated two years with West Ham United from 2001 to 2003 but made only seven Premier League appearances for the club. However he did have more successful spells with Toulouse in France and Spanish side Levante.

Also deserving of an honourable mention is Charlotte FC head coach Dean Smith. Although his 15-year playing career in England never saw him feature at the top level he took charge of boyhood club Aston Villa in 2018 and guided them back to the Premier League, later having spells at Norwich City and Leicester City.

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