Since the league is only 7 years old, an 18 year-old signed in year one would only be 25 now. So it would be unreasonable to expect much at this stage. Having said that, Shaun Bartlett, Stern John, and Jorge Dely Valdes are 3 players that have gone on to successful careers beyond MLS. In my mind Vaca has been a disappointment so far. Carlos Ruiz may end up in greener pastures.
Re: Re: Has MLS ever come close to signing a international youth that became a star? Jorge dely Valdes was 32 when he joined MLS. I think he has disappeared from the scene since he left. His twin brother, Julio Dely Valdes, was the better known striker who played in Serie A, La liga and the french league. About 5 years ago, San Jose "Clash" tried to sign a Mexican kid, but he did not pass the physical. He moved back to Mexico and played for the U-23 and Senior NT.
If you mean "almost signed"... back in 1996, Tampa Bay, New England, and one other MLS team all turned down a young Costa Rican player who tried out for MLS. No one had heard of him at the time. His name was Paulo Wanchope.
Juan Pablo Rodriguez, Stern John, Wellington Sanchez - if you have an extremely wide definition of "star" in Sanchez' case. (Hey, the clown made it onto a World Cup roster.)
Well the Galaxy did draft both Clint Mathis & DaMarcus Beasley! Donovan was signed by that German team that was almost relegated to second division this year, so he doesn't count.
Re: Re: Re: Has MLS ever come close to signing a international youth that became a star? My bad, I'd seen highlights of him tearing up the J-League but didn't realize they were extremely dated. (I guess it would have helped to speak the language). And folks, the question was about international youths, not Brad Friedel or Landon Donovan, please.
That's Jorge's twin brother.... he is probably 34 by now. He played for Carliguri in the mid-90's. He replaced George Weah at PSG when Weah moved to AC Milan. And then he moved to Spain. Jorge was a leading player in the J-League.... got old.... moved to the US.... moved back to Japan(?). I saw a TV program that talked about the two brother.