South Charlotte Today

Major League Soccer has announced its 2024 MLS Best XI, featuring Charlotte FC's goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina. This accolade is a first for both Kahlina and any Croatian player in the league's history. The selection highlights the top players at each position, as chosen by media members, MLS players, and club technical staff.

The 2024 lineup includes seven first-time honorees from eight countries and nine MLS clubs. Columbus Crew and Inter Miami CF each have two representatives in this year's selection.

"The 11 players selected for this honor represent nine different clubs," with Riqui Puig making history as LA Galaxy’s 38th Best XI selection.

Kahlina, who also won the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year award, finished his third regular season with a personal best of 12 shutouts. He played a crucial role in Charlotte FC conceding only 37 goals this season.

Other notable mentions include Jordi Alba from Inter Miami CF and Yeimar Gómez Andrade from Seattle Sounders FC. Alba led all defenders with 14 assists while Gómez Andrade helped his team concede the fewest goals in the league.

Steven Moreira from Columbus Crew was named both to the Best XI and as Defender of the Year. Luciano Acosta from FC Cincinnati received his fourth Best XI recognition after achieving a career-high of 33 goal contributions.

Evander of Portland Timbers tied with Acosta for most assists this season, while Riqui Puig completed LA Galaxy’s midfield representation with a career-high of 15 assists.

Christian Benteke of D.C. United claimed the Golden Boot with 23 goals. Denis Bouanga from LAFC recorded back-to-back seasons with over 20 goals, becoming a significant contributor to his team's success.

Cucho Hernández made history for Columbus Crew by breaking a long-standing club record for goal contributions. Lionel Messi of Inter Miami CF earned his first-ever Best XI selection after leading the league with 36 goal contributions, setting a new record for goal contributions per game.

This year's selections reflect diverse international talent contributing significantly to their respective teams' successes throughout the season.