Maya Yoshida of LA Galaxy isn’t holding back his frustration.
After playing every minute of the Galaxy’s MLS Cup-winning campaign last season, the 36-year-old veteran was handed a pay cut—a move he calls “very unfair.”
Yoshida’s situation has sparked a broader debate about MLS’s rigid salary rules and whether they’re holding the league back from global relevance.
A champion’s reward? Not in MLS
Yoshida’s leadership was pivotal in the Galaxy’s championship run, but instead of a reward, he faced a salary reduction. MLS’s strict salary cap system, which limits team spending to $5.95 million outside of three designated player spots.
With young talents like Dejan Joveljic and Gabriel Pec no longer eligible for U22 contract benefits, the Galaxy had to make tough financial decisions. They traded key players, including Jalen Neal and Mark Delgado, and cut Yoshida’s salary to stay compliant.
“I became a champion, and my salary is less. Everybody knows this shouldn’t happen,” Yoshida told Los Angeles Times, calling out the league’s flawed structure.
Yoshida argues that MLS’s financial model is outdated, especially compared to leagues in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He pointed out that while American sports like basketball and football dominate globally without competition, soccer faces intense worldwide rivalry.
“Soccer is different. You have to think about the worldwide competitors,” he said. “The better the contract, the player goes. That’s why the Middle East is very popular now. That’s how capitalism is. And I was thinking America was a very, very capitalist country.”
He also highlighted how the salary cap often forces clubs to part ways with homegrown players, frustrating fans who want to see local talent thrive. “The fans want to see the player who grew up locally and succeeded in the club. This is very normal,” Yoshida added.
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Why Yoshida chose to stay
Despite offers from other leagues, Yoshida decided to stay with the Galaxy—but it wasn’t an easy choice. Family played a huge role. His daughter, who has moved with him across the UK, Italy, Germany, and now the U.S., needed stability.
“I don’t want to change my daughter’s school,” he said. “The last couple of years, she’s changed every one or two years to a new environment, which is very sad for her. She’s getting older.”
The Galaxy also offered him a second-year contract, providing some security. Still, Yoshida admitted the financial sacrifice was tough. “It’s hard to compromise your financial [situation], but we’ll see. I need to earn money outside of soccer,” he said.
Can MLS compete globally?
Yoshida’s frustration isn’t just about his paycheck—it’s about the league’s future. He believes MLS needs to rethink its financial rules if it wants to compete with top leagues worldwide.
“The league needs to think about the future,” he said. “If it keeps restricting salaries, how can it compete with the rest of the world?”
During his offseason visit to Japan, Yoshida noticed growing interest in MLS but also concerns about its ability to retain talent. “Everybody asked me about MLS. It’s getting very, very popular,” he said. “But at the same time, it needs to grow up financially.”
Yoshida’s stats from last season tell the story of a player who delivered when it mattered. He played 41 matches, scored two goals, and provided one assist.
Defensively, he won 133 duels, made 52 interceptions, and recorded 140 recoveries. His consistency and leadership were undeniable, making his pay cut even harder to swallow.
The Bottom Line
Maya Yoshida’s situation shines a light on a critical issue for MLS. While the league’s salary cap prevents financial recklessness, it also limits its ability to reward success and retain top talent.
For now, Yoshida remains with the Galaxy.