Major League Soccer has unveiled a wide-ranging and detailed selection process for the 2021 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target that includes participation by the fans, players and media.
As part of the voting process, MLS has reviewed performance metrics from the current 2021 season to categorize players in the positions where they are most utilized. For the first time ever, players can be selected in seven specific positions: goalkeeper, right back, center back, left back, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, and forward/winger.
Of the 26 MLS players to be selected for the All-Star Game, the breakdown is as follows:
- Twelve (12) will be determined by a vote of MLS players, fans, and media. Each of the three voting groups will represent one-third of the combined vote.
- Twelve (12) will be selected by MLS All-Star head coach Bob Bradley of host team Los Angeles Football Club.
- Two (2) will be selected by MLS Commissioner Don Garber.
Players, fans and reporters will cast their votes for 11 players: one goalkeeper, one right back, two center backs, one left back, one defensive midfielder, two attacking midfielders, three forwards/wingers. The top player in each position from the combined vote will be named an All-Star. The twelfth player honored will be the one with the next-highest amount of votes overall. To qualify for the ballot, players must have appeared in at least 50 percent of matches this season at the time the ballot was created on July 10. Players that did not qualify for the ballot are still eligible for selection by Bob Bradley or Commissioner Garber.
Fan Voting begins today through the MLS app and at MLSsoccer.com, and every fan has the unique opportunity to share their picks on social media by utilizing a widget created by the League. In addition to casting their votes, fans can sign up for exclusive ticket opportunities before tickets go on sale to the general public on July 20 at 10 am PST. For more information, visit mlssoccer.com.
Every player in MLS will be provided a special link to vote for the peers they believe are most deserving of All-Star recognition this season. Approximately 300 members of the media who regularly cover MLS will also make their picks for the league’s top players.
