To grant him the seat of the 1994 World Cup To the United States, FIFA demanded that a professional league be created. In 1984 the last edition of the NASL had been played, a league that ended due to an economic crisis, and for that reason in 1996 Major League Soccer was born.
For that first edition, Colombians participated as Carlos ‘Pibe’ Valderrama (Tampa Bay), Leonel Alvarez (Dallas FC), Anthony de Avila (MetroStars) y Ruben Dario Hernandez (MetroStars). All were players over 30 years old, just like a couple of years later, others recognized as Adolfo ‘Train’ Valencia, Oscar Pareja and in 2007 the Red Bulls signed Juan Pablo Angel.
Little by little the MLS not only leaned towards figures of more than 30 years, but by young people. One of the first was Fredy Montero that with only 22 years old, and being a scorer for Cali, he joined Seattle Sounders where he showed all his talent and is a historic club.
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It became common for lThe young promises will go to the United States: Fabián Castillo, Diego Chará, Michael Barrios, Mauro Manotas, Eduard Atuesta, Santiago Mosquera, Andrés Reyes, among others. In 2020 there were eight playerss Colombians age 23 or younger in MLS.
The most emblematic case was that of Jhon Jáder Duran del Envigado who at the age of 17 went to the Chicago Fire. Now the Cristian Arango to Los Angeles FC The 26-year-old from Antioquia was one of the best players of the Apertura 2021. Also the jewel of America, Santiago Moreno, 21 years old, I could go to MLS.
