Who are the best Seattle Sounders players in history? After joining the MLS in 2009 the club has become one of the biggest in North America with a massive fan base behind them.
Over the years, the club has been home to numerous stars who have made a lasting impact. Here’s a look at the ten best players in Sounders history and their influence on the club.
10. Obafemi Martins
Before Obafemi Martins joined Seattle in 2023 he survived an assassination attempt, and hit a shot at 84 miles per hour (135 km/h). Once he did arrive he took the MLS by storm with his sheer strength and athleticism.
It took just three seasons for Martins to become one of the best Seattle Sounders players ever. He smashed home 43 goals in 84 appearances and made both the MLS Best XI and All-Star teams before moving to China.
9. Jordan Morris
Hometown hero Jordan Morris joined Seattle after a successful college career at Stanford Cardinal. How he hasn’t forged a successful career in Europe is beyond me with his exceptional speed and goal-scoring ability
At the completion of his ninth season as Morris hit 29 years of age, he captured two MLS Cups during that time with the Sounders and has cemented his status as a fan favorite.
8. Chad Marshall
Three-time MLS defender of the year Chad Marshall spent the majority of his career at the Columbus Crew before transferring his phenomenal defensive skills, leadership, and consistency to the Seattle Sounders.
Marshall anchored the Sounders’ backline with his physical presence and tactical awareness. His ability to read the game, combined with strong aerial prowess, helped the franchise to two MLS Cups and a US Open Cup victory.
7. Stefan Frei
Stefan Frei joined Seattle in 2014 from Toronto FC. His Superman-like save against his former side was the catalyst for winning the 2016 MLS Cup and proof of his incredible shot-stopping especially in pressure situations.
Fans will agree that Frei’s save itself earns him a spot as one of the best Seattle Sounders players. His consistency and leadership at the back have made him an integral part of the Sounders’ identity.
6. Raúl Ruidíaz
Peruvian striker Raúl Ruidíaz made an immediate impact when he joined the Sounders in 2018. At the conclusion of his seventh season at the club he banged in 86 goals from 171 appearances.
Known for his poaching ability and his pace, Ruidíaz’s key role up front has helped the club to an MLS Cup and a CONCACAF Champions League, with his passion and commitment not going unrecognised by Sounders fans.
5. Osvaldo Alonso
Osvaldo Alonso earns his spot on the best Seattle Sounders players ever after a tireless ten seasons at the club. When he left for Minnesota in 2018 he held a then-record 338 appearances in all competitions for the club.
A four-time MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI in 2012, Alonso was a pest in the midfield. He constantly harassed the opposition by breaking up opposition plays and transitioning the ball from defense to attack quickly.
4. Fredy Montero
Fredy Montero was a game-changer for the Sounders, making an immediate impact after arriving from Deportivo Cali. The Colombian forward quickly became Seattle’s first true star during his five seasons across two spells.
Montero smashed in 79 goals in all competitions for the Sounders thanks to his technical skill and creativity. It was a then franchise when he left the club in 2023 before Raúl Ruidíaz overtook him a year later.
3. Nicolas Lodeiro
Joining the Sounders in 2016 from Boca, Nicolas Lodeiro instantly transformed Seattle’s attack with his playmaking, vision and passing. In total he had 91 assists and scored 49 goals in the MLS for the club.
Through eight phenomenal seasons in Seattle the Uruguayan helped guide the Sounders to two MLS Cups as well as become the first ever MLS team to win the CONCACAF Champions League.
2. Kasey Keller
Arriving for the franchises first MLS season after a stint in Europe, it took only three seasons for Kasey Keller to become one of the best Seattle Sounders players of all time.
Already capped over 100 times for the US Men’s National Team when he arrived, the veteran keeper brought leadership and experience to the team. Keller helped to elevate the club’s profile and win three U.S. Open Cups.
1. Clint Dempsey
One of American soccer’s greatest sons, Clint Dempsey arrived in Seattle in 2013. His arrival from Tottenham marked a new era for the club and he became the greatest player in Sounders history.
Dempsey brought star power to the MLS in a deal that floored everyone. A three time All Star in six seasons in Seattle, Dempsey’s move to America while still in his prime floored everyone and he inspired the Sounders to the 2016 MLS Cup.