Luciano Acosta has been named the new MLS MVP, clinching an impressive 60% of votes from media, players, and clubs. The Cincinnati FC Argentine star triumphed over Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC and Thiago Almada of Atlanta United, securing his place as the top player in the league.
Acosta’s journey to the MVP title was fueled by an exceptional season: he scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists. His performance, often compared to the legendary Lionel Messi for its class and efficiency, has made him the sixth player in MLS history to achieve at least 10 goals and 10 assists in three or more seasons.
Moreover, Acosta has become the 14th player to reach the milestone of 50 goals and 70 assists in his career. As a key player for Cincinnati FC, Acosta will be instrumental in their upcoming match against Columbus Crew at the TQL Stadium.
In addition to winning the MLS’s highest individual honour, Acosta was named MLS Player of the Week and MLS Player of the Month twice.
The 29-year-old, who started his career at Boca Juniors, is not only the first player in FC Cincinnati history to win the MLS MVP but also the ninth South American to achieve this distinction. He joins an elite group of previous South American MVPs like Josef Martínez, Diego Valeri, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Christian Gómez.