2024 was a physical season in Major League Soccer. Aggressive pressing, intense duels, and tactical fouling shaped many matches. Below is a data-driven ranking of the 10 MLS players who committed the most fouls in 2024, based on official match statistics.

⚽ Why Fouls Matter in Modern MLS

Fouls are not always negative. In modern football, they are often:

• 🧠 Tactical tools to stop counterattacks
• 🔥 Signs of high defensive workload
• 📊 Indicators of pressing intensity

This ranking highlights players who played on the edge — and often crossed it.

🥇 #1 Santiago Rodríguez — 79 Fouls

Club: New York City FC
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Santiago Rodríguez topped the league in fouls committed during 2024. His relentless pressing, defensive tracking, and constant involvement in midfield duels made him a disruptive — and risky — presence.

• ⚠️ High pressing intensity
• 📍 Frequent recovery attempts
• 🔥 Aggressive off-ball movement

🥈 #2 Christian Benteke — 71 Fouls

Club: D.C. United
Position: Striker

Benteke’s physical dominance often translated into fouls. Competing for aerial balls and holding up play put him in constant contact with defenders.

🥉 #3 James Sands — 64 Fouls

Club: D.C. United
Position: Defensive Midfielder

Sands acted as a shield in front of the defense, frequently stopping transitions through tactical fouling.

#4 Braian Ojeda — 64 Fouls

Club: Real Salt Lake
Position: Central Midfielder

Ojeda’s role demanded constant challenges and ball recovery attempts, leading to a high foul count.

#5 Joëll Rosales — 64 Fouls

Club: Real Salt Lake
Position: Fullback

Defending wide spaces exposed Rosales to frequent 1v1 situations, often ending in fouls.

#6 Wil Trapp — 60 Fouls

Club: Minnesota United
Position: Defensive Midfielder

Trapp relied on positioning and interceptions, but late challenges increased his foul numbers.

#7 Cristian Espinoza — 59 Fouls

Club: San Jose Earthquakes
Position: Winger

High pressing from wide areas forced Espinoza into defensive fouls high up the pitch.

#8 Chris Durkin — 58 Fouls

Club: St. Louis City SC
Position: Midfielder

Durkin’s aggressive defensive role made him one of the most foul-prone players in midfield.

#9 Luciano Acosta — 57 Fouls

Club: FC Cincinnati
Position: Attacking Midfielder

Despite being an offensive star, Acosta contributed defensively, committing fouls while pressing and counter-pressing.

#10 Andrés Cubas — 57 Fouls

Club: Orlando City SC
Position: Defensive Midfielder

Cubas closed the top 10 with a season defined by physical midfield battles and tactical stops.

📊 What This Ranking Tells Us

• 🔎 High foul counts often reflect tactical responsibility
• ⚖️ Midfielders dominate physical metrics
• 🔥 Pressing systems increase foul frequency

Fouls are part of elite competition — and these players played right at the limit in 2024.

📌 Stay tuned for more MLS data-driven rankings and tactical breakdowns.