How apartheid, European racism and Pelé helped cultivate a culture of diversity in US soccer that endures into Messi‑era MLS

How apartheid, European racism and Pelé helped cultivate a culture of diversity in US soccer that endures into Messi‑era MLS

THE CONVERSATION - North America’s most diverse professional league kicks off on Feb. 21, 2026, as Major League Soccer returns after a winter break. The league, commonly known as the MLS, long prided itself as a standard-bearer for racial and national diversity: With players representing around 80 countries across six continents competing for teams. Members of racial minorities make up 63% of players and 36% of head coaches, according to the lat…