Toronto FC recently announced the termination of contracts for Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne. These former Italy internationals concluded their Major League Soccer tenures, which will likely be remembered more for their failures than any successes. The club stated the decision to buy out the remainder of both players` contracts was “mutual,” which comes as little surprise since both Bernardeschi and Insigne reportedly desired to leave Toronto towards the end of their time in Canada.
The duo joined Toronto midway through the 2022 season, an ambitious move for a club aiming to return to prominence after several years without deep playoff runs. The outcomes were mixed. While Bernardeschi scored 26 goals across 99 appearances and Insigne managed 19 goals in 76 matches, Toronto never qualified for the playoffs during their time at the club. They are not currently positioned to do so this season either, sitting in 13th place in the Eastern Conference with only four wins so far.
Their time in MLS was largely defined by their inability to elevate the team`s performance or make a lasting positive impact in Toronto, all while being among the league`s highest earners. Insigne was the second-highest paid player in the league until his departure this season, earning upwards of $15 million, while Bernardeschi collected over $6 million annually.
Instead of becoming stars, the two have solidified their place among the league`s worst “marquee” or designated player signings, joining an unusual group of former MLS players who arguably generated more negative attention and controversy than positive fanfare.
The Worst Marquee Signings in MLS History
- 5. Blaise Matuidi, Inter Miami
- Years before Lionel Messi`s arrival, Inter Miami sought to bring in high-profile names, already having Gonzalo Higuain. Midway through their first season in 2020, they signed World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi on a free transfer. The deal raised questions immediately, and the following year MLS found Matuidi`s contract violated the league`s financial rules. This resulted in a $2 million fine for the club and the suspension of the then-COO. The scandal forced Miami to omit Matuidi from their 2022 roster due to an excess of designated players, making the off-field drama surrounding his signing far more memorable than anything he achieved on the pitch.
- 4. Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto FC
- Bernardeschi`s inclusion here isn`t solely due to recent events, but also highlights his remarkable ability to rank among the worst despite Toronto`s lengthy history of high-profile signings that didn`t pan out. While Bernardeschi had some good moments on the field, including a hat trick this season and an MLS All-Star selection last year, his tenure in Toronto was arguably more characterized by negative “vibes.” His distinctive hairstyles may be remembered, but so will his poor disciplinary record of 26 yellow cards and four red cards, which rivals his goal tally. He joins many MLS designated players accused of playing solely for the paycheck; while he denied this, a former teammate claimed Bernardeschi vaped in the locker room early in his time there.
- 3. Rais M`Bolhi, Philadelphia Union
- While Bernardeschi`s time in MLS was a drawn-out saga, goalkeeper Rais M`Bolhi earns his spot as one of the worst designated player signings due to the speed of his failure. Fresh off an impressive performance for Algeria at the 2014 World Cup, including 11 saves against Germany, M`Bolhi joined the Philadelphia Union. However, less than a year later, then-head coach Jim Curtin stated M`Bolhi would never play for the team again due to poor performances and rumored issues with teammates. The goalkeeper played just nine games for the Union in total, failing in record time.
- 2. Rafael Marquez, New York Red Bulls
- Almost every designated player disappointment begins similarly – a team makes a splashy signing hoping to convert investment into trophies. After the 2010 World Cup, the New York Red Bulls did just that, signing two former Barcelona players: Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez. While Henry became one of the league`s greats, Marquez was far from it. Though more memorable on the pitch than Matuidi, these moments were often negative – he lacked pace, finished two of his three seasons with red cards in the playoffs, and even threw a ball at Landon Donovan during a playoff match against the LA Galaxy. Combined with public quotes about his teammates not being at his “level” and calling his MLS move the worst decision of his career, Marquez is a prominent member of the club of terrible designated players.
- 1. Lothar Matthaus, New York/New Jersey MetroStars
- The most notorious failed signing predates the Red Bulls name and the designated player rule itself. Lothar Matthaus had a doomed spell with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. It contained a bit of everything negative – his time there was even shorter than M`Bolhi`s Union stint, lasting only from March to October 2000. He offered little on the field during his 16 games. The most memorable moment of his brief stay was his vacation to St. Tropez, which occurred when he was supposed to be recovering from a back injury. He retired soon after, compiling the opposite of a DP`s highlight reel in a surprisingly short period.
Adrian Whitmore