Toronto FC recently announced the termination of contracts for Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne. Their tenures in MLS are widely seen as disappointing failures rather than successes, leading to a mutually agreed separation as both players reportedly sought to leave Toronto towards the end of their time there.
Joining TFC mid-2022, their arrival was intended to boost a club seeking a return to playoff contention after two seasons without a deep run. While both players contributed goals (Bernardeschi scoring 26 in 99 appearances and Insigne managing 19 in 76 matches), Toronto FC failed to reach the playoffs during their time and are not expected to this season either, currently sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Despite being among the league`s highest earners (Insigne earning over $15 million, Bernardeschi more than $6 million annually), their impact on the team`s performance was minimal, failing to elevate the club or leave a lasting positive impression. Insigne was notably the league`s second-highest paid player before his departure.
Their struggles highlight them as prime candidates for a list of the worst marquee signings in MLS history – players whose time in the league generated more controversy or disappointment than on-field success. Here are five of the most notable disappointments:
Worst Marquee Signings in MLS History
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Lothar Matthaus, New York/New Jersey MetroStars
Long before the Red Bulls or the Designated Player rule existed, Lothar Matthaus had a notoriously brief and unsuccessful spell with the MetroStars. His tenure was remarkably short, lasting only from March to October 2000. In just 16 appearances, he offered little on the field. The defining moment of his time was a controversial vacation to St. Tropez while supposedly recovering from a back injury. He retired shortly after, leaving behind a legacy that is the polar opposite of a successful marquee signing.
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Rafael Marquez, New York Red Bulls
Many Designated Player disappointments begin with ambitious signings aimed at winning trophies. Following the 2010 World Cup, the New York Red Bulls signed former Barcelona stars Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez. While Henry became an MLS success, Marquez was a significant failure. His time included on-field struggles (lack of pace), disciplinary issues (red cards in playoffs in two of his three seasons, throwing a ball at Landon Donovan), and public criticism of his teammates, stating they weren`t at his “level.” He even called his move to MLS the worst decision of his career. Marquez is widely considered a foundational member of the “terrible DP” club.
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Rais M`Bolhi, Philadelphia Union
Unlike drawn-out sagas, goalkeeper Rais M`Bolhi`s time with the Philadelphia Union was a remarkably swift failure. Signed after an impressive 2014 World Cup showing for Algeria, M`Bolhi lasted less than a year. Then-coach Jim Curtin publicly stated M`Bolhi would not play for the team again due to poor form and alleged locker room issues. His MLS career amounted to just nine appearances, making him a prime example of a quick, unsuccessful DP signing.
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Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto FC
Bernardeschi earns his spot despite Toronto FC`s long history of disappointing big-name signings. While he had moments, including a hat-trick and an MLS All-Star selection, his tenure was often marked by negative incidents and a perception of poor attitude rather than consistent high performance. His disciplinary record (26 yellow, 4 red cards) rivals his goal tally (26 goals). Accusations that he was just playing for the money persisted, though he denied them. Adding to the negative narrative, a former teammate even claimed Bernardeschi vaped in the locker room early on.
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Blaise Matuidi, Inter Miami
Years before Lionel Messi`s arrival, Inter Miami aimed for big names, adding World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi on a free transfer in 2020. This move quickly led to trouble; MLS later fined Miami $2 million and suspended COO Paul McDonaugh for breaking financial rules regarding Matuidi`s contract. The fallout forced Matuidi off the roster in 2022, making the financial scandal surrounding his signing far more memorable than any of his contributions on the field.
