Anticipation Builds for the 2026 MLS Season Featuring Notable Bundesliga Stars

omidbasir- The 2026 Major League Soccer season is just a month away, with numerous former Bundesliga stars ready to compete in the United States’ premier soccer league.

Roman Bürki will aim to secure a solid performance for St. Louis City in their season opener against Charlotte, while Thomas Müller seeks to lead the Vancouver Whitecaps, last year’s runners-up, to victory against Real Salt Lake.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is set to guide the New York Red Bulls as they face Orlando City, and Marco Reus hopes to help LA Galaxy recover from a disappointing 2025 season by clinching a win against New York City FC.

In Texas, Diadié Samassékou looks forward to making his second appearance for Houston Dynamo. Born and raised in Bamako, Mali, Samassékou had a standout year in 2015, leading Mali to a bronze medal at the U-20 World Cup in New Zealand and earning a transfer to Red Bull Salzburg. He progressed from Liefering to the Salzburg first team, establishing himself as a key player and contributing to the club’s three Austrian Bundesliga titles and two Austrian Cups.

In 2019, Samassékou transitioned to Hoffenheim, where he made 97 appearances over six years, excluding loan spells at Olympiacos and Cádiz, before joining Houston on a free transfer. He made his debut against Portland Timbers on September 20.

Samassékou is determined to regain his place in the starting XI after a year hindered by injuries. He also aims to secure his 42nd appearance for Mali, marking his return to the national team for the first time since June 2024, after missing out on a fifth AFCON participation last month.

In an interview with Get German Football News, Samassékou shared insights about his transition:

“Initially, the weather was quite cold. I arrived in August, and within a couple of months, winter set in, with snow every day. Coming from Houston’s climate, playing in temperatures well below freezing was challenging. It took me about six months to fully adapt. I also faced bad luck with an injury during the under-23 qualification for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, which kept me off the field for three months. However, the support from the diverse community helped ease the transition.

I had opportunities from various teams, but what mattered most was the one that showed genuine interest. They sent representatives to discuss with me and my agent, Mino Raiola. He advised that while I was performing well, it was in less-known leagues. He suggested starting with a team where the pressure was manageable rather than jumping into a bigger club. My first three seasons at Hoffenheim went well, but it became more challenging over time. Accepting these fluctuations is part of football; you need to stay focused and work hard for the opportunities that arise.

Coming from Mali, where it’s hot but not overly humid, the first few weeks of training here were quite different from any place I’ve been before. However, over time, I adapted. I enjoy the environment in Houston—people are friendly, and it has been a welcoming experience for me.”

GGFN | Zach Lowy