The designated player (DP) rule in Major League Soccer (MLS), introduced following David Beckham's signing with LA Galaxy, has allowed teams to bring in prominent international players without being limited by salary cap constraints.

This rule has significantly transformed MLS, attracting top talents from Europe and enhancing the league's visibility and overall value over the years.

One notable example is Thierry Henry, who joined the New York Red Bulls in 2010 and played a crucial role in the team's success, winning the Supporters' Shield in 2013 and boosting the league's reputation during its early years.

Similarly, Zlatan Ibrahimovic's arrival at LA Galaxy later in his career brought immense media attention and excitement to the league, culminating in a memorable stint that featured thrilling performances against rival LAFC before he returned to Europe.

Kaka also made a significant impact when he joined Orlando City in 2015 as the club's first designated player, scoring 25 goals in 75 appearances and helping to elevate the league's profile during its expansion phase.

The article highlights these three influential designated players—Kaka, Thierry Henry, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic—while notably excluding Beckham from this particular discussion.