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Mbokazi Becomes First South African MLS All-Star Starter

6/6/2026

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Summary

Mbokazi Starts All-Star

Mbekezeli Mbokazi will start the MLS All-Star First XI on July 29, becoming the first South African to start an MLS All-Star roster.
He earned the most fan votes after appearing in 12 of the league’s 14 games.
His signing on Dec. 2, 2025 generated 180,000 new club followers within the first 48 hours.
The All-Star lineup also features Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter among others.

Summary

Nashville SC All-Star

Nashville SC led MLS with three First XI All-Star selections and topped the Supporters’ Shield standings before the World Cup pause.
Brian Schwake became the first Nashville SC goalkeeper named to the First XI All-Star team and set an MLS record by remaining unbeaten in his first 14 starts.
Hany Mukhtar recorded six goals and five assists for his fifth consecutive All-Star appearance, the league’s longest active streak.

Summary

Gozo All-Star

Zavier Gozo became the third RSL Academy homegrown to earn MLS All-Star honors and the first Utah native named to the MLS All-Star First XI.
He posted six goals, five assists in 1,237 minutes and scored his first MLS goal two days after graduating high school, a moment linked to his middle name “Didier.”
He grew up in Eagle Mountain, Utah.

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Mbokazi Starts All-Star

Mbekezeli Mbokazi will start the MLS All-Star First XI on July 29, becoming the first South African to start an MLS All-Star roster.
He earned the most fan votes after appearing in 12 of the league’s 14 games.
His signing on Dec. 2, 2025 generated 180,000 new club followers within the first 48 hours.
The All-Star lineup also features Lionel Messi, Son Heung-min, Tim Ream and Sebastian Berhalter among others.

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