Toronto FC announced on Tuesday the termination of contracts for Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne. The former Italy internationals are ending their MLS tenures, which will likely be remembered more for their lack of success than their achievements.
The club bought out the remaining portion of both players` contracts, describing the decision as “mutual.” This was widely expected, as both Bernardeschi and Insigne reportedly sought departures from Toronto in the latter stages of their time with the club.
The duo joined Toronto midway through the 2022 season. Their arrival was an ambitious step for a club aiming to return to contention after two consecutive years without deep playoff runs. The outcomes were underwhelming. Despite Bernardeschi scoring 26 goals in 99 appearances and Insigne netting 19 in 76 games, Toronto FC failed to reach the playoffs during their tenure and are currently positioned low in the Eastern Conference (13th place) with only four wins this season, suggesting another playoff miss.
Ultimately, their time in MLS was characterized by their failure to significantly improve the team or make a lasting positive impact in Toronto. This is notable given they were among the highest-paid players in the league. Insigne, for instance, was the league`s second-highest earner this season before leaving, reportedly making over $15 million, while Bernardeschi earned more than $6 million per year.
Consequently, Bernardeschi and Insigne solidified their place among the worst marquee signings in MLS history. They join a diverse group of former league players often remembered more for controversy or disappointment than for on-field success.
Worst Marquee Signings in MLS History
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5. Blaise Matuidi, Inter Miami
Years before Lionel Messi arrived, Inter Miami aimed to bring in big names. They signed World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi midway through their 2020 debut season. The deal was controversial and later found to violate MLS financial rules, leading to a $2 million fine for the club and a COO suspension. Miami was forced to exclude Matuidi from their 2022 roster due to Designated Player limits. His tenure is primarily remembered for the off-field financial scandal rather than his performance.
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4. Federico Bernardeschi, Toronto FC
Bernardeschi`s rapid ascent onto this list highlights his impact, even considering Toronto`s history of disappointing marquee signings (like the famous Jermain Defoe pursuit involving Drake). While he had some highlights, including a hat-trick and an All-Star selection, his time was largely characterized by negative “vibes.” Beyond memorable hairstyles, his disciplinary record (26 yellows, 4 reds) almost matches his goals. Accused, like many DPs, of just collecting a paycheck (which he denied), a former teammate even claimed Bernardeschi vaped in the locker room early on.
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3. Rais M`Bolhi, Philadelphia Union
Unlike Bernardeschi`s prolonged spell, goalkeeper Rais M`Bolhi makes this list for the sheer speed of his failure. Joining Philadelphia Union after an impressive 2014 World Cup (including 11 saves vs. Germany), his time lasted less than a year. Then-coach Jim Curtin publicly stated M`Bolhi would never play for the team again due to poor form and rumored teammate issues. He appeared in only nine games, a remarkably swift disappointment.
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2. Rafael Marquez, New York Red Bulls
Many DP failures begin similarly: a high-profile signing meant to bring success. After the 2010 World Cup, New York Red Bulls signed former Barcelona teammates Thierry Henry and Rafael Marquez, who had vastly different MLS careers. Henry is considered one of the best, while Marquez was a major disappointment. His on-field presence was memorable, but not always positively – he lacked pace, received playoff red cards in two of three seasons, and infamously threw a ball at Landon Donovan. Combined with quotes criticizing teammates` “level” and calling his MLS move the “worst decision” of his career, Marquez is a prime example of a poor DP signing.
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1. Lothar Matthaus, New York/New Jersey MetroStars
Long before the Red Bulls or the DP rule, Lothar Matthaus had a brief, ill-fated period with the MetroStars (March to October 2000). His 16 appearances offered little impact. The most memorable moment was his vacation in St. Tropez while supposedly recovering from a back injury. He retired shortly after, leaving behind a legacy that was the opposite of a “greatest hits” compilation, all within a remarkably short timeframe.
