Beyond the Stats: Empirical Analysis of the Impact of Performance Metrics and Nationality on Major League Soccer Player Salaries: A Panel Data Analysis

This paper investigates the possibility of how player in-game individual performance and nationality shape the salary system in Major League Soccer (MLS). The objective is to evaluate the direct relationship between key performance indicators (KPIs) such as field position, goals, assists, appearances, and defensive contributions, and how these factors are different between domestic and international players.