MLS’ designated player rule, also known as the Beckham Rule, was created as a way for Major League Soccer teams to sign high-profile players, increase attention for the league and excite the league’s fan base.

Since then it has become increasingly used by teams to pay transfer fees to bring in relatively unknown players who address a particular need for a team.

There is no doubt the rule has been a success in the five years it has been in place, with David Beckham’s tenure in the league helping to raise the profile of MLS abroad.

With the 2013 season about to kick off, here is how the league’s current DPs rank. The rankings are based solely on their performances in Major League Soccer.

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