Evolution of Dream League Soccer (DLS): From DLS 16 to DLS 2025

Dream League Soccer, popularly known as DLS, has come a long way. What started as a fairly simple mobile football game has now evolved into one of the most played football simulators globally. If you’ve been a DLS fan from the early days like I have, then you’ve seen the dramatic transformation of gameplay, graphics, licensing, AI mechanics, and even monetization.

In this in-depth post, I’ll walk you through the evolution of DLS from 2016 (DLS 16) to DLS 2025, showing what changed, what improved, what annoyed the community, and how the game became what it is today. Think of this as your nostalgic tour and detailed review rolled into one.

DLS 16: The Classic That Started It All

If you mention DLS 16 in a room full of mobile gamers, prepare for a round of applause and teary eyes. This was the game that won hearts. No excessive ads. No energy bars. No pay-to-win system.

Key Features of DLS 16:

• Full offline gameplay

• Career mode without limitations

• Custom logos, kits, and player imports

• Commentary by Jon Champion

• Stadium upgrade with coins, not gems

• Simple controls and fluid gameplay

I remember creating my fantasy squad with Messi, Ronaldinho, and Henry — all wearing my custom-made kits. It was a dream!

But despite its popularity, DLS 16 wasn’t officially licensed, meaning player names and teams were often fictional unless modified.

DLS 17 to DLS 18: Visual Improvements Begin

DLS 17 and DLS 18 introduced small but notable changes:

• Slight graphics and animation improvements

• Tweaked controls and UI

• Introduction of online multiplayer (a bit shaky though)

• Player movements became more realistic

• Commentary remained the same

The transition here was mostly visual. The gameplay core remained solid, though the first signs of monetization were creeping in slowly — not too aggressive yet.

A lot of users (myself included) still preferred DLS 16 because it didn’t force online elements.

DLS 19: Bigger Stadiums, Better AI, But Still Loved

Now here’s when DLS began to feel like it was entering the “modern era”. In DLS 19:

• Player models were improved

• Stadium capacity reached up to 75,000

• Smarter AI (goalkeepers became less clumsy)

• You could edit player names and faces

• Celebrations have more variety

• Career mode expanded in length and difficulty

This version is often regarded as the last “classic-style DLS” before First Touch Games made a major overhaul.

I remember upgrading my stadium just to get into the Elite Division. I also remember importing profile.dat of the tallest players all maxed to the highest rating. Smiles… It was really fun.

DLS 20: The Big Reset – A Mixed Bag

This was the year DLS fans got a culture shock.

FTG revamped the game completely:

• Brand-new engine

• 3D player models (FIFA-style)

• Player development system

• Gems introduced heavily

• Squad building from scratch (no imports)

• Introduction of licensed FIFPro players

• Online division rankings

While it looked beautiful, many old-time players felt betrayed. You could no longer import Messi or your custom kits. Everything had to be unlocked, trained, and upgraded using coins and gems — most of which required real money or a lot of grinding.

DLS 20 was the first time I saw players rage online about paywalls, gem prices, and limitations. But it also brought modern mechanics, dynamic shadows, and fluid animations that mobile gamers had never seen before.

DLS 21: Adaptation and Slight Redemption

After the outcry of DLS 20, the 2021 version made small but important changes:

• The training system was improved

• UI was refined

• More realistic pitch and crowd animations

• Introduced exclusive events and challenges

• Improved server stability for online matches

Still, customizations remained locked. You had to earn or buy everything. Players who loved the old modding system felt shut out.

However, I did enjoy the smoother gameplay and better physics. Long passes felt more accurate. Dribbling was tighter. It was becoming clear that FTG was aiming for a console-like experience, just on mobile.

DLS 22: Midfield Magic & Team Chemistry

In DLS 22, the focus shifted to midfield control and strategy.

• Midfielders became more useful than just passers

• Defensive AI improved massively

• Goalkeepers got better reactions

• Substitution strategy became more important

• Player positions mattered more (no more using a CB as a striker and scoring hat-tricks)

It was the first time I noticed tactical depth. If your formation was wrong, you got punished. You couldn’t win just by sprinting and shooting anymore.

DLS 23: Polishing and Expanding

DLS 23 felt like an upgraded version of DLS 22. The big changes?

• More players in the market (including legends)

• Contracts system introduced

• Expanded training options

• Team management improved with morale and stamina tracking

• You could now assign captains, penalty takers, etc.

One major update was the team chemistry influence. Playing out-of-position players began to hurt team performance. This brought realism, though some fans found it too punishing.

This is also when FTG started dropping seasonal content regularly, like new kits and tournaments.

DLS 24: The “Pro Evolution” Phase

Now we’re talking innovation. DLS 24 is when Dream League really began competing with mobile giants like FIFA Mobile and eFootball.

Here’s what stood out:

• Smarter AI and improved ball physics

• Dribbling animations rivaled console games

• New camera angles

• Goalkeeper dive mechanics were added

• Online play got seasonal ranking systems

• Multiple save slots for squad setups

• Enhanced commentary lines

What I loved most? The cinematic replays and updated matchday graphics. It felt like a football broadcast in your pocket.

But yes, gems and coins still controlled everything — from transfers to upgrades. The monetization was at its peak.

DLS 25: The Future is Here

Finally, DLS 2025 — the current edition — and by far, the most ambitious.

Let’s break it down:

Visual & Technical Upgrades:

• Dynamic weather (rain and snow affect gameplay)

• Real-time lighting

• Facial animations on players

• Fully animated crowds and benches

• Post-match analysis (pass accuracy, heat maps)

It’s now closer to FIFA Lite on mobile.

Gameplay Improvements:

• Refined set pieces (free kicks, penalties)

• Better off-the-ball movement

• Realistic pressing and counter-pressing

• Smarter substitutions by AI

For the first time, I lost to the AI because of tactical decisions, not just speed or luck.

Squad Building & Transfers:

• Players now have traits (e.g., “Power Shooter”, “Leader”)

• Market now includes real transfer rumors

• You can loan players

• Training focuses on traits, not just stats

And yes, custom kits are slowly making a return via seasonal passes — a sweet throwback to the DLS 16 era.

From Classic to Modern: Key Differences

What Players Are Saying

Here’s what fans across forums and YouTube comments are saying:

• “DLS 16 was my childhood. DLS 25 is my reality.”

• “Yes, it’s pay-to-win at times, but it’s the best-looking football game on mobile.”

• “If they bring back offline mode and full kit editing, it’s game over for other apps.”

• “FTG has finally created a real competitor to eFootball mobile.”

I personally believe DLS 25 is the most balanced edition yet. It combines tactical gameplay, polished visuals, and authentic football feel, even though monetization remains a hot topic.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking

The evolution of DLS from 2016 to 2025 tells a story of growth, risks, and eventual innovation. Yes, the journey wasn’t perfect. We lost some features we loved, like offline play and full custom modding. But we gained better physics, smarter AI, and richer gameplay.

If you’re new to Dream League Soccer, now is a great time to join. And if you’re an old fan like me, well, you probably have DLS 16 APK somewhere on your phone for nostalgia’s sake.

From pixelated kicks to tactical battles, Dream League Soccer continues to evolve — and I can’t wait to see what DLS 26 brings.