With many eyes on teams like the Lakers and other LA favorites like the Dodgers, LA Galaxy tends to be forgotten about at times. In order to make the sports lovers of Los Angeles pay more attention to the soccer team, the club, who competes in Major League Soccer as a member of the Western Conference, has a history of making marquee signings.
While some acquisitions have had the desired effect, others haven’t. Overall, though, LA Galaxy has acquired the services of some world-famous stars, plus some lesser-known players who simply rose to the challenge. These players were heavily featured on the back of fans’ jerseys, they were always part of Galaxy’s marketing materials, podcasts tended to discuss their game-changing abilities, and fans who enjoyed betting generally picked them as first scorer ahead of the biggest matches. Essentially, these legendary players will never be forgotten by the Galaxy faithful.
Since the Galaxy’s inaugural 1996 campaign, fans of the team have witnessed a plethora of unforgettable talents. As one of American soccer’s most prestigious teams, the club has always appealed to players who are seeking a fresh challenge, particularly professionals who are perhaps near the end of their careers after winning it all in the Premier League or La Liga. For example, Lionel Messi is the perfect example these days, with the Inter Miami hero’s arrival proving just how enticing soccer clubs in America are for players wanting a new challenge.
As such, LA Galaxy has certainly had its fair share of world-class operators, although some have fared better than others. So, with that in mind, below we celebrate some of the finest players to have ever played for LA Galaxy.
David Beckham
Kicking things off with a global superstar who arrived in American soccer with millions of adoring fans from around the world behind him, David Beckham’s move to LA Galaxy was a significant moment for the club and American soccer in general. The fact that such a famous name from the soccer sphere was willing to transfer to America was astonishing, and while Beckham wasn’t at the peak of his powers, his quality was clear from the very first minute of his debut appearance for the club.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid hero is arguably the biggest signing the club has ever made, with his move in 2007 resulting in increased attendance and coverage of LA Galaxy in general. Fans in England were fascinated by the move, European football lovers wanted to see how Beckham would fare in American soccer, and Galaxy fans couldn’t wait to see their star man in action.
The Englishman certainly lived up the hype, playing a key role in Galaxy winning two MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields. He also clearly fell in love with soccer in America during his time with the club, with his aforementioned Inter Miami franchise now thriving in the sport.
Robbie Keane
Although Robbie Keane isn’t as big of a name as David Beckham, his time at the club was arguably more impactful. The Irishman signed for the team from the English Premier League side Tottenham, and he simply loved scoring goals. Keane bagged 104 goals across 165 matches, he lifted three MLS Cups and one Supporters’ Shield, and he even managed to win the MLS MVP award in 2014.
AJ DeLaGarza
As we’ve already touched on, not every Galaxy legend who arrived at the league with a huge reputation behind them was a household name at the time. AJ DeLaGarza certainly fits the bill in that respect, although he became known by the city’s population of soccer fanatics in the end. A constant fixture in the team, the defender actually came through the youth ranks at the club and was ever-present due to his resolute performances.
When looking back at some of the team’s triumphs in the early 2010s, AJ DeLaGarza was at the heart of it. All successful teams have a solid defence to rely on, and DeLaGarza was a key cog in their defensive wheel. While he did also operate as a defensive midfielder at times, putting out fires and winning challenges was DeLaGarza’s bread and butter.
He simply loved to set the tone and lead from the front, with his undoubted influence helping the club win three MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields. Overall, while AJ DeLaGarza isn’t a global superstar who plied their trade in Europe, his impact will never be forgotten by the Galaxy fraternity.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
A character many soccer supporters adore, Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s arrival was somewhat of a coup. Despite the aforementioned pulling power of American soccer and teams like LA Galaxy, seeing a world-class forward like Zlatan Ibrahimovic wear the Galaxy jersey was a surreal experience for many fans of the team.
The Swedish player had scored goals wherever he had been, be it for Inter Milan or Paris Saint-Germain, and big things were expected of a player who clearly backs himself. The tall goal-getter didn’t disappoint in LA either, scoring 53 goals in 58 appearances and earning a move back to a major competition in the shape of Serie A after AC Milan noticed his stellar performances. Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t stay long enough to win anything, but he was clearly too good for the level despite being in the latter stages of his career.
Landon Donovan
You’ve probably heard of Landon Donovan, right? The American soccer icon is a domestic talent many Galaxy fans still talk about today. While the likes of David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic joined the club from major forces abroad, Donovan was a homegrown professional. In fact, he’s widely regarded as Galaxy’s best-ever player thanks to his 135 goals for the team. The USMNT hero also led the club to four MLS Cups, two Supporters’ Shields, and one US Open Cup. A true giant of the American game, Landon Donovan’s impact will never be forgotten.
