Who are the best LA Galaxy players ever? Major League Soccer’s most successful team, the club is a much storied franchise with a history of superstar signings that took the league by storm.
These players all made an impact not only on the franchise, but also helping improve the reputation of the MLS globally. Here’s the top ten best players ever to feature for the Galaxy:
10. A. J. DeLaGarza
After being drafted 19th overall in 2009, A. J. DeLaGarza enjoyed eight seasons mostly as a center back, although he could play anywhere across the backline. That’s despite his success as a forward during his high school years.
DeLaGarza helped guide the Galaxy to three MLS Cup titles in four years. In 204 games for the club he managed 48 clean sheets and even earned an appearance for the USMNT in January 2012.
9. Kevin Hartman
Kevin Hartman is one of the greatest LA Galaxy players of all time, and greatest ever keeper. In 294 games for the club he managed to keep 83 clean sheets. All in all, he played 17 seasons in the MLS with 10 at the Galaxy.
Hartman left a legacy of sensational shot-stopping ability and lightning quick reflexes which saw him win MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 1999. He also helped guide the club to two MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup victories, and a CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.
8. Omar Gonzalez
Center back Omar Gonzalez was drafted third overall in the 2009 draft and earned Rookie of the Year honors. In seven seasons he featured in 223 games before a move to Mexican team C.F. Pachuca.
Along with A. J. DeLaGarza, the pair featured in the Galaxy’s greatest ever backline with Gonzalez helping guide the club to three MLS Cups.
7. Carlos Ruiz
One of the best LA Galaxy players ever, Guatemalan striker Carlos Ruiz shone immediately following a move to the club in 2002. In only four seasons across two spells he made a huge impact especially in the post-season.
In 2002, Ruiz had his best season winning the MLS Cup. He also was a part of the MLS Best XI team, named MLS MVP, won the Golden Boot and winner of Goal of the Year.
6. Mauricio Cienfuegos
El Salvadorian Mauricio Cienfuegos joined the LA Galaxy for their inaugural season and would star in the midfield for eight years. Almost immediately he became renowned for his playmaking ability.
Cienfuegos helped guide the Galaxy to the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup in 2000 and MLS Cup in 2002. He became a five-time All-Star in the process and featured in 252 games for the club in all competitions.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
In the words of ‘God Zlatan’ himself, “I came, I saw, I conquered”. Ibrahimović joined LA Galaxy in 2018 and in only two seasons, became one of the best LA Galaxy players ever scoring 53 goals in 58 games. He’s also one of the best PSG players ever!
Ibrahimovic joined the club at the twilight of his career at 36 years of age. Whether he was bullish or straight up arrogant, there’s no doubt that he had the rarity of being able to justify all the talk and back it up with devastating performances.
4. Cobi Jones
Cobi Jones started his career in the Premier League with Coventry City before joining LA Galaxy for their inaugural season in 1996. He quickly became a club icon renowned for his speed, skill, and tireless work ethic.
Jones retired having made 368 total appearances for the Galaxy, the most in club history. He finished with 78 goals, 75 assists, five All-Star appearances, two MLS Cup championships and the 2000 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.
3. David Beckham
David Beckham was the first global superstar to join Major League Soccer and in 2007, was lured to join the LA Galaxy. He brought to the club unprecedented global attention built on his legacy of his crossing ability and free-kick precision.
Beckham’s marketability transformed the league with average attendance 40% up once he joined. On the pitch he helped guide the Galaxy to back-to-back MLS Cups, playing 115 games including the playoffs, scoring 18 times and contributing 38 assists.
2. Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane was a game-changer for the Galaxy after joining in 2011. One of the best MLS players of all time, he scored 83 goals in 125 games in the MLS across six seasons. The Irish striker also helped guide the club to three MLS Cups and earned 2014 league MVP.
Although not physically gifted in comparison to other superstar strikers, nor the most athletic player, he formed a lethal combination with the number one on our list of best LA Galaxy players ever, thanks to Keane’s lethal ability to create and finish chances.
1. Landon Donovan
Undoubtedly the most iconic and best player in LA Galaxy history, Landon Donovan spent a significant portion of his career at the club. His versatility allowed him to cover anywhere across the front, and he helped guide the club to an unprecedented six MLS Cups.
To give you an idea just how dominant Donovan was, he was named to an MLS record 14-consecutive All-Star games. He also retired with the most regular-season MLS goals with 144, and most assists with 136 in total.