Who are the best LAFC players ever? Since the club’s first MLS game in 2018 they quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting teams and hardest to beat.
In their small history they’ve already built multiple star-studded rosters that have left a profound mark in Major League Soccer. Here’s the ten best players in Los Angeles FC history.
10. Edward Atuesta
Edward Atuesta has been one of the most influential midfielders in LAFC’s short history. The Colombian international’s vision, passing range, and ability to control the tempo of matches has been key in linking defense and attack.
Often dictating the pace of play, Atuesta earned 2019 Best XI and All-Star honors in 2021 and finished his fifth season in 2024 playing an important figure in LAFC’s midfield.
9. Cristian Arango
Cristian Arango hit the ground running with 14 goals from his first 17 matches. Arriving in 2021 he quickly established himself as one of the focal points of LAFC’s attack.
Although only making 51 appearances in two seasons, Arango made a huge impact with his lethal finishing. He scored 30 regular season goals before a move to Pachuca, but not before helping LAFC to win the 2022 MLS Cup.
8. Latif Blessing
Part of LAFC’s inaugural squad Latif Blessing has featured in five seasons and starred in 145 games helping guide the club to an MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield twice
Blessing’s versatility, work rate, and energetic style of play earned him favorite status among the club’s fans. His relentless pressing, ball-winning ability, and knack for breaking up opposition attacks helped him to become one of the best LAFC players of all time.
7. Giorgio Chiellini
One of the best Juventus players of all time Giorgio Chiellini only played two seasons with LAFC and became one of the greatest players in the club’s short history. His arrival marked the arrival of one of the most accomplished defenders in world football.
In just two seasons he made 31 appearances and scored a goal against Portland Timbers. His leadership, composure, and defensive intelligence helped the club win the MLS Cup in 2022 and was runners-up in the following season.
6. Gareth Bale
Welsh winger Gareth Bale arrived from Real Madrid in 2022 with much hype and fanfare behind the move. We saw moments of his blistering pace and incredible skill but after two goals in his first four games, he simmered and made only 12 appearances.
Bale’s Hollywood moment came in the 2022 MLS Cup final, scoring a 128th minute equalizer in stoppage time. LAFC went on to beat Philadelphia Union in the shootout to win a maiden title with Bale leaving his mark with one of the most iconic MLS moments.
5. Jesús Murillo
Colombian center-back Jesús Murillo has become a cornerstone defensive backbone. His physicality, leadership, and tactical intelligence has helped him make crucial interceptions and one of the most reliable defenders in the MLS.
One of the best LAFC players of all time, Murillo finished his fifth season at the conclusion 2024. His leadership on the pitch has provided direction to his teammates, especially during high-pressure moments.
4. Diego Rossi
Arriving from Peñarol in 2017, Diego Rossi terrorized defenses across MLS. Forming a deadly attacking duo with Carlos Vela, the two helped build LAFC’s reputation as one of the best teams in the league in the late 2010s and early 2020s.
Rossi was a constant threat in the final third and his pace, intelligent movement, and finishing ability saw him score 59 goals in four seasons. The Uruguayan star earned three All-Star appearances and the 2020 Golden Boot.
3. Ilie Sanchez
Former Barcelona La Masia academy product Ilie Sanchez arrived from Sporting Kansas in 2022 and made an immediate impact helping steer LAFC to MLS Cup victory in his debut season courtesy of converting the winning penalty.
Sánchez played three seasons for LAFC and remained a key figure in the club’s success. His intelligence on the ball, his distribution and leadership as a deep-lying midfielder was significant and saw him earn the captains armband.
2. Denis Bouanga
Gabonese striker Denis Bouanga is one of the best LAFC players ever with the dynamic forward helping transform the franchise completely. His speed, skill, and finishing created a nightmare for MLS defenders.
With LAFC, Bouanga has won the MLS Cup and U.S Open Cup. He also earned the MLS Golden Boot in 2023 smashing in 20 goals, and also scoring 38 from 48 games in all competitions on the way to becoming CONCACAF Champions League runners-up.
1. Carlos Vela
Without question, Carlos Vela is the face of LAFC and one of the most important players in the club’s history. The Mexican arrived as a designated player in 2018 and immediately showed off his world-class talent.
The former Arsenal forward’s combination of pace, vision, and clinical finishing made him an instant MLS superstar. In six seasons he went on to score 93 goals in 187 appearances, was awarded MVP and Golden Boot in 2019, and won the MLS Cup in 2022.
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