Today, we are not discussing transfer rumors or the best candidate to win the MLS. Instead, we need to take a step to the past to understand this breaking news.
As in all sports, various teams pay tribute to their most outstanding athletes in different ways. Some clubs retire jerseys, others name stadiums after them, and some create statues.
It is the case of the LA Galaxy. The institution pays tribute to this type of player with statues. They made one for David Beckham and the U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan.
January 30th, LA Galaxy makes it official. Former player and club legend Cobi Jones will share the recognition. Cobi Jones will have his statue in the Legends Plaza.
Jones’s distinction will be open in 2026.
The story behind Cobi Jones’ iconic figure
Cobi Jones arrived at LA Galaxy in the 95/96 season. In the first season, the Galaxy was in the league. Thats right. Jones was part of the first team in the history of the club.
Coming from Vasco da Gama, Cobi Jones was a promising offensive midfielder. LA Galaxy was eager for the footballer to show himself. And he did.
The swab played 12 seasons with the LA Galaxy, from 1996 to 2007. During that time, Jones participated in 306 matches with the team.
But that’s not the reason why fans remember Jones. The former Coventry City player did something that started the history of the most recent MLS Cup champion. Cobi Jones scored the first goal in the club’s history. The dream of every player.
Besides that crucial goal, the swab scores 70 goals and delivers 91 assists, a record for the team. While playing for the LA Galaxy, Jones secured two MLS Cups, two Supporters’ Shields, two U.S. Open Cups, and two CONCACAF Champions Cups.
Cobi Jones individual awards
The offensive midfielder was called five times to the All-Star game. He was included in the 1998 MLS Best XI. In 1988 was named U.S. Athlete of the Year.
Also, the swab participated in the 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cups with the United States. Adding a Golden Cup of the CONCACAF in 2002.
Cobi Jones has 165 appearances with the national squad and has the record for most games played in the USMNT.
