5 Best LA Galaxy MLS Players, Ranked

The LA Galaxy are the most successful club in Major League Soccer, having won six MLS Cups since beginning play as one of the league’s 10 charter franchises in 1996.

The Galaxy most recently overcame their MLS odds in 2024, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2–1 after advancing from the Western Conference as the No. 2 seed.

Despite that recent success, my list of the five best LA Galaxy MLS players of all time doesn’t include anyone who has suited up for the club in the last five years.

5 Best LA Galaxy MLS Players, Ranked

LA Galaxy All-Time Greatest Players

1. Landon Donovan

Putting Donovan at the top of the list was the easiest decision of the bunch.

The California native is the most decorated player in league history, having won six MLS Cups (four with the Galaxy), two Supporters’ Shields, and a U.S. Open Cup.

Donovan is the Galaxy’s all-time leader in goals (113) and assists (107), and is only the second player in league history to reach the century mark in both categories.

There’s a reason why Donovan has a statue outside of Dignity Health Sports Park, and why the league honoured him by naming the MLS MVP trophy, an award he won in 2009, after him.

2. Cobi Jones

Jones was an original member of the Galaxy and spent each of his 11 MLS seasons with the club.

The midfield maestro is the Galaxy’s all-time leader in MLS appearances (306) and is also the most capped player (164 matches) in United States Men’s National Team history.

Jones helped the Galaxy to two MLS Cups (2002 and 2005), two Supporters’ Shields (1998 and 2002), two Open Cups (2001, 2005), and the CONCACAF Champions Cup (2000).

He was a five-time All-Star and was recognized as one of the league’s 25 greatest players during its 25th anniversary season.

3. Robbie Keane

Keane also featured on that list after putting together one of the most productive spells of any foreigner to grace Major League Soccer.

The Irishman joined the Galaxy at age 31 from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and went on to score 83 league goals in 125 appearances, putting him second behind Donovan on the club’s all-time scoring list.

Keane helped the Galaxy win the Shield and MLS Cup in his debut season (2011) and went on to win two further MLS Cups (2013 and 2014). He earned MLS Best XI nods on four occasions and took home MLS MVP honours in 2014 after scoring 19 goals and delivering 14 assists.  

4. David Beckham

Beckham’s move to the Galaxy in 2007 was one of the most important transfers in MLS history, as the Englishman’s star power brought more eyes to the league than ever before.

His on-field impact was not immediately felt, and a high-profile, short-lived feud ensued with Donovan, who questioned his commitment to the team.

Beckham responded with his best play in 2011, earning Comeback Player of the Year honours for a 15-assist campaign that also included an MLS Best XI nod and his first of two MLS Cups.

5. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Ibrahimovic was a striker I would target with my soccer betting picks, and his production in MLS met the standards he had set in leagues across Europe.

The Swede wasn’t in LA long, but he made an instant impact, punctuated by a ridiculous 45-yard volley on his two-goal debut against bitter rival LAFC.

He earned 2018 MLS Newcomer of the Year honours after recording 22 goals and 10 assists in 27 appearances, at the time becoming the third player in league history with 20-plus goals and double-digit assists in a single season.

Ibrahimovic recorded 52 goals and 17 assists in 56 MLS appearances across two years with the club, quickly cementing himself as a fan favourite.