Former LA Galaxy star gets statue in front of Legends Plaza

In partnership with

FanSided MLS

·29 de janeiro de 2025

Former LA Galaxy star gets statue in front of Legends Plaza

First it was David Beckham. Then, it was Landon Donovan. The latest star and former player for the Los Angeles Galaxy to have a statue constructed at Legends Plaza is Cobi N'Gai Jones.

The third legend to have a bust of themselves showcased at Dignity Health Sports Park is of the 54-year-old Detroit, Michigan native.

Vídeos OneFootball

"I am truly humbled by this incredible honor. Starting out as a five-year-old who loved soccer, it grew into a passion that allowed me to represent the United States and play for the best fans here in Los Angeles with the Galaxy. "Cobi Jones, former LA Galaxy midfielder

The statue will be constructed using bronze and made ready by 2026. It will be just in time for when the city of Los Angeles hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics.

How did Cobi Jones earn this honor?

He is one of the original players from the inaugural season in 1996. After more than a decade with the LA Galaxy, Jones appeared in 306 games and scored 70 times.

On April 13, 1996, Jones scored the first goal in LA Galaxy history in front of 69,255 fans at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The former UCLA Bruin would go on to be a part of MLS history again in the 1998 season.

He was one of three players that year for the Los Angeles Galaxy to score more than ten goals in the same season. That record remained intact until recently when the six-time MLS Cup winners had four players accomplish this feat.

Jones scored 19 goals the same season when Welton had 17 of his own and Mauricio Cienfuegos scored 13 times.

The LA Galaxy failed to make the MLS Cup Finals that season despite having the league's best offense. It was the only time Jones recorded more than ten goals in a year.

In fact, the squad lost three times in the championship game before finally winning in 2002.. This would be the Galaxy's and Jones's first MLS title. A second title was captured three years later in 2005.

Jones also represented the United States Mens' National Team from 1992 to 2004. He found the back of the net 15 times in 164 games for his country.

"This statue dedication is a sign of the unwavering support I’ve had from not just my family, but the entire LA Galaxy community - teammates, coaches, staff and most importantly the fans. This moment is more about them than it is about me."Cobi Jones, former LA Galaxy midfielder

The midfielder was an MLS All-Star for five straight seasons from 1996 to 2000.was also a part of the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the LA Galaxy in 2002.

Jones was a member of the team's front office from 2008 to 2010. Currently, he is now an analyst for MLS Season Pass Apple TV.

That is where you can find the LA Galaxy's first game of the 2025 season as they defend their title heading into the league's 30th season ever. It will be played on Saturday, February 23 in Carson, California.