By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
CARSON — Cobi Jones, one of the most recognizable figures in American soccer and a foundational star of the LA Galaxy, received one of the club’s highest honors Sunday as a 9-foot bronze statue was unveiled outside Dignity Health Sports Park.
The ceremony took place ahead of the Galaxy’s match against Real Salt Lake and drew fans, former teammates, Major League Soccer officials and members of the Southern California soccer community. The statue, created by artists Oscar Leon and Omri Amrany of Rotblatt Amrany Studio, now stands in Legends Plaza alongside statues of Galaxy icons David Beckham and Landon Donovan.
For Jones, the moment was more than a personal tribute. It was a celebration of Los Angeles’ role in helping grow soccer across the country.
“We showed the world that Los Angeles — and the LA Galaxy — this is a soccer hotbed,” Jones said during the ceremony. “This is the place where soccer can grow and thrive within the United States, and in my humble opinion, the LA Galaxy is the pinnacle of MLS.”
Jones played his entire Major League Soccer career with the Galaxy from 1996 to 2007, becoming one of the league’s early stars and a steady presence during MLS’ formative years. Over 334 appearances for Los Angeles, he scored 70 goals and helped lead the Galaxy to MLS Cup championships in 2002 and 2005. He also helped the club win two U.S. Open Cups and a Concacaf Champions Cup.
Born in Detroit and raised in Southern California, Jones graduated from Westlake High School before starring at UCLA. His speed, creativity and signature dreadlocks made him a fan favorite, while his consistency helped define the Galaxy’s identity in the club’s first decade.
Jones also became a major figure for the U.S. Men’s National Team, representing the country in the 1994, 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups. He was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1998 and was a five-time MLS All-Star. In 2002, he helped the United States capture the CONCACAF Gold Cup title.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber attended the unveiling and praised Jones as one of the players who helped build the league’s foundation.
“I always believed that you can’t celebrate your future without properly honoring our past,” Garber said. “And what better player and what better man to honor today other than Cobi Jones?”
After retiring in 2007, Jones remained connected to the Galaxy as a coach for two seasons. In 2011, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, cementing his place among the most influential players in U.S. soccer history.
The statue adds another permanent reminder of Jones’ impact — not only on the Galaxy, but on the growth of the sport in Los Angeles and across the nation.