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Galaxy legend Cobi Jones becomes 3rd player in club history to receive statue

April 26, 2026

It didn’t take long for Cobi Jones to endear himself to the Galaxy faithful.

Flashback to April 13 1996, the MLS debut for the Galaxy against the New York/New Jersey MetroStars at the Rose Bowl. Jones, who attended UCLA and graduated from Westlake High, scored the first goal for his hometown club.

“We had worked so hard, you know, of understanding each other and that ball that (Eduardo) Hurtado played, he understood my speed to be able to get behind (the defense) and scoring that first goal,” Jones said.

The goal and the 2-1 win were the perfect start to Jones’ Galaxy career, which lasted until he retired in 2007. Sunday, Jones’ career and legacy will be honored as the club unveils a statue ahead of the game against Real Salt Lake. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m., ahead of the Galaxy’s home game against Real Salt Lake at 4 p.m.

Jones will be the third former Galaxy player to get a statue in the Legends Plaza, joining David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

“What an honor it is,” Jones said. “I think it shows just, I don’t know, maybe like recognition of all the years of work and sacrifice and dedication, that yes, it was a joy to do, but when you get older and look back on it, you do look at it and just go yeah, I did give up a lot for it and I did enjoy it, but it’s fantastic that it’s being recognized by those outside sources, the powers that be that say, hey you had an affect larger than you may have realized and this is kind of like the honor to show you what it was all about.”

It took a bit of luck for Jones to even land at the Galaxy. As players started returning home for the debut of Major League Soccer, some names balked at the opportunity to play with the Galaxy.

Jones started his professional career with Coventry City (1994-95) and then went to Brazil with Vasco da Gama (1995-96), before joining the Galaxy ahead of their debut season.

“I thought it was interesting, the coach that was calling me to be part of the team here in L.A. was the coach that had cut me twice from the Olympic team, Lothar Osiander, funny how this world works,” Jones said. “I was ecstatic, my parents were ecstatic, I was happy to be back home, coming from and playing in L.A. I love this city, love Southern California and this is where I wanted to be. I know for a fact that there were two or three players that passed up (on playing with the Galaxy), that were asked before me, and thankfully, they passed.

“They went to other places and it dropped to me and I was like, yes, yes, right away. I obviously made the right call because look, 30 years later, we’ve got three professional teams here in Los Angeles.”

The obstacles along the way fueled Jones’ drive to succeed.

“I always wanted to play soccer,” Jones said. “My dad put me in tennis, he put me in baseball. I didn’t find those fun for me, outside of OK, I’m playing with my buddies. The only organized (sport) I liked was soccer and track. My thought was I would just play through high school, but lo and behold, a variety of different things, that people may say I’m crazy, but the blessing is to God on this, because now when I look back, I’m just like my Lord and I truly mean that, my God, Thank you, because how many different things had to happen for me to get to where I’m at now?

The naysayers along the way, the times he was cut from the U.S. Olympic team, always remained with Jones through his illustrious career. His Galaxy journey consisted of 70 goals, 91 assists, two MLS Cups (2002 and 2005), two Supporters’ Shields (1998 and 2002), two U.S. Open Cups (2001 and 2005). He played in three FIFA World Cups (1994, 1998 and 2002) and retired with the most national team appearances (164).

“I kept it with me as a motivator,” he said. “This is what I tell young kids today is understand, there’s always going to be someone that thinks you’re not good enough, but if you go to the next person, they may think you’re the greatest thing since a slice of bread. So it made me realized that I can’t focus on the external sources. I do what I do, I had to go with what I know and continue upon my path and if it works out, great. If it doesn’t, so be it, find another way, just keep going.”

REAL SALT LAKE at GALAXY

When: Sunday, 4 p.m.

Where: Dignity Health Sports Park

How to watch: Apple TV (season pass)

Orange County Register

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Galaxy legend Cobi Jones becomes 3rd player in club history to receive statue

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