Los Angeles has long been a magnet for some of the world's most celebrated soccer players. Both LA Galaxy and LAFC have built reputations for attracting global superstars, elevating Major League Soccer to new heights.
David Beckham's arrival in 2007 with the Galaxy was a watershed moment that helped transform MLS into a more globally recognized league. Since then, a parade of iconic men's players have graced LA pitches, including Zlatan Ibrahimović, who brought his trademark swagger and flair to the Galaxy from 2018 to 2020, scoring 53 goals in 58 matches.
Carlos Vela became LAFC's first marquee signing in 2018 and won the MLS MVP in 2019 with a record 34 goals. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández, Mexico's all-time leading goal scorer, signed with the Galaxy in 2020, adding international prestige and fan appeal.
Gareth Bale joined LAFC in 2022, famously scoring a dramatic late equalizer in the MLS Cup final that LAFC went on to win. Other notable names include Robbie Keane, who starred for the Galaxy from 2011 to 2016 with 104 goals and three MLS Cups, and Steven Gerrard, who brought midfield experience from 2015 to 2016.
More recently, Olivier Giroud joined LAFC in 2025, and Son Heung-min, the South Korean superstar, signed with LAFC in 2025 after a storied career with Tottenham Hotspur. The latest global icon, Lionel Messi, is already scoring goals and breaking records in MLS, further cementing LA's status as a soccer destination.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also showcase LA, with matches at multiple venues, including the smartest ball ever used at the tournament—the Adidas TRIONDA, which features a built-in motion sensor and real-time tracking technology. The tournament runs from June 12 to July 19, with the championship match at MetLife Stadium.
LA's soccer legacy continues to grow, attracting fans and legends alike.