Brand Partner ContentSoccer has had a strange history in America. From hosting the 94 World Cup when the country barely recognised the sport as one of their own to thinking that the USA could really challenge at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The MLS is becoming more recognised around the world and it is no longer the retirement home of old where players would only be interested in a paycheck or looking for the glitz and glamour of America. There are players who are now seeking a move to the MLS to benefit their career because the standard has improved dramatically over the past 12 years.
However, that does not stop foreign players from arriving in America who might be over the hill but still able to produce the right stuff for their club. No club has experienced that as much as LA Galaxy have. Since the arrival of David Beckham in 2007, many other elite players have followed suit and played for Galaxy.
There is speculation constantly on who might be the next foreign import to shine and fans looking to newbettingsites.uk and put their money where their mouth is but lets have a look at who has already shown they were fantastic in the MLS.
David Beckham, England
We have to start with Beckham. He was the trendsetter, the main man and the pioneer. Without Beckham there would probably not be as much interest in the sport in America.
Beckham arrived at LA Galxay in 2007 to an incredibly warm welcome, he helped pave the HerbalLife sponsorship deal and put MLS on the map in the UK especially considering he was still and England international; the first MLS player to play for England.
Beckham helped win the MLS cup twice and prospered more towards the end of his time in the MLS.
Zlatan Ibrahimović, Sweden
The tall Swede announced his arrival in LA in Zlatan style. He took a full page ad out in the Los Angeles Times saying “Dear Los Angeles, you’re welcome”. He spent just two seasons with Galaxy but he will be remembered for his abundance of goals in that time. He made 58 league appearances and scored 53 goals; that is some return.
However, he will be remembered most for his debut wonder goal. Ibrahimović smashed the ball on the bounce from 40 yards out leaving the goalkeeper stranded. It was voted The Greatest Goal by AT&T.
Javier Hernandez, Mexico
There seems to be a theme with ex Manchester United players! However, current “Little Pea” is trying to get LA Galaxy above local rivals LAFC. When he signed in 2020 he became the highest paid player in the MLS. Chicharito knows where the goal is and is someone that Galaxy will want to rely on when it comes down to business end of the season.
Having found his feet in the 2021 season, where he scored 17 goals in 21 games, he has a steady return this season of 5 goals in 13 games.
Robbie Keane, Republic of Ireland
From one player who knows how to find the back of the net to another. However, Keane was rampant in his time with Galaxy. Linking up with Beckham and Landon Donovan, Keane won his first MLS Cup in 2011 and followed it up the year after as well. He also won the MLS Cup in 2014 scoring the winning goal in extra time and gaining the title of Most Valuable Player.
Keane prospered throughout his time with Galaxy and scored 83 goals in just 125 appearances. Keane was still playing for his country at this time and in no way did playing in the MLS make him drop his standards.
Giovanni Dos Santos, Mexico
The tricky Mexican arrived in the MLS with a high amount of pedigree having come through the youth ranks at Barcelona and then played for Tottenham Hotspur in England. Before he arrived he also played for several La Liga clubs but was looking for a new challenge and a permanent home after many loan moves.
Los Angeles was his choice and he excited the home fans on a regular basis. So much so he was included in the FIFA Ballon d’Or longlist in October 2015. This led to being included in roster for the 2016 MLS All-Star game and the 2017 game.
He was unable to bring any silverware to Los Angeles but during his time 26 goals and enjoyed a good individual time with Galaxy.
Honorable mentions
Ashely Cole, England
Jorge Campos, Mexico
Luis Hernández, Mexico
Steven Gerrard, England
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