Cobi Jones, who scored 70 goals during his 12 seasons with the L.A. Galaxy and netted 15 more as a member of the U.S. Men’s National Team, will be honored with a statue at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Galaxy announced Tuesday.
“I am truly humbled by this incredible honor,” Jones said in a statement released by the team. “Starting out as a 5-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. This statue dedication is a sign of the unwavering support I’ve had from not just my family, but the entire L.A. Galaxy community — teammates, coaches, staff and most importantly the fans. This moment is more about them than it is about me.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have played the game that I love and done so with such incredible people along the way. I hope this statue serves as a reminder to future generations that with hard work, dedication, and a love for the game, anything is possible.”
Jones will be the third Galaxy star with a statue in the stadium’s Legends Plaza, joining Landon Donovan and David Beckham. A date for the statue unveiling was not immediately announced.
Jones played with the Galaxy from 1996-2007, and scored the team’s first goal in its inaugural season. He also tallied 91 assists in his club-record 306 MLS regular-season matches. He won MLS Cups with the team in 2002 and 2005, two Supporters’ Shields, two U.S. Open Cups and the CONCACAF Champions Cup in 2000. He was a four-time MLS All-Star and the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1998.
He made 165 appearances with the U.S. Men’s National Team, appearing in three World Cup tournaments and winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2002. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2011.
He began his career at a youth playing with the Westlake (Village) Warriors and went to star for UCLA from 1988-91, winning the NCAA championship in 1990.
“Being immortalized with a statue is the highest honor a club can bestow upon a player,” Dan Beckerman, president and CEO of AEG, said in a statement. “This honor is reserved for players who have either transcended their sport or have been extraordinary in their service to their community, their club or their country. Cobi is an exceptional leader who has managed to do all of these. This statue will be a reminder to our fans and our sport of Cobi’s relentless dedication, unmatched talent, and the values that will continue to guide our team for years to come.”