LA Galaxy Shock MLS by Axing Star Forward Days Before Season Opener
Following their return to MLS play after experiencing one of their most disappointing campaigns in franchise history, LA Galaxy made an unexpected roster decision on Saturday by releasing veteran striker Christian Ramírez less than 24 hours before kicking off their 2026 season against New York City FC on Sunday.
The 34-year-old MLS stalwart joined the Galaxy prior to the 2025 campaign and managed to tally four goals plus one assist across 25 regular-season outings. The team failed to maintain competitiveness in the Western Conference, ultimately placing 14th with merely 30 points from 34 regular-season matches.
Though this decision, executed just before the MLS Roster Compliance cutoff, was necessary for the club to free up a roster position and create salary cap room, it still generated considerable surprise. Ramírez had started and featured for 58 minutes in the Galaxy's 1–1 tie with Honduran side San Miguelito during their midweek Concacaf Champions Cup opener and had been integral to preseason fixtures.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Ramírez's signing was considered a major acquisition before the 2025 season, as he arrived with credentials including MLS Cup, Leagues Cup and Supporters' Shield championships from successful stints with Columbus Crew, Minnesota United, LAFC and Houston Dynamo.
With 51 goals scored across 160 MLS regular-season matches in his career, expectations were high that this seasoned offensive weapon could help offset the injury-related absence of star playmaker Riqui Puig.
However, Ramírez found it difficult to make an impact as the Galaxy struggled to generate scoring opportunities, with Puig's midfield absence becoming a crucial factor. The Spanish midfielder's ACL rehabilitation, originally projected to return him to action during the closing weeks of 2025, has been prolonged and will continue into the 2026 season.
In total, the Galaxy managed only 46 goals during 2025, representing one of the poorest offensive outputs in the storied history of the six-time MLS Cup winners. Ramírez received Galaxy Player of the Month recognition following his March 2025 debut, having found the net in four straight games before his production declined for the remainder of the campaign.
What's Next for Ramírez and the Galaxy?
What's Next for Ramírez and the Galaxy?
Having completed a full MLS preseason training program and participated in competitive action recently, Ramírez will probably secure a position with another MLS team within days of his Galaxy departure.
A potential return to Minnesota United might be possible, considering head coach Cameron Knowles's need for additional attacking depth behind primary striker Kelvin Yeboah. The Loons are pursuing meaningful success after securing Colombian icon James Rodríguez on a short-term contract through June, with provisions to extend until the conclusion of 2026.
Regarding the Galaxy, goal-scoring responsibility will fall to their three Designated Players. Gabriel Pec seeks to surpass his 2025 statistics of six goals and nine assists, while Joseph Paintsil targets comparable improvement. Additionally, Brazilian forward João Klauss, recently obtained from St. Louis CITY SC, aims to discover his scoring rhythm more consistently than Ramírez managed during his stint.
Following their season opener versus NYCFC, the Galaxy prepare for the return leg against San Miguelito on Wednesday, before resuming MLS competition on Feb. 28 against Charlotte FC featuring Wilfried Zaha and Pep Biel.