LAFC Legends: Ranking the Greatest Players in Club History
Though Los Angeles FC only entered Major League Soccer in 2018, they have swiftly established themselves as a dominant force in America's premier soccer league.
The club's collection of silverware includes an MLS Cup, two Supporters' Shields, and a U.S. Open Cup—accomplishments that surpass many teams with much longer histories in the league.
These triumphs have been driven by a combination of seasoned MLS veterans, academy graduates, and world-class Designated Players, all of whom have dazzled fans at BMO Stadium across various tenures.
Below, we present our ranking of the top 10 players in LAFC's short yet spectacular existence.
10. Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale's stint in Los Angeles was brief, yet he undoubtedly made a significant impression on the club's legacy.
While the former Real Madrid icon managed only three goals in 13 matches for LAFC, one of those strikes came in the 128th minute of extra time during stoppage time, forcing the 2022 MLS Cup final to penalties—a shootout the Black and Gold ultimately claimed.
9. Son Heung-min
Despite only arriving at LAFC in August 2025, it may appear premature to place Son Heung-min among the franchise's legendary figures — yet we believe he's already earned his spot (aided, certainly, by LAFC's brief timeline).
The former Tottenham Hotspur star has adapted seamlessly to life in Los Angeles, finding the net regularly and immediately establishing himself as the team's marquee player. In terms of raw talent, Son could very well be the finest player to ever don the jersey—potentially even surpassing Gareth Bale, whose influence was considerably more limited.
Son and LAFC appear to be a perfect partnership.
8. Eddie Segura
Apart from Carlos Vela, no player has featured more frequently for LAFC than Eddie Segura.
Since arriving at the club in 2019, he's remained a constant presence for the Black and Gold, with his adaptability—able to operate at center-back, fullback, or even in the midfield—proving extremely valuable.
7. Giorgio Chiellini
Another player whose Los Angeles tenure was brief yet impactful, Giorgio Chiellini spent just over one season with LAFC, during which he contributed to the club's MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield victories in 2022, before reaching the MLS Cup final and Concacaf Champions League final the subsequent year.
His defensive partnership with Jesús Murillo was exceptional and proved instrumental in LAFC's achievements during his time there.
6. Latif Blessing
Among LAFC's most tenured players, Latif Blessing possessed the ability to transform matches in a flash—whether through a dynamic run, an astute pass, or a powerful strike of his own.
The attacking midfielder wasn't always the most reliable performer, but he was instrumental in the club's triumphs in 2019 and 2022.
Beyond his on-field impact, his vibrant character and extraordinary path from rural Ghana to MLS success made him a beloved figure among supporters and an integral part of LAFC's story.
5. Ilie Sánchez
Ilie Sánchez may lack the celebrity status of other players on this list, but there's no doubt—he was equally crucial to LAFC's achievements during his two-plus years at BMO Stadium.
A steady and reliable midfielder who seldom makes mistakes, the Spanish player offered the stability and confidence in midfield that enabled the club's more offensive talents to excel.
Additionally, his composed match-winning penalty in the 2022 MLS Cup final alone secures his position among LAFC's greatest players.
4. Cristian "Chicho" Arango
Cristian "Chicho" Arango may be considered an MLS veteran, but he's excelled at every stop—including his time with LAFC.
During two campaigns in 2021 and 2022, the Colombian forward netted an outstanding 35 goals in merely 57 matches, proving vital in the club's capture of both the MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield in 2022.
Beyond his finishing ability, Arango distinguished himself through his smart combination play, positioning, and inventiveness in the attacking third—a well-rounded striker who made a significant impact despite his relatively brief tenure in Los Angeles.
3. Diego Rossi
While now recognized as a Columbus Crew legend, Diego Rossi first established his reputation at LAFC.
Arriving with the Black and Gold before their debut 2018 season, the Uruguayan striker rapidly emerged as one of MLS's most dangerous forwards, netting 17 goals during the club's maiden campaign.
Throughout the following three seasons, Rossi contributed an additional 42 goals, leaving as LAFC's second-highest goalscorer in history and a 2019 Supporters' Shield champion.
2. Denis Bouanga
Since Denis Bouanga arrived in Los Angeles in 2022, his primary occupation has been scoring—repeatedly and consistently. His prolific output has been so remarkable that he's now overtaken Carlos Vela as LAFC's record goalscorer.
However, Bouanga brings much more than just goals to the table. The Gabonese international possesses blistering pace, technical skill, tactical awareness, and—frankly—the quality to succeed in virtually any top-level competition worldwide.
A three-time MLS All-Star selection, he's already contributed to the Black and Gold's MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and U.S. Open Cup victories—and his story is far from over.
1. Carlos Vela
While Bouanga may currently possess LAFC's all-time scoring record—Carlos Vela stands as the club's most important and impactful player.
As LAFC's inaugural Designated Player, the Mexican striker helped shape the club's character from the very beginning.
Following a solid first season, he flourished in his sophomore campaign, netting a record-setting 34 regular-season goals to guide the Black and Gold to the 2019 Supporters' Shield.
Although injuries and advancing age ultimately limited his effectiveness, Vela at his zenith was absolutely unstoppable—a magical player gifted with natural elegance, poise and accuracy.