LA Galaxy. The name alone demands stars. The identity of that city followed by that team name – one that is part of soccer’s galácticos lexicon – suggests a certain kind of franchise with a star player. Usually in the twilight of their careers, the arrival of these players in Major League Soccer attracts barbs as well as buzz.
The criticism typically brands MLS as a “retirement league,” but as 35-year-old Marco Reus became the latest Hollywood signing to land in LA with the Galaxy it is evident that marquee signings are still an important part of American soccer.
Along with other savvy and ambitious clubs, the team that once signed bona fide galáctico David Beckham as the league’s first Designated Player (DP) in 2007 is embarking on a new era – one where ageing veterans complement a roster rather than define it. Reus may be LA Galaxy’s most high-profile player, but he will not necessarily be their best. He’s not even a DP, having been signed using Targeted Allocation Money.
Olivier Giroud was another statement addition signed during the league’s mid-season break. He will turn 38 before the 2024 season finishes, and joins fellow French veteran Hugo Lloris, 37, at Los Angeles FC.
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US soccer has long been an attractive pre-retirement option for players who have made their name elsewhere. Not only is there decent money on offer, but US and Canadian cities can be a draw for players looking to wind down their career in a different, potentially more glamorous setting.
“I would love to say the sole reason Marco Reus is here is owed to my skill as a sporting director, but the reality is that the city of Los Angeles sells itself,” says LA Galaxy general manager, Will Kuntz. “The same thing can be said for Miami, New York or Chicago, for example. There are a lot of American markets that have huge, global recognition. But it’s also about the idea that you can come to a place like Los Angeles and still be recognized for your success, right?”
Although the retirement league label is used in a derogatory fashion, such marquee signings, especially as part of a wider plan, still have a place in North American soccer. Along with the arrivals of Beckham and Lionel Messi, Pelé’s presence at NASL side New York Cosmos in the 1970s remains one of…