Cobi Jones will be part of former teammates Landon Donovan and David Beckham in Legends Plaza on the dignity Health Sports Park the following season with the group that has dedicated a bronze statue bigger within the lifetime of the US Soccer Hall of Fame, who marked the First purpose in historical past in franchising in 1996.
“It’s not but sunk,” Jones stated. “It is such an honor. It is sort of a validation.
“I may very well be the third, (however) I’ll most likely not be the final. I’ll respect it. “
A 9 ft statue of Beckham was positioned in Legends Plaza, exterior the principle entrance of the dignity Health Sports Park, earlier than opening the Galaxy season in 2019. It was reached by a donovan bronze similarity on the finish of the 2021 season. The galaxy stated that Jones’ statue will likely be in keeping with the primary two, sculpted by the artists Omri Amranny and Jessica Lopresti, with the set up based mostly on a photograph chosen by Jones.
The presentation of the Jones statue can even assist to attain the return of the World Cup to Southern California in 2026 of the 1994 world, the one earlier match held within the United States
Jones performed in three world cups basically, along with his 11 appearances within the match rating in second place on the United States listing of all time.
“This statue is a logo of Cobi’s incessant dedication, unparalleled expertise and values that can proceed to steer our group for the years to come back,” stated Dan Becker, president and CEO of Aeg, the Galaxy mum or dad firm , in a observe. “It is a tribute that goes past sport. It is a celebration of how greatness seems, each inside and out of doors the sphere. “
Jones grew up within the Westlake Village and took part within the Sigi Sigi Sigi skilled of the UCLA, serving to the Bruins to the second NCAA title in 1990. After beginning his skilled profession with Coventry City within the English Premier League, Jones returned house for Join the achievement of the Galaxy for the inaugural MLS season and by no means went away, taking part in 12 seasons for the group and establishing the membership document for appearances whereas profitable seven trophies, together with two MLS cups and a Champions Concacof Champions Cup.
“The statue is an affidavit of the inheritance that Cobi constructed,” stated the president of Galaxy Tom Braun. “His function in establishing the galaxy as essentially the most iconic and profitable membership of the League has made its title synonymous with our sport and our group”.
Jones additionally managed the group on a provisional foundation in 2008, labored as assistant to the Bruce Arena workers for elements of three seasons and was an extended -standing analyst on the group broadcasts of the group and with Fox Sports, NBC and Apple TV, between the others. He can also be proprietor/investor in Angel City of the NWSL.
Jones stated that being saved in bronze was not one thing that thought doable throughout his profession, however the presentation of the statue will likely be significantly necessary for his household since his two kids, Cayden and Cai, have by no means seen him play.
“It’s extraordinarily good to get it,” he stated. “I performed this recreation at first as a result of I appreciated it. For me, as regards a statue, maybe the one one who stated: “Hey, you deserve a statue” was most likely my mom.
“I’ll positively take a look at my spouse, my two kids, and seeing solely how they react as a result of I need them to have enjoyable and respect this expertise as a lot as me.”
