As Zlatan departs, I was reflecting on the Galaxy DPs and the DP rule in general. I thought that perhaps, the DP rule might survive the next CBA, and regardless it might be nice to have our own official list somewhere of Galaxy DPs. I did a cursory search and didn't see a thread for this - so here it is. The DP rule, created in 2007 for the LA Galaxy (which MLS reveres above all other teams) to sign one David Beckham. Expanded in 2010 to 3 players (and removing grandfather status for Landon, Carlos Ruiz, and Eddie Johnson). It was tweaked again with some younger player rules in 2012. David Beckham (2007 July - 2012) In January 2007 it was announced he would be leave Real Madrid in six months to join LA Galaxy. Many worldwide media outlets reported the deal as US$250 million. Beckham's actual salary only deal with the Galaxy was a five-year contract worth US$32.5 million in total or $6.5 million per year (the rest of the valuation was including additional revenue streams like merchandising) Landon Donovan (2010 - 2014) With the DP rule update for year 2010, Landon who previously was a de facto DP (before MLS had DPs) became a DP. (Carlos Ruiz and Eddie Johnson were the other two "un-grandfathered" players who did not count as DPs prior to 2010.) Juan Pablo Angel (2011 - 2011 Aug) Moved on to Chivas USA in August 2011. Robbie Keane (2011 Aug - 2016) In six seasons in Los Angeles after leaving Tottenham he has helped win three MLS Cups, scoring over 100 goals and providing more than 50 assists. “It’s been a privilege to have played my part in the history of such a great club and I leave with memories that will stay with me forever. Winning three MLS Cups, scoring over 100 goals for the club and being named as 2014 MVP are all achievements that I will look back on with pride. It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve truly loved every minute of my time at LA Galaxy.” - Robbie Keane as reported by the Guardian. Omar Gonzalez (2013 Aug - 2015 Aug) In August 2013, Gonzalez became Galaxy's third Designated Player after signing a new multi-year contract, rumored to be ~$1.5 million/year Steven Gerrard (2015 - 2016 Aug) On 7 January 2015, the LA Galaxy announced the signing of Gerrard to an 18-month Designated Player contract, reportedly worth $9 million. He joined the team in July, following the end of the 2014–15 Premier League season. Giovanni Dos Santos (2015 Aug - 2018) On 15 July 2015, the Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy announced the signing of dos Santos as a DP in a reported US$7 million deal Jelle Van Damme (2017- 2017 Aug) A nice reward for JVD and we had an open slot so Galaxy GM genius figured what the heck Jonathan Dos Santos (2017 Aug - 2019+) On 27 July 2017, MLS club LA Galaxy announced the signing of Jonathan Dos Santos as a DP reuniting him with his brother. Villarreal sold Jonathan for a fee reportedly around €5–6 million. Romain Alessandrini (2017 - 2019?) Transfer fee of $1.75 million, DP signing announced on Jan. 31, 2017 Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2019) In December prior to the 2019 season he signed a 1 year DP deal to conquer MLS (he was not a DP in 2018). Pavon? (2020-) Sounds like he might be a DP at some point in 2020...right?
Before discussing the greatest Galaxy DP of all time, how about the LVDP? We have strong offerings from Juan Pablo and Jelle Van Damme, and Gerrard and Gio should also be in contention. JP for his ineffectiveness on the field, but he was a really nice guy and departed gracefully mid-year to make way for Keane. JVD was a warrior, but lost DP status when Jonathan arrived and then promptly headed home as he was homesick. Gerrard and Gio's signing coupled with GM incompetence forced out Omar - and neither player ever really performed on the field as hoped; although, Gerrard did sell some shirts and bring out some fans and Gio did have at least one productive season on the field. My vote goes for JVD. A defender DP who departed because he was homesick. I respect him and think he made a smart decision for his family and genuinely like the guy - but it's the nadir of DP legend status.
I would argue that JVD was not a real DP. He signed a contract that fit the definition of a TAM player. The Galaxy merely used their open DP slot to recapture and make available 50% of his TAM amount.
IIRC, he was brought in as a TAM player with an understanding that he would be made a DP the following year, 2017..
The way the league handled his departure is one of the most unprofessional things I've seen from a professional sports organization. Absolutely disgraceful.