Marco Reus LA Galaxy Midfielder #18 Joins MLS as Key Playmaker

Alright folks, if you’re following Major League Soccer, you’ve definitely heard the chatter—Marco Reus is now LA Galaxy’s midfield maestro, sporting the number 18. The German veteran, who’s seen it all in Europe, signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Galaxy in August 2024. He’s brought a truckload of experience and skill from the Bundesliga.

Since landing in LA, Reus has wasted no time. He’s boosted the Galaxy’s midfield, and—believe it or not—he’s already leading the team in both goals and assists for the 2025 season.

What a journey it’s been for Reus. After 12 memorable years at Borussia Dortmund, he decided to cross the pond for a new adventure. Fans are buzzing about his creativity and the way he turns games on their head.

His arrival has sparked excitement all over MLS. If you’re even a little curious about LA Galaxy or the league, watching Reus is a great way to appreciate what seasoned internationals bring to the American game.

Take a peek at his early MLS numbers below. This guy is making every minute count.

Statistic	Total
Goals	4
Assists	6
Matches (2025)	11

You can keep up with his latest stats and contributions at Marco Reus LA Galaxy profile.

Marco Reus’ Transfer to LA Galaxy

Marco Reus left a captain’s legacy behind at Borussia Dortmund and now wears LA Galaxy colors. His arrival brings proven European quality to MLS, and expectations? They’re sky-high for what he’ll deliver on and off the pitch.

Signing Details and Contract

Reus wrapped up his move to LA Galaxy in August 2024. The club signed him as a free agent, using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) instead of burning a Designated Player slot.

He’s locked in for two and a half years, sticking around until the end of the 2026 MLS season.

LA Galaxy paid $400,000 in General Allocation Money to Charlotte FC for his Discovery Rights, spreading that over 2024 and 2025. That’s just how things go in MLS—European stars come with a bit of extra paperwork. General Manager Will Kuntz and Head Coach Greg Vanney both helped seal the deal. For more on the contract, check the signing announcement.

Key Signing Facts

Detail	Information
Player Name	Marco Reus
Former Club	Borussia Dortmund
MLS Club	LA Galaxy
Transfer Fee	Free (Discovery Rights: $400k GAM)
Contract Length	2.5 years (thru 2026)
DP Slot Used	No (TAM player)
Jersey Number	#18

Motivation for Moving to Major League Soccer

Reus chose to leave Germany after 12 seasons at Borussia Dortmund, closing a huge chapter in his career. He wanted a new challenge in MLS, a taste of LA, and a leadership role with the Galaxy.

He’s mentioned both professional and personal reasons for coming to Los Angeles. The chance for his family to live in the States? That was a big factor.

LA Galaxy’s push for big signings and their history of success caught his eye. The club’s approach—mixing experienced stars with a competitive squad—made the decision easier. MLS offers a unique, late-career challenge for top players, and Reus jumped at it. Hear his thoughts on the move here.

Initial Impressions and Integration

Reus has brought a new energy to the team and the stands. His technical skills and work ethic have come through in training as he learns Head Coach Greg Vanney’s system.

He’s already clicked with the club’s younger midfielders, sharing that European know-how. You can see flashes of his vision and control in his first few matches.

MLS isn’t the Bundesliga, and Reus has adapted by focusing on quick ball movement and teamwork. His leadership should pay dividends all season. For the latest on his journey, check out LA Galaxy news.

Player Profile and Midfield Role

Marco Reus brings a ton of Bundesliga experience to LA, shaping games with sharp vision and quick decisions. He’s got the skills, the smarts, and—let’s face it—the swagger that sets him apart in midfield.

Playing Position and Style

You’ll usually spot Reus as an attacking midfielder, where his instincts and creativity shine. He reads the game so well, linking up with forwards and slipping into open spaces.

Reus has always been a playmaker. He drifts between the lines, pulling defenders out and opening up passing lanes.

He’s comfortable out wide or in the middle, giving LA Galaxy options. His quick feet and confidence on the ball put him a step ahead of most MLS midfielders.

He doesn’t lean on physicality. Instead, he finds space and times his runs perfectly. Even as he gets older, this style keeps him effective and dangerous. His decision-making under pressure is a big reason why teammates look up to him.

Jersey Number 18 Significance

Number 18 isn’t just a number for Reus. It’s followed him through big moments at club and national level.

Wearing 18 for LA Galaxy, he brings that same consistency and experience fans expect. For supporters, 18 means reliability.

With Reus, the number stands for big-game performances and a pro’s mindset. It gives LA Galaxy a marketing boost, too—when you see that shirt, you know who’s on the ball.

It’s a nod to his European stardom and his current role in MLS. Every time he steps out there, number 18 means business.

Contribution as a Midfielder

Reus does so much more than just score or assist. You see his fingerprints all over LA Galaxy’s ball movement and transitions.

He organizes play, shows for passes, and keeps possession ticking—even in tight spots.

Check out these early stats from his Galaxy run:

Stat	Value
Matches Played	21
Goals	7
Assists	6
Pass Accuracy (%)	84
Key Passes	38

Younger players learn from him every day, whether it’s in drills or game prep. He sets the standard for what a complete midfielder looks like in MLS.

Count on Reus to create chances and step up in big moments. He also works hard defensively, easing the load on his teammates.

This all-around game is exactly why LA Galaxy went after him. See more in his player profile.

Performance and Impact at LA Galaxy

Marco Reus has settled into MLS life in a hurry. His playmaking and leadership have made a real difference for LA Galaxy, both in big moments and the day-to-day grind.

MLS Statistics and Key Matches

Since arriving in August 2024, Reus has played 15 matches in the 2025 MLS season. He’s scored 3 goals and chipped in with several assists—still delivering at age 35.

His debut was a showstopper. He came off the bench, scored, and assisted, sparking a 2-0 win over Atlanta United. That’s the kind of impact you dream about.

He’s also faced Vancouver Whitecaps and Sporting Kansas City, showing off a strong work rate and smart decisions.

Marco Reus – 2025 MLS Stats (as of July 2025):

Match Appearances	Goals	Assists
15	3	4

He earned a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday 19 after dropping two assists in a wild 3-3 draw against St. Louis CITY SC. For more stats, check the official LA Galaxy stats page.

Notable Goals and Assists

Reus has delivered in the clutch. That debut against Atlanta United? He flipped the game’s tempo in minutes, scoring and assisting right off the bench.

He racked up two assists in a thriller against St. Louis CITY SC, earning Team of the Matchday honors. His goals usually come from sharp positioning and slick technique, making him a constant threat around the box.

He’s got a real knack for linking up with both midfielders and forwards. His creative play and well-timed passes have turned tight games in Galaxy’s favor, especially against teams like the Vancouver Whitecaps and Sporting Kansas City.

Influence on Team Chemistry

Reus has brought leadership and smarts to the locker room. His experience with Dortmund and Germany has added a level of professionalism to LA Galaxy.

Young players watch him closely in training, picking up on his habits. Teammates and coaches praise his communication—he’s vocal on and off the pitch.

He’s helped raise the intensity in both matches and practices. The team’s midfield and attack look more connected, with Reus acting as the glue.

This new mentality has made the squad more resilient, leading to better results against tough teams like Sporting Kansas City and Vancouver. For more on his leadership, check MLSsoccer.com’s coverage.

Achievements and Career Highlights

Marco Reus has built his name as a dynamic, skillful midfielder. He’s shined for club and country, racking up individual awards and big moments on the international stage.

His career is loaded with highlights, and he’s earned respect everywhere he’s played.

Awards and Honors

Marco Reus? Oh, his trophy cabinet’s not the biggest in the world, but it’s got some real gems. Back in 2012, he grabbed the German Footballer of the Year award—pretty clear sign he’d arrived as a top-tier talent in Germany.

UEFA picked him for their Team of the Year, too, which just proves he wasn’t only lighting up the Bundesliga—he was making noise all across Europe.

At Borussia Dortmund, Reus helped the club win the DFB-Pokal twice, in 2017 and again in 2021. Bundesliga fans kept seeing his name in those Team of the Season lists, year after year.

Here’s a quick look at some of the big ones:

Award	Year
German Footballer of the Year	2012
UEFA Team of the Year	2013, 2014
DFB-Pokal Winner	2017, 2021

International Career with Germany

When it comes to the German national team, Reus’s story is a mix of brilliance and what-if moments. He picked up 48 caps and knocked in 15 goals for Germany.

Injuries, though—they kept him out of the 2014 World Cup (which Germany won, ouch) and the 2016 Euros.

Even with those setbacks, Reus played a huge part in helping Germany get to the big tournaments. In the 2018 World Cup, he scored against Sweden in the group stage—a clutch moment on the world’s biggest stage.

He brought a style that mixed sharp movement, creativity, and a real knack for goals. When he was fit, he was always an asset.

Significant Milestones

Reus’s breakthrough really kicked off at Borussia Mönchengladbach. He banged in 18 goals during the 2011-12 Bundesliga season and, just like that, everyone started paying attention.

Then, after moving to Borussia Dortmund, he became captain and climbed up the club’s all-time scoring charts. He’s put away nearly 150 goals for Dortmund across all competitions.

In 2024, Reus made the jump to LA Galaxy, heading over to Major League Soccer. That move started a whole new chapter after more than a decade at the top level in Europe.

If you’re into the numbers, check out his career data for appearances, goals, and all those milestones.

Background and Career Path

Marco Reus stands out as one of the most recognized German midfielders of his generation. He earned respect in the Bundesliga and now, he’s taking on Major League Soccer with the LA Galaxy.

His journey started right in the heart of Germany and took him through some of the continent’s top leagues.

Youth Development

Reus’s football roots run deep in Dortmund. He joined Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy as a kid, already showing flashes of creativity and technical skill.

He built a strong foundation in ball control, vision, and tactical discipline there.

As a teenager, Reus moved to Rot Weiss Ahlen for more playing time. That switch gave him the chance to mature as a player.

At Rot Weiss Ahlen, he played alongside older teammates and faced tougher opposition, which really sped up his development.

By the time he hit the club’s first team, his pace and dribbling stood out. Those years in the lower leagues? They built his resilience and confidence under pressure.

Youth Clubs Table

Years	Club	Level
Early 2000s	Borussia Dortmund	Youth
2006–2009	Rot Weiss Ahlen	Youth/Senior

Professional Journey Before LA Galaxy

Reus’s senior career really began at Rot Weiss Ahlen. He broke into the first team and showed off his goal-scoring touch.

Bundesliga clubs took notice fast. In 2009, he signed for Borussia Mönchengladbach.

During the 2011-12 Bundesliga season, Reus scored 18 goals and added 12 assists. That’s when he established himself as one of Germany’s top attacking midfielders.

His profile on Transfermarkt shows just how much his market value soared.

By 2012, he was back at Borussia Dortmund. Over the next 12 years, he became club captain and led by example with both goals and assists.

He helped Dortmund win titles and built a reputation for loyalty, playmaking, and versatility. Fans saw his determination every season in Europe’s top competitions.

Reus Bundesliga Stats (Selected Seasons)

Season	Club	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2011–12	Borussia M’gladbach	32	18	12
2012–2024	Borussia Dortmund	380+	150+	100+

Life in Los Angeles and MLS Adaptation

Moving from Germany to California? That’s a culture shock, no doubt about it. Marco Reus has had to adjust to a different league, a unique soccer culture, and the electric energy of Los Angeles.

Adjusting to Life in California

Landing in LA, you can feel the shift right away. Dortmund’s quiet streets get swapped out for LA’s never-ending buzz.

For Marco Reus, the city’s size, the constant sunshine, and yes, the traffic—those things stood out immediately.

He’s talked about the “insane” differences compared to life back in Germany. From food options to the way Americans focus on personal branding, it’s a whole new world.

His daily routine has changed, too. Training schedules, media duties, and fan interactions all have their own LA twist.

The weather helps him stay fit year-round, but building chemistry with new teammates and handling the city’s distractions takes some getting used to.

Luckily, LA’s international community gives him some support as he settles in far from home.

Sights and Sounds Influencing Daily Life:

• Mild, sunny weather all year
• Long drives due to traffic
• Multicultural neighborhoods
• Focus on entertainment and sports branding

MLS Versus European Football

Alright, let’s talk about the move to Major League Soccer for Reus. It’s a big leap, no doubt about it.

He brought that Bundesliga pedigree with him, but the MLS style hits different. You’ll see more physical battles, less of that chess-match tactical stuff, and honestly, the matches can turn into a track meet—end-to-end action, all night long.

Opponents? They’re tough, and the travel can really test your stamina. Flying across the country every other week, that’s not easy. It’s a grind, and you feel it in your legs.

Back in the Bundesliga, teams focus on careful prep and tight routines week in, week out. In MLS, you just don’t get that same predictability. The league throws curveballs—like Targeted Allocation Money. I mean, who came up with that?

Reus had to adjust fast. One week you’re on grass, the next it’s turf. That takes a toll, believe me.

But here’s the thing—his technical skill, the vision, it still shines. He’s making plays, both on the field and in the locker room. Guys notice.

Key Adjustments in MLS:

Attribute	Bundesliga	Major League Soccer
Match Tempo	Methodical	Fast, direct
Tactical Structure	High	Moderate
Travel Distance	Short	Long, cross-country
Game Surfaces	Mostly grass	Turf and grass
League Rules	Traditional	Unique, allocation money