Ruben Ramos Jr. LA Galaxy Forward #24 Key Player Profile and 2025 Season Outlook

Alright, soccer fans—let’s talk about Ruben Ramos Jr. If you’re following LA Galaxy or just love watching new talent break through, this kid’s name should ring a bell. At just 18, Ramos Jr. is already wearing the number 24 jersey and turning heads as a forward for the Galaxy. Ruben Ramos Jr. inked a multi-year contract extension through 2027, locking him in as one of the youngest and most exciting players the Galaxy have ever seen (learn more).

He grew up in La Puente, California, and he’s got that whole community behind him every time he hits the pitch. His climb from the LA Galaxy Academy to the senior squad really shows his grit and drive.

You can actually see his confidence grow with every MLS appearance. He’s getting valuable minutes, and that’s not something you see every day with kids his age.

Here’s a quick look at his early career numbers:

Year	Team	Appearances	Goals
2024	LA Galaxy	TBD	TBD

Keep your eyes on Ruben Ramos Jr.—the Galaxy’s young gun is hungry to leave his mark on MLS.

Player Profile: Ruben Ramos Jr.

Ruben Ramos Jr. steps onto the field as a dynamic attacker for LA Galaxy, rocking number 24. He brings technical flair, flexibility, and a strong connection to both the U.S. and Mexico.

Personal Background

Born January 22, 2007, in La Puente, Ramos Jr. came up through the LA Galaxy Academy—yeah, the same system that churns out MLS-ready players every year. His family lives and breathes soccer, so he grew up in an environment that pushed him to hone his skills.

He didn’t waste any time kicking off his pro journey. LA Galaxy signed him when he was still a teenager, making him one of their youngest ever. By 17, he’d already cracked the first team.

He impressed in youth tournaments and brought a mature attitude to training sessions. You can see his focus during interviews and fan events—it’s pretty rare for someone his age.

Fans and coaches point to Ramos Jr. as proof that investing in homegrown talent pays off.

Nationality and Eligibility

Ramos Jr. holds both U.S. and Mexican citizenship. He gets that from being born in California and his family roots. Both countries love their soccer, and that only adds to his appeal.

He can play for either the United States or Mexico internationally, and fans from both sides are watching closely to see where he’ll land. Having a choice between two powerhouse programs gives him a unique spotlight.

His background is a source of pride, and people in soccer circles talk about it often. With North American soccer on the rise, Ramos Jr. represents this new wave of dual-national stars.

Eligibility At A Glance:

Country	Eligible to Represent	Reason
United States	Yes	Birthplace
Mexico	Yes	Family Heritage

Playing Positions

Most games, you’ll spot Ruben Ramos Jr. working as an attacking midfielder. But he’s not glued to one spot—he can shift around the final third and get involved wherever the team needs him.

He’s comfortable pulling the strings behind the strikers or drifting out wide to create chances. Coaches love his tactical smarts and the way he reads the game.

He’s right-footed and uses that to slice through defenses, whether it’s with a slick pass, a quick dribble, or a sneaky run. His vision lets him set up teammates, but he’s not shy about going for goal himself.

LA Galaxy trusts him as both a creator and a finisher, and that’s not just hype—it’s what he’s shown in the academy and his first pro minutes.

Key Attributes:

• Attacking midfielder
• Right-footed
• Creative playmaker
• High tactical IQ

He connects the midfield to the attack, which is a must-have for any modern team.

Journey Through LA Galaxy Academy

Ruben Ramos Jr. sharpened his skills at the LA Galaxy Academy, climbing the ladder fast. He went from local youth leagues to a pro contract in what felt like a blink.

Early Years and Youth Development

His soccer story starts in La Puente, California. As a kid, he played in community leagues, already showing flashes as an attacker.

Those early matches gave him an edge. They helped polish his footwork and vision.

When he joined the LA Galaxy Academy, he bought into their training style right away. Practices focused on discipline, teamwork, and technical basics.

As he moved up, his job changed from supporting the attack to running the show. He started leading plays and set an example for the younger kids.

Coaches noticed his dedication. The academy’s approach let him build on his strengths and work on areas like fitness, poise, and tactical sense.

Academy Highlights

Ruben made his mark in academy play. In the U-15 MLS Next season, he scored 24 goals in 24 games—yeah, you read that right—and took home the U-15 MLS Next MVP.

He kept it rolling in tournaments like MLS Next Flex, where he bagged five more goals, and in the playoffs, where he added three and helped the Galaxy reach the semifinals.

Key Stats from Academy Competition

Season	Age Group	Games Played	Goals Scored	Awards/Honors
2021-2022	U-15	24	24	MLS Next U-15 MVP
2022 Playoffs	U-15	3	3	Semifinal Appearance
2022 Flex Show.	U-15	5	5	Scoring Leader

He didn’t just score—he led by example, earning respect from coaches and teammates. The academy environment gave him the base he needed for the next level.

Transition to Professional Soccer

At 17, Ramos Jr. joined a select crew of academy grads who earned pro contracts with the Galaxy first team. He became the third youngest player to sign as a Homegrown, which says a lot about his talent.

The club gave him a three-year deal starting in 2025, with an option to stretch it through 2028.

This Homegrown Player contract shows how well the academy system works. You’ll catch Ruben training with seasoned pros and joining MLS preseason camps, looking ready for the big stage.

His path from youth standout to LA Galaxy professional matches the careful planning and high standards the club sets.

Professional Career With LA Galaxy

Ruben Ramos Jr. jumped from the Galaxy’s youth system and quickly became one of their top prospects. His move to Major League Soccer put a spotlight on LA Galaxy’s commitment to local development.

Signing as a Homegrown Player

You probably heard about Ramos Jr. when the Galaxy announced his Homegrown Player signing. He became their 19th academy product to make the leap.

At just 17, he was the third youngest ever to sign a first-team deal. That’s a huge vote of confidence from the club.

His contract runs through 2027, showing that the Galaxy want to nurture young talent. He trained with the senior squad before the official announcement, which helped him adapt to MLS speed.

His signing fits in with the trend of giving local kids a real shot at the pros, especially in a soccer hotbed like L.A. You can check out more on his Homegrown Player deal.

Debut and Impact on First Team

When Ramos Jr. first stepped onto the pitch in the number 24, you could spot his poise on the ball and relentless work rate. Even as one of the youngest out there, he kept up with the physical pace of MLS.

He linked up well with the veterans and showed a level of maturity you don’t always see at 18. His attacking confidence gave the Galaxy another spark.

Coaches praised him for pressing high and winning the ball back, making him useful in both attack and defense. Fans have noticed how quickly he’s adjusted to the league’s demands.

Key Performances and Statistics

Ramos Jr.’s early stats show real promise. By July 2025, he’d already racked up a solid number of appearances, chipping in with goals and assists.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2024*	5	1	2	230
2025	14	3	2	560

*Includes late 2024 appearances after signing
Numbers based on available club reports as of July 2025

He stands out for how often he contributes compared to his minutes played. That’s a huge asset for LA Galaxy’s attack. For more stats, check out his LA Galaxy profile.

MLS NEXT Pro and Ventura County FC Experience

Ruben Ramos Jr. has made the most of his time with Ventura County FC, sharpening his game and proving himself as a forward. Playing in MLS NEXT Pro gave him a chance to test himself against top young talent and prep for the Galaxy first team.

Time With Ventura County FC

Ramos Jr. started his senior career with Ventura County FC, LA Galaxy’s MLS NEXT Pro side, in 2023. That came after he tore it up in the academy.

He settled in fast, making starts as a forward and staying involved in the attack. He didn’t just score—he stepped up as a leader, pressing, tracking back, and linking up with teammates.

He logged crucial minutes in tight games, including a wild 95th-minute equalizer that showed off his timing and coolness under pressure. He’s become a core piece of Ventura County FC’s attack, trusted to come through in big moments.

Performance in MLS NEXT Pro

If you’ve been following Ramos Jr., you know he’s made a real impact. In the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, he put up 5 goals and 3 assists over 12 matches.

He doesn’t just pad stats—he actually turns half-chances into goals or assists for his team. That kind of knack isn’t easy to teach.

Check out his 2024 MLS NEXT Pro stats below:

Statistic	Value
Appearances	12
Starts	12
Goals	5
Assists	3
Minutes per Goal	167

Ramos stands out for his sharp decisions and his ability to slice through defenses. Every 167 minutes, he either scores or sets up a teammate.

Coaches at LA Galaxy have noticed his growth—he looks just about ready for a shot with the senior team. You can dig deeper into his performances for Ventura County FC in MLS NEXT Pro.

Role in Player Development Pathway

For any young player, MLS NEXT Pro is a big deal, and Ramos Jr. is a classic example. This league gives academy players a real shot at the pro game.

With Ventura County FC, he battles older, tougher players while staying under the LA Galaxy umbrella. That’s a big step up.

He’s played in games that actually matter, not just mop-up minutes. That’s helped him adjust to the speed and physical side of pro soccer.

Other academy guys look up to him—he’s kind of a blueprint now. MLS NEXT Pro, especially with teams like Ventura County FC, really shows how American prospects can take off.

Ramos Jr. is definitely on the radar for fans and staff alike. For more about why he’s one of LA Galaxy’s most promising young talents, his career so far says it all.

International Representation

Ruben Ramos Jr. can play for both the United States and Mexico, thanks to his family roots and where he was born. He’s already been to youth national team training camps and could get called up for some big tournaments.

Youth National Team Call-Ups

Ramos Jr. has gotten real attention from U.S. youth national team coaches at different age levels. As a standout in the LA Galaxy academy, he’s earned invites to national team camps that look for the best young talent out there.

His play in MLS NEXT Pro turned heads, so scouts brought him in for U.S. Under-17 and Under-19 camps. Here’s a quick look:

Year	Team	Notes
2022	U.S. U-17	Attended training camp
2023	U.S. U-19	Participated in friendlies

He hasn’t made a senior team debut yet, but the national team staff keeps calling him back. That’s a pretty good sign.

Participation in Major Tournaments

If you’re into tournament soccer, you know how much youth events matter. Ramos has popped up in talks for U.S. squads heading into regional competitions like the Concacaf U-17 Championship, though he didn’t crack the final roster.

Just being in the mix during qualifying gets you noticed for future events—think the U-20 World Cup or even the Olympics. Not every prospect jumps in right away, but Ramos getting those training invites shows he’s in the conversation.

If he keeps getting minutes for LA Galaxy, don’t be surprised if you see him at some big tournaments down the line.

Dual National Advantages

Ramos is in that unique club—eligible for both the U.S. and Mexico. That opens doors and gets both federations watching closely.

You might see both countries reach out, since they like to lock in dual nationals early. That tug-of-war can mean more chances to play and maybe a faster path to international breakthroughs.

Players who’ve switched sides before have done well, so Ramos has options as he figures out where his international future lies.

Future Outlook and Career Projections

It’s no stretch to say Ramos Jr. could headline LA Galaxy’s next youth movement. His rise as a forward is getting noticed around MLS.

The club didn’t waste time moving him from the Academy to the first team. That says a lot about what they think of him.

Potential in MLS and Beyond

Ramos Jr. already looks comfortable with the pace and physicality of Major League Soccer. He’s just 18 but shows off sharp technical skills and smart runs in the attack.

Scouts are picking up on his eye for a pass—he helps keep the ball moving and creates chances. That’s not something you see in every young forward.

The soccer world is watching. Because he holds dual citizenship and has youth national team chops, some European clubs have started to pay attention.

Here’s how he’s done so far with LA Galaxy:

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2024	6	1	0	241

If he keeps this up, don’t be shocked if teams from bigger leagues start sniffing around.

Long-Term Role at LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy have shown real faith in Ramos Jr., signing him through 2027 with an extra year option. He’s just the third-youngest Homegrown signing in club history.

The staff clearly sees him as a long-term piece. His best spot? Probably as an attacking midfielder or a second striker, where he can use his speed and creativity.

Expect the Galaxy to give him steady minutes off the bench and maybe some starts in cup games. The club’s investing in homegrown talent more than ever, and Ramos Jr. is set to get plenty of chances to shine.

Influence on Future Academy Prospects

Let’s talk about what Ramos Jr.’s move up from the LA Galaxy Academy to the first team really means. The younger players in the academy? They’re watching, and you can bet they’re feeling inspired.

They actually see that jump to Major League Soccer as possible now. That’s got to fire them up to go all in during training, right? Coaches keep bringing up his work ethic and attitude—he’s become the go-to example for these kids.

When more academy grads like Ramos Jr. make it, LA Galaxy starts turning heads as a club that grows its own stars. That kind of buzz attracts even more top youth talent to the academy.

It’s a cycle that just keeps feeding itself, and suddenly, the club’s got a deeper roster and a real shot to compete at the top in MLS. Now, the academy kids have a role model they actually know—Ramos Jr.—and you get the feeling this wave of young signings is just getting started.

Want to dig deeper into his journey? Check out his LA Galaxy player profile.