Christian Ramirez

• Years with club: 2014–2018 (NASL and MLS)
• Position: Forward

Christian Ramirez is arguably the most important player in the club’s modern history. He joined Minnesota United in 2014 during the North American Soccer League (NASL) era, quickly earning the nickname “Superman of Soccer” for his prolific goal-scoring. He transitioned with the club into Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2017, scoring the franchise’s first-ever MLS goal and leading the team in scoring in their inaugural season. Known for his clinical finishing, positioning, and goal-poaching instincts, Ramirez holds the club record for all-time goals. His time in Minnesota ended when he was traded to LAFC midway through the 2018 season.

Key stats with Minnesota United:

• Total club goals: 70 (49 in NASL, 21 in MLS)
• Total club appearances: 139 (89 in NASL, 50 in MLS)
• NASL Golden Boot Winner: 2014 (20 goals) and 2016 (18 goals)
• NASL Best XI: 2014, 2015, 2016

Memorable moments:

• The first MLS goal: On March 3, 2017, Ramirez scored Minnesota United’s first-ever MLS goal in a 5-1 loss to the Portland Timbers, coming on as a substitute.
• NASL domination: He was the league’s top scorer twice and was named to the NASL Best XI in all three of his full NASL seasons, making him the most decorated player of the NASL era.
• USMNT debut: He earned his first cap for the United States Men’s National Team and scored a goal in his debut against Panama in January 2019, shortly after leaving the Loons.

Where are they now?:

• After leaving Minnesota, Ramirez played for LAFC and Houston Dynamo before moving overseas to play for Aberdeen F.C. in the Scottish Premiership (2021–2023).
• He returned to MLS in 2023 with the Columbus Crew, where he won the 2023 MLS Cup and the 2024 Leagues Cup.
• In February 2025, Ramirez was acquired by the LA Galaxy in a trade from the Columbus Crew.
• As of late 2025, Christian Ramirez is an active professional player with the LA Galaxy in MLS.

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