Jalen Christopher Neal

Jalen Christopher Neal is an American defender, born in Lakewood, California, on August 24, 2003. He joined the LA Galaxy Academy in 2016 after developing with local programs and progressed through Galaxy South Bay and LA Galaxy II. Neal signed a first-team contract with the Galaxy in January 2021, choosing the professional route rather than attending UC Irvine. Before making his Major League Soccer debut, he started for the United States in a January 2023 friendly against Serbia, an unusual early international milestone. He became the youngest U.S. center-back to start a knockout-round game at the 2023 CONCACAF Gold Cup, beginning the quarterfinal against Canada. After helping LA Galaxy win the 2024 MLS Cup, Neal moved to CF Montréal in January 2025. At 1.91 metres, Jalen Neal offers a tall central-defensive presence and contributes to build-up play while adapting across defensive shapes.