Jeremy Ebobisse Bio
Jeremy Edward Nirina Ebobisse Ebolo, born on February 14, 1997, in Paris, France, is a professional soccer player who plays as a striker for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC. Of Cameroonian and Malagasy descent, he moved with his family to the United States as a young child and later chose to represent the United States at the international level. His career highlights include winning the CONCACAF U-20 Championship in 2017 and appearing in the MLS Cup final with the Portland Timbers. Ebobisse’s journey from youth soccer in Bethesda, Maryland, to professional leagues in North America showcases his steady development and commitment to the sport.
Early Life and Background
Jeremy Ebobisse was born in Paris, France, on February 14, 1997. When he was two years old, his family relocated to Bethesda, Maryland, where he spent the rest of his childhood. He grew up alongside his older brother, Patrick, who later played college soccer at Williams College in Massachusetts.
Ebobisse attended Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, where he played on the school team alongside Gedion Zelalem. During his freshman year, the Walter Johnson squad posted an undefeated regular season and reached the state championship game, ultimately falling to Bowie High School. Both Ebobisse and Zelalem earned individual honors at the end of that season under head coach Michael Williams.
Outside of high school competition, Ebobisse played club soccer for the OBGC Rangers, a program that produced several other professional players, including Zelalem, Carter Manley, Chase Gasper, and Jake Rozhansky. These early experiences in Maryland helped shape his development as a forward before he moved on to the college ranks.
Path to Soccer
After high school, Ebobisse enrolled at Duke University, where he played two seasons of college soccer in 2014 and 2015. He made 37 appearances for the Duke Blue Devils and scored nine goals during his time in the program, establishing himself as a reliable attacking option.
During his college years, Ebobisse also gained experience at the semi-professional level, appearing for Premier Development League side D.C. United U-23 in 2015. That same year, he also featured for the Charleston Battery near the end of their 2016 United Soccer League season, gaining further exposure to professional match play.
In August 2016, Ebobisse signed a contract with Major League Soccer, though he did not join a club until the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in January 2017. His performances at Duke and in the lower divisions had positioned him as a top prospect heading into the draft.
Jeremy Ebobisse Career
Early Career (2017)
Ebobisse was selected fourth overall in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by the Portland Timbers, following a trade with the Houston Dynamo that sent an international slot, $100,000 in general allocation money, and the tenth overall pick to Houston. The selection marked his entry into Major League Soccer after a steady rise through youth and college soccer.
That same year, he represented the United States under-20 national team at the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup and was part of the squad that won the CONCACAF U-20 Championship. These achievements established him as one of the promising young American forwards of his draft class.
Portland Timbers Era (2017–2021)
Ebobisse spent his first four Major League Soccer seasons with the Portland Timbers, where he developed into a regular contributor. His most significant stretch came during the second half of the 2018 MLS season, when he started all six of the Timbers’ playoff appearances, including the MLS Cup 2018 final against Atlanta United FC. The run to the final remains one of the defining moments of his time in Portland.
Although Portland did not win the title, Ebobisse’s performances during that postseason helped raise his profile around the league. He continued to feature for the Timbers over the following seasons, but in August 2021, the club traded him to the San Jose Earthquakes, ending his tenure in Oregon.
San Jose Earthquakes Era (2021–2024)
After joining San Jose, Ebobisse settled into a forward role with the Earthquakes and contributed regularly to the team’s attack. In week two of the 2023 season, he was named to the league’s Team of the Matchday after recording a goal and an assist in a 2–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps. The performance was one of the early bright spots of that campaign for San Jose.
Ebobisse remained with the Earthquakes through the 2024 season, providing experience and leadership in the attacking third. His time in San Jose ended when the club moved on from him ahead of the 2025 calendar year.
Los Angeles FC Era (2024–Present)
In December 2024, Los Angeles FC signed Ebobisse to a three-year contract with a club option for 2028, bringing the veteran striker to one of the league’s most ambitious clubs. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for trophies in Los Angeles after a four-year stay in San Jose.
The signing was viewed as a depth and experience addition for LAFC, which has regularly challenged for Major League Soccer’s top honors. Ebobisse joined a forward group built to compete in both league play and continental competition.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the most notable moments of Jeremy Ebobisse’s career are his appearance in the MLS Cup 2018 final with the Portland Timbers and his contribution to the United States under-20 team’s victory at the 2017 CONCACAF U-20 Championship. His selection as the fourth overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft also stands as a major early-career milestone.
Jeremy Ebobisse Career Wins
Jeremy Ebobisse has collected important team honors during his professional career, most notably the CONCACAF U-20 Championship with the United States under-20 national team in 2017. At the club level, he reached the MLS Cup final with the Portland Timbers in 2018, although Portland fell short of the title against Atlanta United FC. He has also contributed to playoff runs in multiple seasons across Portland, San Jose, and Los Angeles.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his national team success, Ebobisse has been a consistent contributor in Major League Soccer and the United Soccer League. His time with the Charleston Battery in 2016 and D.C. United U-23 in 2015 provided him with valuable professional experience before his MLS career began. With Los Angeles FC, he is positioned to compete for additional silverware in the seasons ahead.
Jeremy Ebobisse Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Jeremy Ebobisse was born in Paris, France, and is of Cameroonian and Malagasy descent. He moved to the United States with his family at the age of two and grew up in Bethesda, Maryland. His older brother, Patrick, played college soccer at Williams College in Massachusetts, continuing the family’s ties to the sport.
Personal Life
Ebobisse attended Duke University, where he played two seasons of college soccer and earned a degree while developing as a professional prospect. He is a U.S. international, having made his senior debut for the United States national team on January 27, 2019, in a friendly against Panama after receiving his first call-up as part of the 2019 January camp. In October 2019, he was also called into a U.S. Men’s National Team pre-camp in Bradenton, Florida.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represents Jeremy Ebobisse’s first full campaign with Los Angeles FC after joining the club in December 2024 on a three-year contract. As an experienced striker, he is expected to provide depth and leadership in LAFC’s attacking group as the team competes in Major League Soccer and in continental competition. His role will likely focus on combining with the club’s established playmakers and contributing goals across the long season.
Ebobisse’s ability to play as a central forward and link play with midfielders gives LAFC flexibility in how it sets up its attack. With multiple teams in the Western Conference expected to contend for the playoffs, his contributions off the bench or as a starter could play an important part in LAFC’s pursuit of another deep postseason run.
Coming off several seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes, Ebobisse brings familiarity with the league’s pace and travel demands, an asset for a club with title aspirations. His performance in 2025 will be measured not only in goals and assists but also in how well he integrates into LAFC’s system under the coaching staff.