Elijah Johnson Earns Philippines U-17 Call-Up as Son of USMNT Legend Eddie Johnson

Elijah Johnson is set to take his next step on the international stage.

The 2011-born LA Galaxy Academy forward has been called up by the Philippines Under-17 national team for an upcoming training camp in Spain from September 17-22, giving the young attacker an opportunity to compete within a new international environment while continuing his development in one of the most prominent academy systems in MLS.

The call-up also carries an added layer of intrigue because of his family name.

Johnson is the son of former United States international Eddie Johnson, one of the most recognizable American forwards of his generation. Now, Elijah is beginning to build an international path of his own with the Philippines.

Following a Familiar Name

Eddie Johnson made his mark on American soccer at a very young age.

He broke into the professional game with FC Dallas before becoming one of the most dangerous young forwards in MLS. His 2007 season with the Kansas City Wizards was particularly impressive, as he scored 15 goals and added six assists, earning MLS Comeback Player of the Year honors and eventually earning a move to Fulham in the English Premier League. 

Johnson also became an important part of the U.S. Men’s National Team.

He made his senior debut in 2004 and scored a hat trick against Panama just days later. His performances earned him a place on the United States’ 2006 FIFA World Cup roster, where he appeared in two matches. He ultimately finished his international career with 59 appearances and 19 goals. 

His club career later included Seattle Sounders and D.C. United, with Johnson scoring 71 regular-season goals across 202 MLS appearances.

The Philippines opportunity represents an important moment in that process.

Although still a 2011-born player, the U-17 opportunity gives him a chance to test himself against players older than him and experience the demands of an international environment.

The Philippines have increasingly looked toward players developed abroad as they expand their youth national-team pool, and Johnson now becomes another young player from the American development system receiving an opportunity to represent the country.

His upcoming camp in Spain will give the Galaxy prospect a chance to show what he can bring at the international level while gaining valuable experience away from his club environment.

For now, he is following a familiar path into the soccer spotlight—but with a different national team.

His father wore the United States jersey at the 2006 World Cup and built a long professional career in MLS and Europe. Elijah is now beginning to write his own international story with the Philippines.

The next chapter starts in Spain.