Landon Donovan
About the speaker
Landon Donovan is considered one of the greatest U.S. soccer players in history. He co-founded and served as president of San Diego Loyal’s USL Team. In 2024, Donovan became the interim head coach of the San Diego Wave. He also served as a... More
Landon Donovan is considered one of the greatest U.S. soccer players in history. He co-founded and served as president of San Diego Loyal’s USL Team. In 2024, Donovan became the interim head coach of the San Diego Wave. He also served as a broadcaster during both the 2016 World Cup with Copa America Centenario and with FOX in the 2022 World Cup. Landon was also the lead analyst for FOX for their EURO 2024 coverage.
Donovan’s decorated and celebrated career as an American soccer icon featured three FIFA World Cup appearances as a player for the U.S. and countless memorable goals. He retired from the game in 2018 tied for the title of all-time leading scorer in USMNT history with 57 goals. He is the only American player to surpass both 50 goals and 50 assists in his career and was the fastest American to earn 100 caps. His individual awards include the only American to win the Golden Ball Award, FIFA’s Best Young Player of the World Cup in 2002, the CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP in 2013, the Gold Cup Best XI four times, and U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year a record four times.
His club career highlights included stints at Bayer Leverkusen (Bundesliga), Everton (Premier League) and Club León (Liga MX), but he found his greatest success at home in Major League Soccer. Donovan made a splash from 2001 to 2003 with the San Jose Earthquakes, but his play with the LA Galaxy made him a club legend. Over 247 appearances with the Galaxy, he netted 112 goals and led the team to four MLS Cups, two Supporters Shields, and the 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. In recognition of his contributions to the league and soccer in the U.S., MLS renamed its Most Valuable Player award after him in 2015. In May 2023, Donovan was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.
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