Landon Donovan

Landon Timothy Donovan(born March 4, 1982) is an American former professionalsoccerplayer and coach who was most recently the interim head coach ofSan Diego Wave FCof theNational Women's Soccer League(NWSL). Widely regarded as one of the greatest U.S. players of all time, Donovan holds the world record for the man with the most international assists (58),and is tied withClint Dempseyfor the most international goals scored by a male U.S. player (57).

Landon Donovan

Donovan playing forLA Galaxyin 2010
Personal information
Full name	Landon Timothy Donovan
Date of birth	(1982-03-04)March 4, 1982
Place of birth	Ontario, California,United States
Height	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Position(s)	Winger,forward
Youth career
1999	IMG Academy
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
1999–2000	Bayer Leverkusen II	28	(9)
2000–2005	Bayer Leverkusen	7	(0)
2001–2004	→San Jose Earthquakes(loan)	87	(32)
2005–2014	LA Galaxy	247	(112)
2009	→Bayern Munich(loan)	6	(0)
2010	→Everton(loan)	10	(2)
2012	→Everton(loan)	7	(0)
2016	LA Galaxy	6	(1)
2018	León	6	(0)
2018–2019	San Diego Sockers(indoor)	10	(5)
Total		416	(161)
International career
1998–1999	United States U17	41	(35)
2001	United States U20	4	(0)
2000–2004	United States U23	15	(9)
2000–2014	United States	157	(57)
2019	United States(indoor)	1	(0)
Managerial career
2020–2022	San Diego Loyal
2024	San Diego Wave(interim)
Medal record Men'ssoccer RepresentingUnited States CONCACAF Gold Cup Winner 2002 United States Winner 2005 United States Winner 2007 United States Winner 2013 United States Runner-up 2011 United States 2003 United States–Mexico FIFA Confederations Cup Runner-up 2009 South Africa
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

An early soccer product ofIMG Academy,Donovan signed forBayer Leverkusenin 1999. In 2005, after six years with Leverkusen, the majority of which were spent onloanwith theSan Jose Earthquakesof MLS, Donovan moved back to the United States permanently to sign with theLos Angeles Galaxy.He later returned to Germany for a loan withBayern Munich,and twice went on short loans to EnglishPremier LeagueclubEvertonin 2010 and 2012. He retired as a player in 2014, but made a brief comeback with LA Galaxy late in the 2016 season and then in 2018 to play forLeón.He further played one season with theSan Diego Sockersof theMajor Arena Soccer League.Overall Donovan won a record sixMLS Cupsand is the league's all-time assists leader with 136.The Major League Soccer MVP Award has been renamed theLandon Donovan MVP Awardin his honor.

Donovan made his senior debut for theUnited States men's national teamin 2000. He is theall-time leader in assists,tied withClint Dempseyas the all-time leader in scoring, and is the second-most-cappedplayer of his country.Donovan is the only American player to reach the 50 goals/50 assists mark.He is tied withChristian Pulisicfor the record of fourU.S. Soccer Athlete of the Yearawards (the first man to win in consecutive years),as well as the only seven-time winner of thePlayer of the Yearaward.Donovan starred in the U.S. team that reached the quarter-finals of the2002 FIFA World Cupwhere he received theBest Young Player Award.His three goals in the2010 World Cupmade Donovan the highest-scoring male American player in World Cup history.

Early life and education

Landon Timothy Donovanwas born (along with twin sister Tristan) on March 4, 1982, inOntario, California,to Donna Kenney-Cash, an Americanspecial educationteacher, and Tim Donovan, a semi-professionalice hockeyplayer originally from Canada. Donovan's parents are both of Irish descent, and he holds Canadian citizenship by way of his father.His mother raised Landon and his siblings inRedlands, California,and he attendedRedlands East Valley High Schoolwhen not engaged in soccer activities elsewhere.

Donovan first played soccer with his older brother and when Donovan was six, his mother allowed him to join an organized league, where he scored seven goals in his first match.Donovan was a member of Cal Heat – a club based in nearbyRancho Cucamonga, California.In 1997, he was accepted into U.S. Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program.In 1999 Donovan attended theIMG AcademyinBradenton, Florida,with other members of the U-17 national team as part ofU.S. Soccer's youth development program.Donovan was a member of the inaugural class of theU.S. Soccer youth residency programinBradenton, Florida.He was named Player of the Tournament for his role in theUnited States under-17squad that finished fourth in the1999 FIFA U-17 World Championshipbefore signing with German clubBayer Leverkusenlater that year.

Club career

Bayer Leverkusen and San Jose Earthquakes

Donovan with the San Jose Earthquakes at the2003 MLS Cup

Later in 1999, Donovan signed a six-year contract for GermanBundesligaclubBayer Leverkusen,whose sporting director Michael Reschke spotted him at a youth tournament in Europe.Despite becoming a regular starter for the club's reserve team upon arrival, Donovan had trouble adapting to life overseas and was allowed extended training periods with United States youth national teams.He played in a German Cup match for the reserve team.Unhappy with his situation with Leverkusen, Donovan was loaned to theSan Jose EarthquakesofMajor League Soccer(MLS) for the 2001 season. In MLS, Donovan had immediate success, leading the Earthquakes to MLS Cup championships in 2001 and 2003 and becoming one of the only recognizable faces of soccer in the United States.In four years in the league, he scored 32 goalsand 29 assists in league play, and ten goals and six assists in the playoffs.Two of those goals were in the 2003 MLS Cup, a 4–2 Earthquakes triumph overChicago Fire SC.Donovan earned Man of the Match for his actions. He was namedU.S. Soccer Athlete of the Yearin 2003.

In 2004, Donovan became the first man to be named the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year three years in a rowbefore returning to the Bayer Leverkusen first team in January 2005. After playing seven matches with Leverkusen in the2004–05 season,only two of which were starts, Donovan requested to leave the club. Despite a late offer from EnglishPremier LeagueclubPortsmouth,Donovan expressed a desire to return to the United States. Upon his re-entry to MLS, San Jose was denied the chance to re-sign Donovan because Earthquakes general managerAlexi Lalashad traded away his rights.LA Galaxy,his hometown team, were able to trade leading scorerCarlos RuiztoFC Dallasto get on top of theMLS allocation orderas Donovan prepared to leave Germany.

LA Galaxy

2005–2014

Donovan signed a multi-year contract with LA Galaxy, making him the highest-paid American player in the league. In his first season at the club, Donovan scored 12 league goalswith 10 assists and added four goals and an assist in the playoffs as LA Galaxy won the MLS Cup (his third MLS championship to date). He was named to theMLS All-Time Best XIafter the season.In his second season with LA Galaxy, Donovan scored 12 league goals and eight assists. He also scored three goals in theOpen Cup.Despite this, Donovan and LA Galaxy failed to make the playoffs and lost in the Open Cup to Chicago Fire. Donovan's playoff goals make him MLS' second all-time leading scorer in the playoffs with 14, behind Carlos Ruiz's 15.

Donovan taking acorner kickfor LA Galaxy

Donovan had a mixed year with LA Galaxy in 2007. Upon the signing and arrival ofDavid Beckham,Donovan relinquished his captaincy to the English superstar. In the 2007SuperLigatournament, Donovan was the top scorer. He scored a goal in every match except for the final. He scored six goals in five matches.At this point in his career, Donovan had 84 all-time regular season goals putting him in seventh place on the league'sall-time scoring list.Although the2008 seasonwas a disappointment for LA Galaxy, it was a banner year for Donovan as he scored 20 goals and nine assists in 25 matches, forming a strong offensive partnership with David Beckham andEdson Buddle.

After his former national team managerBruce Arenawas named LA Galaxy head coach and Beckham joinedMilanon loan in early 2009, Donovan once again was given the club captaincy on a permanent basis. In July 2009, Donovan received praise and criticism for his critical comments about Beckham inSports IllustratedjournalistGrant Wahl's bookThe Beckham Experiment,calling Beckham a poor captain and teammate. He later apologized to Beckham for discussing his concerns to a reporter rather than to him directly.The two reconciled upon Beckham's mid-season return to Los Angeles and Donovan enjoyed an outstanding 2009 campaign, winning the league'sMost Valuable PlayerandMLS Goal of The Year 2009award and leading LA Galaxy toMLS Cup 2009,which they lost 5-4 on penalties toReal Salt Lakeafter 1-1 draw despite after Galaxy's best season, Donovan missed the fourth penalty which would lead Galaxy winning the MLS Cup. Following the season, Donovan agreed to a four-year extension to his contract with LA Galaxy, with clauses that allow him to seek loans during the MLS offseason. On August 1, 2010, Donovan scored the 100th goal of his MLS career. On September 18, 2010, he became the all-time leading scorer for LA Galaxy.

LA Galaxy had another successful campaign in 2010 winning theSupporters' Shieldfor the first time since 2003. In that campaign, Donovan scored seven goals and a team-high 16 assists. In theplayoffs,LA Galaxy would ultimately succumb to Dallas in the semi-finals.

In 2011, LA Galaxy again won the MLS Supporter's Shield. In theMLS Cup 2011,Donovan scored the title-clinching goal in the 72nd minute over theHouston Dynamo,securing his fourth MLS Cup title. Donovan was named the MLS Cup MVP.

In October 2012, Donovan expressed his desire to take a break from his professional soccer career, citing physical and mental exhaustion as the main reasons.In LA Galaxy's next match, theMLS Cup 2012,a rematch with Houston, Donovan converted a penalty kick in the 65th minute of play to give LA a 2–1 lead. The goal was Donovan's fifth in MLS Cup Finals. LA Galaxy went on to win their second straight MLS Cup, 3–1.

Donovan returned to training with LA Galaxy on March 25, 2013, and made his season debut five days later againstToronto,coming on as a 61st-minute substitute. However, upon his return, it was announced he would be forced to relinquish the captaincy toRobbie Keanefor the 2013 season. He scored two goals againstChivas USA,tying him withJeff Cunninghamtogether as the top MLS goalscorer with 134 goals. On May 25, 2014, Donovan scored twice against thePhiladelphia Unionto break Cunningham's record of 134, making Donovan MLS's All-Time leading goalscorer with 136 goals.On August 6, 2014, he scored the winning goal at the2014 MLS All-Star Game,putting the ball pastBayern MunichgoalkeeperManuel Neuerat the 70th minute, he was subsequently substituted forSporting Kansas CitystrikerDom Dwyerand gave the captain's armband to Canadian internationalWill Johnson.On August 7, 2014, Donovan announced he would be retiring at the end of the 2014 Major League Soccer season; the season ended with LA Galaxy winningMLS Cup 2014as well their fourth MLS Cup of the Donovan era on December 7, 2014.

Loans to other clubs

Donovan before his Everton debut against Arsenal

In November 2008, Donovan trained with Bayern Munich,before joining the German club on loan until the start of the 2009 MLS season in mid-March.During his stay with Bayern, Donovan had appearances in fivefriendly matches,in which he scored four goals,six league matches and oneDFB-Pokalmatch.At the end of the loan period, Bayern declined to extend his loan.

After the 2009 MLS season had finished, Donovan joined English Premier League sideEvertonon loan in January 2010, though there was strong suggestions he could join his American teammates atFulham.During this period, he played in 13 matches in all competitions, scored two goals and was named the club's Player of the Month for January.Everton were keen on extending his loan deal, but LA Galaxy refused,and Donovan returned to the U.S. in time for the start of the 2010 MLS season.

An agreement was reached in December 2011 for Donovan to spend another two months at Everton beginning in January 2012.He made his returning debut on January 4, 2012, againstBolton Wanderers,a 2–1 defeat. In his third match on loan, he assisted Everton's only goal in a 1–1 draw againstAston Villaon January 14. On January 27, he assisted in both goals in a 2–1 win over Fulham in theFA Cupfourth round proper. On January 31, he assisted inDarron Gibson's winning goal overManchester City.Donovan took his tally of assists to seven when he assistedDenis Stracqualursi's goal in a 2–0 victory overChelseaon February 11.

Return to LA Galaxy

On September 8, 2016, Donovan announced his return from retirement and officially signed with LA Galaxy for the remainder of the 2016 season (six regular season games and any consecutive play-off matches).

Donovan explained that the injuries sustained by the club late in the season led to his decision to return:

Two weeks ago, I was working as an analyst on the LA Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps match and during that game, LA Galaxy suffered injuries to three players: Jelle Van Damme, Steven Gerrard and Gyasi Zardes. Over the next few days, Nigel De Jong was transferred to Galatasaray and news broke that Gyasi would be out for the rest of the season.

Since my retirement, I have remained in close contact with many of the staff and players on LA Galaxy. I spoke with some of them that week and they jokingly asked if I was ready to make a return to the field to help fill some of the void left by the injuries and departures.

I reminded them that I haven't played a meaningful soccer game in almost two years and I certainly couldn't fill the holes left by those players. Over the ensuing days, I began to think about their inquiries and it struck me that perhaps this is something I should consider. I care so deeply about the Galaxy organization, and I believe I could help in a small way to aid the team in its quest for a sixth MLS championship.

On September 11, 2016, Donovan entered the match againstOrlando Cityas a substitute on the 83rd minute.As his traditional number 10 was worn byGiovani dos Santos,Donovan selected number 26, which he wore at Bayer Leverkusen when he began his career in 1999.

Donovan scored a goal in his second match after returning to LA Galaxy. On September 18, 2016, he came on as a substitute in the 74th minute in a match against Sporting Kansas City and scored two minutes later to tie the game 2–2.

Altogether, Donovan played in all six remaining matches of the 2016 regular season, as well as in all three play-off matches. He started in five of them and scored one goal. At the end of the play-off run, Donovan retired for the second time.

León

On January 12, 2018, Donovan signed withLiga MXteamLeón,having returned from retirement for a second time.He made his Liga MX debut on February 10, 2018, coming on as a substitute in the 83rd minute of León's 2–1 victory overClub Puebla.He scored his first goal for the club on March 24, 2018, in a friendly against his former team, theSan Jose EarthquakesOn June 17, 2018, Club León announced they had decided to terminate Donovan's contract early.

San Diego Sockers

On January 24, 2019, Donovan signed with theSan Diego Sockersin theMajor Arena Soccer League.He provided an assist in a 6–4 win over theTacoma Starsduring his MASL debut on February 15 in front of a record crowd inPechanga Arena San Diego.He scored his first two goals for the Sockers in the next game for a 13–2 win overTurlock Express,opening the scoring after just 12 seconds.Donovan was named to MASL's Week 14 Team of the Weekand also named him as a 2018–19 All-MASL Top Newcomer.

International career

See also:List of international goals scored by Landon Donovan

Donovan was a member of the inaugural class atU.S. Soccer's full-time residency program for theunder-17 national teamat theIMG AcademyinBradenton, Florida.In his two years playing for the U-17 team, he scored 35 goals in 41 games and won the Golden Ball at the1999 FIFA U-17 World Championshipas the tournament's best player.He also represented the United States at the1999 Pan American Games.In 2000, he moved up to both theUnited States U-23 men's national soccer teamas well as the senior team. Despite this he played for theUnited States U-20 men's national soccer teamin 2001. On March 20, 2001, he was involved in a collision with Marvin Lee, the captain ofTrinidad and Tobago U-20team during the2001 CONCACAF U-20 Tournamentin Trinidad. Lee collided head to side with Donovan which resulted in Lee being paralyzed after sustaining neck and spine injuries, while Donovan had fractured ribs.Lee died in 2003 from complications caused by his condition, the stadium now carrieshis name.

Donovan made his World Cup finals debut in the2002 World Cupstarting in the shock upset of pre-tournament favoritesPortugal,a match the Americans won 3–2. Donovan's cross in the 29th minute deflected in offJorge Costa,giving the U.S. a 2–0 lead. Later, Donovan would tally his first World Cup finals goal in the 83rd minute of a 3–1 loss toPolandin the third match of the group stage. He then scored his second goal of the tournament on a header which clinched a 2–0 round of 16 victory for the Americans over arch-rivalMexico.Though the U.S. would go on to lose 1–0 toGermanyin the quarter-finals, Donovan would later be namedBest Young Playerof the tournament.

Donovan during practice in 2006

Donovan was a member of the U.S. squad at the2006 World Cup,in which the Americans were eliminated in the group stage. Failing to provide any goals or assists throughout the three matches, he was widely criticized by American viewers for his performance.The following year, he led the U.S. to the2007 Gold Cuptitle with four goals, including a crucial penalty in the 2–1 victory over Mexico in the final. On January 19, 2008, Donovan scored his 35th international goal, a penalty againstSweden,and passedEric Wynaldaas the United States' all-time leading goal scorer. Donovan reached 100 caps at age 26 on June 8, 2008, in a friendly againstArgentinathat ended in a 0–0 draw, becoming the fourth-youngest person to do so.Donovan captained the U.S. in the group stage of the2009 FIFA Confederations Cupdue toCarlos Bocanegra's injury absence. Donovan scored on a penalty kick againstItaly,shortly after his team had been reduced to ten men, and scored for the U.S. in a 3–2 defeat toBrazilin thefinal.On October 10, 2009, Donovan scored on a free-kick, giving the U.S. a 3–2 victory overHondurasinSan Pedro Sulathat clinched World Cup qualification.

Donovan (left) playing againstAlgeriaat the2010 FIFA World Cup

Donovan played every minute of the U.S. campaign at the2010 FIFA World CupinSouth Africa.He scored againstSloveniawith a powerful close-range finish to begin a U.S. comeback for a 2–2 draw,and the only goal in the dying seconds of a 1–0 defeat ofAlgeriawith a finish off a reboundedClint Dempseyattempt, leading the U.S. to first place in their World Cup group for the first time since 1930.Donovan scored a penalty in the round of 16 againstGhanaas the U.S. lost 2–1 after extra time and were eliminated from the competition.His goals in South Africa made Donovan the highest scoring American male in World Cup history,and just the third American man to score in more than one World Cup, afterBrian McBrideand Clint Dempsey.His total of five World Cup goals is the most for any man representing a team fromCONCACAF.

After missing the first two World Cup qualifiers of 2013 due to his extended off-seasonsabbatical,Donovan was left off of the squad byJürgen Klinsmannfor the June qualifying matches, despite having returned to playing full-time in March.However, Donovan was re-called to the national team for the2013 CONCACAF Gold Cupto be played in July.On July 5, 2013, he became the first U.S. player to reach the 50 international goal mark and the fourth man in CONCACAF to score 50 international goals after a brace againstGuatemalain a warmup friendly before the Gold Cup.Four days later, Donovan became the first player to reach 50 goals and 50 assists for the United States during a 6–1 group stage victory in their 2013 Gold Cup opener againstBelizein which he had one goal and two assists.After the U.S. won the Gold Cup title with a 1–0 victory overPanama,Donovan was awarded the tournament's Best Player trophy after tying for the tournament lead with five goals scored. He started every match of the tournament for the United States. Donovan was recalled to the full national squad for the first time in over a year for the U.S.'s September World Cup qualifying matches againstCosta Ricaand Mexico. Donovan started and played 90 minutes in both games. With the U.S. needing a win over Mexico to clinch qualification, Donovan's corner kick assistedEddie Johnson's go-ahead goal in the 57th minute. Then, in the 78th minute, Donovan scored off a low cross fromMix Diskerudto make the score 2–0, and effectively seal the win, and the World Cup berth.

In May 2014, Donovan was named in the preliminary squad for the2014 World Cupand joined the team in training camp. However, on May 22, 2014, he was controversially omitted from the final U.S. squad by manager Jürgen Klinsmann. Donovan's absence from the team even became the comedic subject of a PlayStation Commercial where Donovan makes light of his newly found free time.Klinsmann later called his decision "one of the toughest decisions in [his] coaching career", but said, "I just think the other guys right now are a little bit ahead of him."Klinsmann's decision, which was described by media staff as abruptly timed after Klinsmann had previously promised to wait until after the team's friendly matches to announce cuts,saw additional controversy when Klinsmann's son Jonathan published and later deleted a post onTwitterthat appeared to ridicule Donovan following the announcement.

On October 10, 2014, Donovan played his 157th and final match for the United States in a friendly againstEcuadorinEast Hartford, Connecticut.The match was arranged byUnited States Soccer FederationpresidentSunil Gulatito give Donovan a proper farewell, despite the disagreement between Donovan and Klinsmann.Following his retirement, he was named byThe Guardianas the U.S. team's greatest ever player.

After playing in theMajor Arena Soccer Leagueduring the2018–19 season,Donovan was named to the United States national arena soccer team ahead of a friendly against Mexico.

Style of play

Donovan was a versatile attacker known for his pace and stamina as well as intelligence and technical skill,allowing him to play at various forward andmidfieldpositions at different points of his career. His longtime international and club manager Bruce Arena was once quoted as saying, "the problem with Landon is that he's your best player at so many positions that you never know where to put him."

Particularly in the early parts of his career, Donovan played as awithdrawn strikerand was most noted for his quickness and goalscoring ability. As his professional career progressed, Donovan was increasingly utilized by managers as a wideattacking midfielder,where he could additionally benefit the team with his playmaking abilities, passing vision, and defensive work rate.Donovan also provided capable delivery on set pieces (as well as occasionally scoring fromdirect kicks) and served as first-choicepenalty takerfor club and country for much of his career.

Coaching career

MLS Homegrown Game

In July 2015, it was announced Donovan had been appointed as head coach for a team consisting of young MLS players for the2015 MLS Homegrown Game.The game took place on July 28, 2015, atDick's Sporting Goods ParkinCommerce City, Colorado.Donovan led a team of MLS academy graduates, assembled just one day prior, to a 1–1 regulation tie, followed by a 4–5 shootout loss, as reported online.Donovan selected and coached the team a second time in the 2016 edition of the event.

San Diego Loyal

On November 14, 2019, Landon Donovan was named the inaugural manager of theSan Diego Loyal,a team that he helped co-found and was the vice president of soccer operations.Noting that his hiring was a risk for the club because he had never coached before, Donovan surrounded himself with an experienced backroom staff. He brought on former coachPaul Buckleand formerUnited States women's national soccer teamplayerShannon MacMillanas senior advisors to his staff. While also bringing in experienced coaches in Carrie Taylor,Nate Millerand Matt Hall to his staff.Donovan noted that he wanted a staff with experienced coaches because they could aid him with the day-to-day responsibilities with a coaching role that he was unfamiliar with.

During his first season in charge, Donovan lead San Diego to 6-5-5 record.Donovan and the Loyal garnered international headlines when they forfeited the last two matches of the season after having alleged instances of racial and homophobic abuse directed at their players by theLos Angeles Galaxy IIandPhoenix Risingrespectively went unpunished.After the second instance, where Phoenix Rising playerJunior Flemmingsallegedly directed a homophobic slur against openly gay San Diego playerCollin Martin,Donovan stated: "We went through a really hard incident in the LA match and we made a vow to ourselves, our community, our players, the club and the USL that we would not stand for bigotry, homophobic slurs and things that don't belong in our game. Our players in the heart and passion of the moment still wanted to play, but if we wanted to be true to who we are as a club, we have to speak and we have to act. After half-time we all decided if the player who used the homophobic slur was not removed from the game – either by the officials or by his coach – we would not play. If they are not willing to act, we have to act."

On December 2, 2022, Donovan was elevated to full-time Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations for Loyal. Associate head coachNate Millerwas promoted to head coach.

On October 23, 2023, The San Diego Loyal dissolved as a result of the inability to find a stadium and the MLS expanding to San Diego.

San Diego Wave

On August 16, 2024, Donovan was announced as the interim head coach ofNational Women's Soccer League(NWSL) clubSan Diego Wave FC,replacing interim coachPaul Buckle.Donovan's tenure as interim head coach ended on November 18, 2024.

Off the field career

Broadcasting career

After being left off the 2014 World Cup roster for the United States, Donovan joined theESPN/ABCbroadcast team for the World Cup as a studio analyst.After his retirement, Donovan became a color commentator forFOX Sports,participating in the network's coverage of the United States–Ecuador quarter-final of theCopa América Centenario.He also called the USMNT games on Fox withJohn StrongandStuart Holdenand then teamed up with ESPN/ABC's lead play-by-play announcerIan Darkefor the2022 World CupandEuro 2024.

San Diego Loyal (ownership and leadership)

Donovan, along with Warren Smith, a co-founder ofSacramento Republic,founded aUSL Championshipexpansion team in June 2019.The team debuted in theUSL Championshipin 2020. Warren Smith will be the president, while Donovan will be the executive vice president of soccer operations and head coach of the new club.Provisionally namedUSL San Diego,the team's name and crest would be developed through fan engagement and reflect the interests of the city.On November 2, 2019, the team announced their branding and naming themselvesSan Diego Loyal.

Lincoln City

On 17 June 2021, it was announced that Donovan would be joiningLincoln Cityas a Strategic Advisor, working with the Board, Chief Executive Liam Scully and Director of FootballJez Georgeto enhance the club's network and relationships, particularly within North America.

Personal life

Donovan married actressBianca Kajlichon December 31, 2006; the couple separated in July 2009,and Donovan filed for divorce in December 2010.In May 2015, he married Hannah Bartell.They welcomed their first child, son Talon, in January 2016.Donovan has spoken publicly about dealing withdepressionthroughout his life and career, and has criticized the professional sports world for its approach to mental health issues.

Since joining the Galaxy, Donovan has resided inManhattan Beach, California.He speaks fluent Spanish, which he learned both in school and through playing inHispanicclubs and leagues while growing up in California.He also speaks German as a result of his time spent in Germany.After his two brief stints playing for Everton in which he became a fan favorite, Donovan declared himself an "Evertonian for life".

He was featured on the American cover ofFIFA Football 2003,the North American covers ofFIFA 07,FIFA 11andFIFA 12video games.

In 2016, Donovan became a part owner of Welsh football clubSwansea City,joining several other Americans in an investment group that has a majority stake in the club.

Donovan revealed during the2018 FIFA World Cupthat he was a fan of fierce rivalMexicoin the absence of the United States national team, having been sponsored to do so byWells Fargo.He was widely criticized, including by his former international teammateCarlos Bocanegra,who Donovan responded back that he should "remember where you came from" in reference to Bocanegra's Mexican heritage.

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Bayer Leverkusen	1999–2000	Bundesliga	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
	2000–01	Bundesliga	0	0	0	0	0	0	—		0	0
	2004–05	Bundesliga	7	0	0	0	2	0	—		9	0
	Total		7	0	0	0	2	0	—		9	0
Bayer Leverkusen II	1999–2000	Regionalliga Nord	20	6	—		—		—		20	6
	2000–01	Oberliga	8	3	1	0	—		—		9	3
	Total		28	9	1	0	—		—		29	9
San Jose Earthquakes(loan)	2001	Major League Soccer	22	7	2	0	—		6	5	30	12
	2002	Major League Soccer	20	7	2	0	2	1	2	1	24	8
	2003	Major League Soccer	22	12	1	0	2	1	4	4	27	16
	2004	Major League Soccer	23	6	3	1	1	0	2	0	28	7
	Total		87	32	8	1	5	2	14	10	114	45
LA Galaxy	2005	Major League Soccer	22	12	3	2	—		4	4	29	18
	2006	Major League Soccer	24	12	3	3	2	1	—		29	16
	2007	Major League Soccer	25	8	3	1	—		5	4	33	13
	2008	Major League Soccer	25	20	0	0	—		—		25	20
	2009	Major League Soccer	25	12	0	0	—		4	3	29	15
	2010	Major League Soccer	24	7	0	0	2	0	3	0	29	7
	2011	Major League Soccer	23	12	1	0	8	2	4	3	36	17
	2012	Major League Soccer	26	9	0	0	3	0	5	2	34	11
	2013	Major League Soccer	22	10	0	0	3	0	2	0	27	10
	2014	Major League Soccer	31	10	1	0	—		5	3	37	13
	2016	Major League Soccer	6	1	0	0	—		3	0	9	1
	Total		253	113	11	6	18	3	35	19	317	141
Bayern Munich(loan)	2008–09	Bundesliga	6	0	1	0	0	0	—		7	0
Everton(loan)	2009–10	Premier League	10	2	1	0	2	0	—		13	2
Everton (loan)	2011–12	Premier League	7	0	2	0	—		—		9	0
León	2017–18	Liga MX	6	0	2	0	—		—		8	0
San Diego Sockers(indoor)	2018–19	Major Arena Soccer League	8	5	—		—		2	0	10	5
Career total			412	161	26	7	27	5	51	29	511	200

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
United States	2000	1	1
	2001	8	0
	2002	20	6
	2003	15	7
	2004	14	5
	2005	15	6
	2006	11	0
	2007	12	9
	2008	9	3
	2009	15	5
	2010	8	3
	2011	10	1
	2012	6	3
	2013	10	8
	2014	3	0
Total		157	57

Coaching statistics

As of match played October 24, 2022

Coaching record by team and tenure

Team	From	To	Record
			G	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD	Win %
San Diego Loyal	March 7, 2020	December 2, 2022	85	39	17	29	138	120	+18	045.88
San Diego Wave(interim)	August 16, 2024	Present	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Total			85	39	17	29	138	120	+18	045.88

Honors

San Jose Earthquakes

• MLS Cup:2001,2003

LA Galaxy

• MLS Cup:2005,2011,2012,2014
• Supporters' Shield:2010,2011
• Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup:2005

United States

• CONCACAF Gold Cup:2002,2005,2007,2013
• FIFA Confederations Cup:runner-up2009

Individual

• U.S. Soccer Young Athlete of the Year:2000
• U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year:2003, 2004, 2009,2010
• Best Male Soccer Player ESPY Award:2002
• Best MLS Player ESPY Award:2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011
• Honda Player of the Year:2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
• FIFA U-17 World CupGolden Ball:1999
• FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award:2002
• FIFA World Cup All-Star Team:2002 (Reserve)
• CONCACAF Gold CupBest XI:2002,2003,2005,2013;Honorable Mention:2007
• CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP:2013
• CONCACAF Gold Cup top scorer:2003,2005,2013
• CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Goal:2011(second place)
• LA GalaxyPlayer of the Year: 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011
• LA GalaxyGolden Boot: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
• LA Galaxy Humanitarian of the Year:2007, 2008
• EvertonPlayer of the Month: January 2010, January 2012
• MLS All-Time Best XI:Midfielder
• Major League Soccer MVP:2009
• MLS Player of the Month:September 2003, April 2003, April 2008, July 2009, May 2011, August 2014
• MLS Best XI:2003, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014
• MLS Cup MVP:2003, 2011
• MLS All-Star:2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2012,2013,2014
• MLS All-Star GameMVP:2001,2014
• MLStop assist provider:2007,2010,2014
• MLS 100 goals club
• MLS 50/50 Club
• MLS Golden Boot:2008
• MLS Silver Boot:2010
• MLS Goal of the Year:2009
• PremiosUnivision DeportesLifetime Achievement Award: 2014
• Walt ChyzowychFund Distinguished Playing Career Award: 2017
• IFFHSLegends
• MLSGreatest Player of All Time
• National Soccer Hall of Fame:2023

See also

• List of men's footballers with 100 or more international caps
• List of men's footballers with 50 or more international goals
• List of athletes who came out of retirement
• Landon Donovan MVP Award

External links

• Official website
• Landon Donovan–FIFAcompetition record (archived)
• Landon Donovan–UEFAcompetition record (archive)
• Landon DonovanatMajor League Soccer
• Landon DonovanatEverton FC
• Landon DonovanatESPN FC
• Landon Donovan: USA Soccer Hero– slideshow byLife magazine