American · Los Altos, USA · Born 4 March 1982The greatest American footballer of his generation — MLS all-time top scorer and scorer of the most famous American goal in World Cup history.
Landon Timothy Donovan was born on March 4, 1982, in Ontario, California, and developed his early talent through the U.S. youth soccer system before joining the residency program at IMG Academy in Florida. Bayer Leverkusen signed him as a teenager, but homesickness and difficulty adjusting to life in Germany led to a loan move back to the United States with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2001, where his career truly flourished. Donovan became the most decorated player in the history of American soccer, spending the bulk of his career with the LA Galaxy from 2005 onward, aside from short loan spells at Bayern Munich and Everton in England. His combination of pace, technical quality, and instinct for big moments made him the face of Major League Soccer for over a decade, and he won six MLS Cup championships across his time with San Jose and LA. Donovan represented the United States at four World Cups, from 2002 to 2014, and remains, alongside Clint Dempsey, the joint all-time leading scorer for the U.S. men's national team. His stoppage-time winner against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup, sending the United States through to the knockout stage, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic goals in American soccer history, sparking scenes of celebration across the country. Donovan retired in 2014, briefly returned for a farewell send-off with the Galaxy in 2016, and was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. He later moved into coaching and ownership roles in the sport, including a period managing San Diego Loyal and serving as interim coach of the NWSL's San Diego Wave.
Most capped player and all-time leading scorer for US Men's National Team
How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional pace, crossing ability, and clutch goal-scoring in big moments
Lasting Impact
Considered the greatest American soccer player of all time, revolutionized MLS and inspired a generation of American players
Career Honours
- MLS Cup 5x
- MLS All-Time Scorer
- World Cup Group Stage Goal vs Algeria 2010
- MLS Cup 2001
- MLS Cup 2003
- MLS Cup 2005
- MLS Cup 2011
- MLS Cup 2012
- CONCACAF Gold Cup 2002
- CONCACAF Gold Cup 2005
- CONCACAF Gold Cup 2007
- CONCACAF Gold Cup 2013
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayer Leverkusen II | 1999–2000 | — | 28 | 9 |
| Bayer Leverkusen | 2000–2005 | — | 7 | 0 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2001–2004 | loan | 87 | 32 |
| LA Galaxy | 2005–2014 | — | 247 | 112 |
| Bayern Munich | 2009–2009 | loan | 6 | 0 |
| Everton | 2010–2010 | loan | 10 | 2 |
| Everton | 2012–2012 | loan | 7 | 0 |
| LA Galaxy | 2016–2016 | — | 6 | 1 |
| León | 2018–2018 | — | 6 | 0 |
| San Diego Sockers | 2018–2019 | — | 10 | 5 |
 USA | — | — | 157 | 57 |
American Athletes