In sports, they always say “one player doesn’t define or characterize a team”, but what about defining a country? What about a player who stands and plays by their country’s same beliefs and principles? A player who works continually to lead their country to greatness; a leader, a captain, and oftentimes a hero. For the United States, that player is and always will be Landon Donovan.
Landon Timothy Donovan was raised in Redlands, California, just 75 miles west of Los Angeles. Since the minute he could walk, he was drawn to the game of soccer. Landon rose through the youth leagues in California and soon found himself accepted as part of US Soccer’s Youth Olympic Development Program. Donovan was selected as a member of the inaugural class of the US Soccer residency program in Bradenton, Florida where he competed with the under-17 team. He scored a total of 35 goals in 41 games that year, in which the US won the FIFA U-17 World Championship. In 1999, Donovan signed a 6-year deal with the German club Bayer Leverkusen at age 17; making 28 appearances, the rising star scored 9 goals. Although he carried out his 6-year deal with Leverkusen, Landon spent most of his time playing with the US U-17 team.
Donovan made his World Cup debut with the United States in 2002, where they had one of the best runs in the country’s history, falling to Germany in the quarterfinals in a nail-biter. He was later named Best Young Player of the tournament. In 2001, Donovan was loaned to Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes, where his impact on the club was immediate. In 2001, Donovan won his first MLS Cup in his first season with the league. 2003 was a career-defining year for the then 21 year old. Donovan won the MLS Cup with the Earthquakes, receiving Man of the Match honors in the final. He was also named US Soccer Athlete of the Year that same year.
In 2005, the 23-year-old Donovan returned to Bayer Leverkusen, but openly stated his full intention to return to Major League Soccer. Bayer Leverkusen agreed to his request, however, there was a problem with the permanent transfer. Alexi Lalas, the San Jose General Manager at the time, had traded away Donovan’s rights to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Without hesitation, Donovan returned home to Los Angeles, California where he signed with the original charter club.
Again, Donovan would make an immediate impact during his inaugural season with his new hometown club. In 2005, Donovan led the LA Galaxy to their second MLS Cup, scoring 16 goals and notching 10 assists. Following his first season with the western powerhouse, Donovan was named to the MLS All-Time Best XI.
In 2006, Landon surpassed Eric Wynalda’s record for all-time assists for the United States. Having continued success in Los Angeles, he also became the second all-time leading scorer in the playoffs with fourteen goals. And it wouldn’t stop there; the goals continued to tally up.
In 2008, Donovan became the United States’ all-time leading scorer, netting his 35th international goal against Sweden. He currently sits at 57 international goals, still holding that record. With David Beckham transferring to the LA Galaxy, 2009 was a spectacular year for Landon, in which he was crowned MLS’ Most Valuable Player and voted MLS Goal of the year.
From 2010 to 2012, Donovan completed two very successful seasons with England’s Everton in the Premier League. This successful spell followed Donovan’s one-year loan to Bayern Munich.
The 2010 World Cup was one for Donovan, and the storybooks. In the US’ second game against Algeria, Donovan scored what will forever be considered one of the most memorable goals in US Soccer history. With just seconds left to play in injury time, Donovan finished the follow up off a rebound, leading the United States to their first World Cup group win since 1930. The legendary Ian Darke said it best, “You could not write a script like this!” – a tagline that could be used to describe Donovan’s overall career.
An uncontrollable and emotion-filled Donovan stood before reporters and cameras following the final whistle. When asked about the goal itself, Donovan immediately complimented his teammates, explaining it was their work that made the goal. As for him, “You can’t miss from there.” explained Donovan. His goals throughout the 2010 World Cup made Landon the highest scoring American man in World Cup history.
Following the World Cup, Donovan would achieve yet another incredible US Soccer feat. On August 1, 2010, Landon scored his 100th goal of Major League Soccer, setting him at the summit of American Soccer records books.
In 2011, Donovan scored the title-clinching goal of the MLS Cup for LA, also being named MLS Cup MVP following the final. The next year, Landon would take LA to the top yet again, winning the club’s fifth title. By doing so, Landon tied the record for most-career MLS Cup wins. In 2013, Donovan became the first US player to reach 50 international goals. Just four days later, Donovan became the first US player to tally 50 goals and 50 assists.
Following the drama-filled World Cup roster decision, Landon returned to the LA Galaxy where he suited up just 3 days later. Upon his return, Landon Donovan scored twice against the Philadelphia Union to break Jeff Cunningham’s record as Major League Soccer’s All-Time leading scorer with 136 goals.
As if there is any need to state any more of Donovan’s accolades, I will just for the statistical amusement. In total, the 32 year old has accumulated 7 Player of the Year Awards, an MLS Goal of the Year, a Golden Boot, a Silver Boot, and has been named to the MLS Best XI 6 times. Just to add a few more; he’s notched 57 international goals, 58 international assists, and is a four-time CONCACAF Gold Cup champion.
Landon Donovan’s career is one of unbelievable talent, victory, humility, genius and innovation. There is no question that he will go down as the single greatest American soccer player this country has ever seen.
Landon Donovan has shaped American soccer far beyond just the trophies, awards, and accolades he’s earned. Aside from being the face of American soccer for the last decade, Landon has done far more. He played the game with a purpose: for the love of the game, the way it’s supposed to be played. He represented this country in a way that few athletes have before. His innovation on the field has inspired young players from this country and will continue to do so for years to come.
I know I’m using a lot of past tense here, and I really shouldn’t. You heard him yourself during the press conference; there’s still work to be done here in LA. Landon Donovan may have a time frame now, but what happens within it is timeless. So until that final match, Landon, enjoy it; like you taught all of us to do.
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