Landon Donovan

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Donovan made his senior debut for the United States national team in 2000. He represented his country in several youth levels, winning the Golden Ball of the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Cup. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he received the FIFA Best Young Player Award and was named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team as a reserve. Donovan won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2002, 2005, 2007, and 2013; winning the MVP award of the 2013 edition and the Golden Boot award of the 2003, 2005, and 2013 editions. He was runner-up of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and scored in the final. Individually, he is tied for the record of four U.S. Soccer Player of the Year awards with Christian Pulisic, and is the only seven-time winner of the Fútbol de Primera Player of the Year award. Donovan was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2023.

In Their Own Story

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Donovan scored the goal that sent the United States through to the knockout stage. With the U.S. trailing 1-0 to Algeria in the final group match, Donovan collected a rebound and slotted the ball into the net in the 91st minute. The goal secured a 1-0 victory and first place in Group C. It was his fifth World Cup goal, making him the highest-scoring American player in World Cup history. The moment became one of the most iconic in U.S. soccer history, with the call 'Go, go, USA!' echoing across the country. Donovan had already scored in the 2002 edition, and this strike in 2010 cemented his reputation as the man for the big moment on the world stage.

Reader's Guide

2000–2002: Donovan makes his senior USMNT debut in 2000. At the 2002 FIFA World Cup, he helps the U.S. reach the quarter-finals, receives the FIFA Best Young Player Award, and is named to the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team as a reserve. He wins the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2002. 2003–2007: Donovan wins the CONCACAF Gold Cup Golden Boot in 2003 and 2005. He wins the Gold Cup again in 2005 and 2007. He is named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2003, becoming the first man to win the award three years in a row. 2008–2014: Donovan is runner-up at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup and scores in the final. He wins the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2013, earning the MVP award and the Golden Boot. He is tied for the record of four U.S. Soccer Player of the Year awards. He retires from professional soccer in 2014.

Did You Know?

• Donovan is the all-time top assist provider in international football (58) until 2023.
• He is tied with Clint Dempsey for the most international goals scored by a male U.S. player (57).
• Donovan is the only American player to reach the 50 goals/50 assists mark for the national team.
• He is the first and only North American (CONCACAF) recipient of the FIFA Best Young Player Award.
• Donovan is the highest-scoring American player in World Cup history with 5 goals.