Aaron DonaldAaron RodgersAdrian PetersonAidan HutchinsonAlan PageAlvin KamaraAmon-Ra St. BrownAnthony MuñozAntonio BrownAntonio GatesArt MonkBarry SandersBecca LongoBen RoethlisbergerBijan RobinsonBo JacksonBrandon AiyukBreece HallBrett FavreBrock PurdyBruce MatthewsBruce SmithC.J. StroudCalvin JohnsonCalvin RidleyCameron JordanCeeDee LambChamp BaileyChris OlaveChristian McCaffrey
LD
Football Biography

Landon Donovan

“Captain America”

American flag American · Los Altos, USA · Born 4 March 1982

Forward/Attacking Midfielder

Advertisement

The greatest American footballer of his generation — MLS all-time top scorer and scorer of the most famous American goal in World Cup history.

The greatest American footballer of his generation — MLS all-time top scorer and scorer of the most famous American goal in World Cup history. Football at the highest level rewards technical mastery, physical conditioning and the mental fortitude to perform consistently across a long and unrelenting career. Career highlights included MLS Cup 5x, MLS All-Time Scorer, World Cup Group Stage Goal vs Algeria 2010. Landon embodied the kind of complete athlete that football produces only rarely — technically accomplished, physically prepared and mentally equipped for the full demands of elite competition. Across a career marked by sustained excellence, Landon established a legacy that endures in the record books and in the lasting memory of football fans worldwide. Competing at the highest level in football over an extended period demands outstanding physical gifts and the mental resilience to overcome setbacks — something Landon Donovan demonstrated consistently throughout.

Famous For

Most capped player and all-time leading scorer for US Men's National Team

Playing Style

How They Played

Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional pace, crossing ability, and clutch goal-scoring in big moments

Legacy

Lasting Impact

Considered the greatest American soccer player of all time, revolutionized MLS and inspired a generation of American players

Honours & Achievements

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 Career
Club Period Fee Apps Goals Shirt
Everton2010–2010loan132
Bayer Leverkusen1999–200591#10
San Jose Earthquakes2001–20048732#10
LA Galaxy2005–2014315145#10
Bayern Munich2009–2009659#10
American flag USA15757
Career Journey

Timeline

1999 📌 Professional debut with San Jose Earthquakes at age 17
2000 🌍 US National Team debut
2002 🏆 CONCACAF Gold Cup winner
2009 🥇 MLS MVP Award
2010 🎯 Famous goal vs Algeria sends US to World Cup Round of 16
2014 🎯 100th international cap
2014 📌 Retirement from international football
2016 📌 Retirement from professional football
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

5 common questions about Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan scored 163 career goals.

Landon Donovan earned 157 international caps.

Landon Donovan was born in 1982.

Landon Donovan is American.

Landon Donovan played for: Bayer Leverkusen, San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Bayern Munich, Everton.