Landon Donovan Profile

The most experienced player active in the United States football team, Landon Donovan is a prolific striker, also capable of playing in the midfield. Donovan has scored over three dozen goals in international football for his country.

Playing Position: Wing/Attacking midfielder
Club: Everton
Jersey Number: 9

Landon Donovan Bio

Landon Donovan was born in Ontario, California on the 4th of March 1982. While Donovan’s father was an accomplished ice hokey player, the young American was fascinated by the beautiful game, and pushed to play the football, making his club debut at the age of 6.

That debut provided a taste of things to come, as Donovan scored 7 goals. His precocious talent soon came to the attention of American soccer bosses, and Donovan was offered a place in the U.S. Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program.

Donovan would later graduate to the IMG Soccer Academy, where he was discovered by talent scouts from the Bundesliga, who in turn offered him a place with Bayern Leverkusen.

Landon Donovan Career

Donovan’s first season in the German top flight proved to be abortive, as he struggled to settle into the squad, eventually requesting a transfer to Major League Soccer. Leverkusen accepted his request, loaning their young striker out to the San Jose Earthquakes.

This move reinvigorated Donovan, as his return to the States sparked a period of brilliant form that saw him take his club to two national championship titles. The American was called back to Germany after three seasons, but played only a handful of games before securing a permanent move back to MLS with a transfer to the LA Galaxy side.

Donovan spent four seasons at LA Galaxy, becoming his side’s top goalscorer and claiming his third league championship winner’s title. Donovan’s exploits attracted renewed interest from Europe and in 2009 he spent half a season on loan to Bayern Munich.

The American’s second spell in Europe proved to be more successful, but he was soon forced to return to the United States to continue his contract with LA Galaxy. After another successful season with the American club, Donovan secured a second European off-season contract, this time accepting a loan offer from Everton.

Landon Donovan has played for the American football team since 2000. During this period he has scored over three dozen goals for his country, including five goals in qualifying for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa.

Landon Donovan Playing Style

Landon Donovan is both a naturally gifted player and a grinder. Renowned for his excellent work-ethic, Donovan is also an unselfish player who has the ability to set up goals for other forwards in his team. Donovan is also strong off the set-pieces, and has the composure to take accurate penalties and free kicks.