Landon Donovan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Landon Donovan.

Landon Donovan is an American former professional soccer player widely regarded as the greatest U.S. men's player ever. He holds numerous records, including being the all-time top assist provider in international football until 2023, and is tied for the most international goals scored by a male U.S. player. Donovan won a record six MLS Cups and leads the league in assists. His contributions to Major League Soccer are so significant that the MVP award was renamed the Landon Donovan MVP Award in his honor.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1930: First Place in World Cup Group Since 1930

In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Landon Donovan helped lead the U.S. to first place in their World Cup group for the first time since 1930, marking a significant achievement.

1999: Golden Ball at FIFA U-17 World Championship

In 1999, Landon Donovan won the Golden Ball at the FIFA U-17 World Championship as the tournament's best player. He also represented the United States at the 1999 Pan American Games, showcasing his talent on an international stage.

2002: FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals and Best Young Player Award

In 2002, Landon Donovan starred in the U.S. team that reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, where he received the Best Young Player Award.

2002: World Cup Debut and Best Young Player Award

In the 2002 World Cup, Landon Donovan made his debut, contributing to a 3–2 upset win against Portugal with a deflected cross. He scored his first World Cup goal against Poland and another against Mexico, helping the U.S. reach the quarter-finals. Donovan was later named Best Young Player of the tournament.

2003: Supporters' Shield Win

In 2003, LA Galaxy had a successful campaign winning the Supporters' Shield.

2003: MLS Cup Win and Athlete of the Year

In 2003, Landon Donovan led the Earthquakes to another MLS Cup championship, earning Man of the Match. He was also named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year.

2004: U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year

In 2004, Landon Donovan became the first man to be named the U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year three years in a row.

2007: 2007 Gold Cup Title

In 2007, Landon Donovan led the U.S. to the Gold Cup title, scoring four goals, including a crucial penalty in the 2–1 victory over Mexico in the final.

January 19, 2008: All-Time Leading Goal Scorer

On January 19, 2008, Landon Donovan scored his 35th international goal against Sweden, surpassing Eric Wynalda to become the United States' all-time leading goal scorer.

June 8, 2008: Reaching 100 Caps

On June 8, 2008, Landon Donovan reached 100 caps at age 26 in a friendly against Argentina, becoming the fourth-youngest person to achieve this milestone.

2008: Banner Year for Donovan

The 2008 season was a banner year for Landon Donovan as he scored 20 goals and nine assists in 25 matches, forming a strong offensive partnership with David Beckham and Edson Buddle.

October 10, 2009: World Cup Qualification Goal

On October 10, 2009, Landon Donovan scored a free-kick goal, securing a 3–2 victory for the U.S. against Honduras and clinching World Cup qualification.

January 2010: Player of the Month for January

In January 2010, Landon Donovan joined Everton on loan and was named the club's Player of the Month for January.

August 1, 2010: 100th MLS Goal

On August 1, 2010, Landon Donovan scored the 100th goal of his MLS career.

September 18, 2010: All-Time Leading Scorer for LA Galaxy

On September 18, 2010, Landon Donovan became the all-time leading scorer for LA Galaxy.

2010: 2010 FIFA World Cup Goals

During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Landon Donovan scored against Slovenia and Algeria, leading the U.S. to first place in their group. He also scored a penalty against Ghana in the round of 16.

2010: World Cup Goals Record

In the 2010 World Cup, Landon Donovan scored three goals, making him the highest-scoring male American player in World Cup history.

2010: Supporters' Shield Win

LA Galaxy had a successful campaign in 2010 winning the Supporters' Shield for the first time since 2003. In that campaign, Landon Donovan scored seven goals and a team-high 16 assists.

2011: MLS Cup Victory

In 2011, LA Galaxy again won the MLS Supporter's Shield. In the MLS Cup 2011, Landon Donovan scored the title-clinching goal in the 72nd minute over the Houston Dynamo, securing his fourth MLS Cup title and was named the MLS Cup MVP.

July 5, 2013: 50 International Goal Mark

On July 5, 2013, Landon Donovan became the first U.S. player to reach the 50 international goal mark and the fourth man in CONCACAF to achieve this feat after a brace against Guatemala.