Landon Donovan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Landon Donovan, widely regarded as the greatest U.S. men's soccer player of all time, is a former professional player and coach. He holds the world record for international assists (58) and is tied for the most international goals scored by a U.S. male player (57). Donovan's achievements include winning a record six MLS Cups and being the league's all-time assists leader with 136. In recognition of his impact, the Major League Soccer MVP Award has been renamed the Landon Donovan MVP Award.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2002: World Cup Debut and Best Young Player Award

In 2002, Landon Donovan debuted at the World Cup finals, starting in a match against Portugal. During the tournament, Donovan scored against Poland and Mexico. Following the U.S.'s quarter-final loss to Germany, Donovan was named Best Young Player of the tournament.

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.

2003: Won Supporters' Shield

In 2003, LA Galaxy won the Supporters' Shield. In 2010, LA Galaxy won the Supporters' Shield for the first time since 2003, with Landon Donovan scoring seven goals and a team-high 16 assists.

2003: U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year

In 2003, Landon Donovan was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year.

2004: U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year Award

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 win the Gold Cup title, scoring four goals, including a penalty against 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 the age of 26 in a friendly match against Argentina, becoming the fourth-youngest person to achieve this milestone.

October 10, 2009: World Cup Qualification Goal

On October 10, 2009, Landon Donovan scored on a free-kick, securing a 3–2 victory for the U.S. against Honduras in San Pedro Sula, which clinched World Cup qualification for the United States.

August 1, 2010: Scored 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: Highest-Scoring American in World Cup History

During the 2010 World Cup, Landon Donovan's three goals made him the highest-scoring male American player in World Cup history.

2010: Won Supporters' Shield

In 2010, LA Galaxy won the Supporters' Shield for the first time since 2003, with Landon Donovan scoring seven goals and a team-high 16 assists.

2010: 2010 FIFA World Cup

In 2010, Landon Donovan played every minute for the U.S. at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. He scored against Slovenia and Algeria, leading the U.S. to first place in their group. He also scored a penalty against Ghana, and became the highest-scoring American male in World Cup history.

2011: Won MLS Cup and Named MVP

In 2011, Landon Donovan scored the title-clinching goal in the 72nd minute over the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup 2011, securing his fourth MLS Cup title and was named the MLS Cup MVP.

July 5, 2013: Reaching 50 International Goals

On July 5, 2013, Landon Donovan became the first U.S. player to score 50 international goals, marking him as the fourth man in CONCACAF to reach this milestone, after scoring twice against Guatemala.