Landon Donovan's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Landon Donovan is a celebrated American former professional soccer player and coach, widely regarded as one of the greatest U.S. men's players ever. He held the record for all-time top assist provider in international football until 2023 and shares the record for most international goals scored by a U.S. male player. A dominant force in Major League Soccer, Donovan secured a record six MLS Cups and holds the league's all-time assist lead. His impact on the sport is further cemented by the renaming of the MLS MVP Award to the Landon Donovan MVP Award.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2003: LA Galaxy wins Supporter's Shield

In 2003, LA Galaxy wins Supporter's Shield.

2003: Donovan wins MLS Cup and U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year

In 2003, Landon Donovan led the Earthquakes to another MLS Cup championship, scored two goals in the MLS Cup, earned Man of the Match, and was named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year.

January 19, 2008: Became United States' all-time leading goal scorer

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

June 8, 2008: Reached 100 caps for the United States

On June 8, 2008, Landon Donovan reached 100 caps at age 26 in a friendly against Argentina that ended in a 0–0 draw, becoming the fourth-youngest person to achieve this milestone.

2008: Donovan has a banner year

Although the 2008 season was a disappointment for LA Galaxy, it was a banner year for 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: Scored free-kick against Honduras

On October 10, 2009, Landon Donovan scored a free-kick, giving the U.S. a 3–2 victory over Honduras in San Pedro Sula, which clinched World Cup qualification.

2010: LA Galaxy wins Supporter's Shield

In 2010, LA Galaxy had another successful campaign 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: LA Galaxy wins MLS Cup

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. Donovan was named the MLS Cup MVP.

July 5, 2013: Reached 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 score 50 international goals after scoring twice against Guatemala in a warmup friendly before the Gold Cup.