U.S. men’s national team legend Landon Donovan didn’t hold back, sharply criticizing high-profile American players who opted to sit out this summer’s 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, citing fatigue from their European club seasons.
During FOX Sports’ broadcast of the Nations League final between Portugal and Spain, Donovan expressed frustration with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Antonee Robinson, and other USMNT regulars left out of head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s squad.
“This is what it means to represent your country,” Donovan said while watching Portugal’s emotional post-match celebrations. “If you don’t want to take it seriously as a professional soccer player and someone who gets the opportunity to wear the jersey, then don’t come in.”
Donovan compared the absent U.S. stars to Portuguese captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who, at 40, featured in the final despite a long club season and even suffered an injury. “And I can’t help but think about our guys on vacation not wanting to play in Gold Cup. It’s pissing me off,” he added.
In the post-match interview, Portugal’s Bruno Fernandes was asked where players find the strength to keep competing after grueling seasons.
His answer struck a chord with Donovan: “Playing for your country is a dream for every player and that’s it.” Donovan praised the midfielder’s sentiment, saying, “I’m beating a dead horse but I don’t care. I care about this country and I care about our national team. We don’t have enough of that, what you just heard.”
Donovan’s impassioned comments come as the USMNT struggles to find form under Pochettino, having just lost their third straight match in a 2-1 defeat to Turkiye. With only one preparation friendly remaining—against Switzerland on Tuesday—pressure is mounting for the current squad to perform in the absence of its stars.
“Our fans have that passion,” Donovan said. “They want to feel that and they want their players to feel that too. These guys [Portuguese players] feel it.”
“This is what it means to represent your country.”
Landon Donovan goes OFF on USMNT players sitting out from international duty.— USMNT Only (@usmntonly) June 9, 2025
The U.S. team will now turn its attention to their final preparatory fixture, set for Tuesday against Switzerland, with several players aiming to make a strong impression and earn their place in the squad amidst the absence of numerous high-profile regulars.
