Landon Donovan receives a lot of abuse for his playing career, and if you forget World Cups, the fact that he signed for Bayer Leverkusen as a teenager, the well-deserved accolade of having the MLS MVP award named after him, his successful loan moves with Everton, his hugely influential 14-year spell with the national team and his joyfully direct play, then he totally deserves all the criticism that comes his way.
The 36-year-old just recently returned to professional soccer after signing with Mexico’s Club Leon, and now we’d like to reminisce over the life and times of America’s golden boy.
Here’s a photographic journey through Donovan’s professional career.
Landon Donovan with a righteous flow.
Landon Donovan, Gooch and Run DMB.
Landon Donovan and Run DMB.
Landon Donovan running at a soccer ball to kick it, I'd assume.
Landon Donovan with a bloke.
Landon Donovan with a big T-shirt.
Oliver Kahn kills Landon Donovan.
Landon Donovan on the cover of FIFA 2003.
Landon Donovan whips out his tinkler and takes a tinkle. It's a disgrace.
Hi, I'm here now.
Landon Donovan on the cover of SI.
Landon Donovan with a monstrosity.
Landon Donovan was Bayern's greatest ever player.
Kicking butt.
Landon Donovan was a Toffee.
Landon Donovan scores a goal for humanity.
Landon Donovan dos a cero.
Landon Donovan being a Toffee again.
Landon Donovan at the 2013 Gold Cup.
Landon Donovan and the MLS Cup k-i-s-s-i-n-g.
Landon Donovan is Chipotle coach.
Landon Donovan returns to MLS.
Landon Donovan talking on the TV.
Landon Donovan jumps off a truck.
Landon Donovan tells his enemies to silencio.
