USL San Diego Loyal

Landon Donovan Inducted into National Soccer Hall of Fame

May 6, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
San Diego Loyal News Release


SAN DIEGO - Landon Donovan has been inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. The San Diego Loyal SC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations joins the historical best through the class of 2023.

"It is an incredible honor to be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame," Donovan said. "The people involved that have helped me along the way are what make this so special. I have been very fortunate in my life to start where I started and end up with a once in a lifetime tribute. I will never take it for granted."

Donovan joins the greatest players, coaches, referees and administrators in the history of the sport in the United States for his accomplishments as a player. He becomes the second SD Loyal representative to be inducted following SD Loyal Vice President of Community Relations Shannon Mac Millan, who was enshrined as a player into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

Today, Donovan was inducted during the 2023 National Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony from Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas along with DaMarcus Beasley, Jill Ellis, Lauren Cheney Holiday, Kate Sobrero Markgraf and Slavisa "Steve" Zungul.

Donovan, Beasley and Holiday were elected from the Player Ballot. Ellis was elected from the Builder Ballot, and Markgraf and Zungul were elected from the Veteran Ballot. Donovan, Beasley and Ellis were elected in their first year of eligibility.

On Sept. 9, Donovan was named to the final ballot list of former players, veterans or builders. He was one of five players selected to the final ballot in their first year of eligibility and ultimately one of two first-ballot players, alongside Beasley, to be voted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on Nov. 26.

Donovan is considered one of the best players to ever step on the pitch in MLS and for the U.S. Men's National Team. During his 19-year professional career, Donovan's accomplishments span both his time domestically and internationally. In total, he played for six professional teams covering three leagues: Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich (Bundesliga), Everton (Premier League), San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy (MLS) and Club León (Liga MX). He played in six MLS Cups, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and earned two MLS Supporters' Shields.

Donovan's contributions to U.S. Soccer continue to dominate the record books. The former attacking midfielder leads the USMNT in assists (58), is the joint-all-time leading goalscorer (57) alongside his former teammate Clint Dempsey, is second in appearances (157) and is the only player to surpass both 50 goals and 50 assists in his career. He played for the U.S. in three FIFA World Cups (2002, 2006, 2010) and was the fastest American to earn 100 caps.

Donovan served as Manager for SD Loyal during the club's first three seasons (2020-2022). He led the team to consecutive USL Championship postseason berths (2021, 2022) and had a season-best second place finish in the Western Conference in 2022 with a club record 60 points.

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