5 Reasons Why Landon Donovan Is The Best MLS Player Ever

By Chris Kral

Landon Donovan has announced his intention to retire from soccer at the end of the 2014 season.

Donovan began his MLS career in 2001 when he joined the San Jose Earthquakes. After 4 seasons, Donovan landed with his current home, the LA Galaxy in 2005.

Undoubtedly one of the most popular faces of MLS, Landon Donovan has been a huge factor in the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.

Although he was ‘snubbed’ from this year’s World Cup team, Donovan has been a contributing member to the USMNT and has helped elevate U.S. soccer’s legitimacy in the eyes of the international soccer community.

Here’s Landon Donovan’s official statement:

After careful deliberation, I have decided that this will be my last season as a professional soccer player https://t.co/UuxXkXlYi1

— Landon Donovan (@landondonovan) August 7, 2014

Here’s 5 reasons why Landon Donovan is the best MLS player ever:

1. Landon Donovan holds the record for most MLS goals (138 so far).

Landon Donovan #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy watches his goal with Raul Mendiola #40 during the second half against the Philadelphia Union at StubHub Center on May 25, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (credit: Harry How/Getty Images)

2. Landon Donovan has been an MLS All-Star 14 times (2x MVP).

Landon Donovan #10 of MLS All-Stars takes a shot during warmups before the 2012 AT&T MLS All-Star Game against Chelsea at PPL Park on July 25, 2012 in Chester, Pennsylvania. (credit: Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)

3. Landon Donovan has scored 57 USMNT goals (all-time leader).

Landon Donovan #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates the 3-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo to win the 2012 MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center on December 1, 2012 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

4. Landon Donovan holds the record for most goals (106 so far) with the LA Galaxy.

Landon Donovan #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy kicks a penalty kick and scores in the second half while taking on the Houston Dynamo in the 2012 MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center on December 1, 2012 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

5. Landon Donovan has won 5 MLS Cups (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012).

Landon Donovan #10 of Los Angeles Galaxy celebrates the 3-1 victory against the Houston Dynamo to win the 2012 MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center on December 1, 2012 in Carson, California. (credit: Harry How/Getty Images)

Bonus:

WATCH: Just a few of @landondonovan's greatest moments for the #USMNT http://t.co/HAgNkhW201 #ThanksLD | #GraciasLD

— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) August 7, 2014

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