Landon Donovan, the USA’s all-time top scorer who was left out of the national squad for the World Cup in Brazil, announced on Thursday that he will retire at the end of the MLS season.
“After careful deliberation and many conversations with those closest to me, I have decided that this will be my last year as a professional soccer player,” Donovan said.
Donovan is one of America’s most-decorated footballers. He is the US national team’s all-time leading scorer with 57 goals and has also provided a record 58 assists.
He has also won 156 caps, putting him second in the country’s all-time list.
“It has been more than anything I could have dreamed of to represent the L.A. Galaxy, the San Jose Earthquakes, Everton, U.S. Soccer and Major League Soccer throughout my career,” Donovan added.
“There are so many people I want to thank who have inspired me, guided me and helped me on this incredible journey.
“I simply could not have accomplished what I did during my playing career without an overwhelming amount of support from my family, my friends and many others.”
Donovan was awarded FIFA’s Best Young Player of the World Cup award in 2002 as well as CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP honors in 2013.
