Landon: A Memoir

by Landon Donovan

American soccer legend Landon Donovan’s unfiltered account of his celebrated career, his battle with mental health, and his search for peace beyond the game.

You may think you know Landon Donovan—but you don’t. As one of the most decorated players in US soccer history, he knows many recognize his greatest triumphs, but far fewer understand his deepest struggles. Behind the legendary #10 jersey and a dazzling career, he grappled with finding peace—both on and off the pitch. In this unflinchingly honest autobiography, Donovan shares his tumultuous journey through the rise of US soccer and his battles with depression.

Growing up as a twin in California, the son of an absent father and a single mother, Donovan was introduced to soccer at a young age by his half-brother Josh. By five years old, he was maniacal about playing—and winning—against players twice his age. When Donovan scored, he reveled in the attention he never received at home. Soccer offered him a golden ticket, and as soon as he could, he was off. From the US U-17 men’s national team to the 2000 Olympics to multiple World Cups, Donovan built an enviable career—winning six MLS championships, experiencing an epic stint with LA Galaxy where he played alongside David Beckham, and netting a historic extra-time winner against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup. His impact was so profound that when Donovan retired, Major League Soccer renamed its Most Valuable Player award in his honor. But even with all his achievements, peace was hard to find off the pitch. The US team’s loss at the 2006 World Cup haunted him and led to the first of three bouts of serious depression.

Landon is a must-hear for soccer fans and anyone navigating their own mental health journey. More than a sports memoir, it’s a powerful testament to resilience, identity, and the pursuit of self-acceptance. Through his struggles and triumphs, Landon Donovan shows us that no matter where you start, becoming the person you want to be is always possible.

Genres: Sports, Biography, Nonfiction, Soccer

Audible Audio

Published March 24, 2026

Reviews

[JPDB23 · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I can say is, "Well done, good for you Landon."

His story was not easy for him to share. He did a beautiful job! Cheers mate. Less is more, and if your interested in why I feel I do not need to elaborate, indulge in this amazing masterpiece and find out!!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this because of the World Cup (obviously), and I really see the connection between Landon's beliefs and personality to our current national team.

Landon (through his ghostwriter of course) discusses his poor family life, why he chose the MLS over leagues across the pond and his struggles with depression and trying to form healthy relationships.

US Soccer is the best it's ever been, and Landon has been a huge part of building this. Dos a cero and the Algeria goal were the foundation that laid the 4-1 victory over Paraguay and it might just be what a World Cup champion team was build upon.

[Chad Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read. I loved how he talked about his emotions, going to therapy and his struggles. So much more than a ‘football’ book. Also enjoyed how he talked about his happiness being so much bigger than football. Only con was unflattering reports of former teammates and staff but guess it’s an autobiography

[Liz Yielding · Rating 4 out of 5]

They say you should never meet your hero. I have to admit I was nervous going into this book that it would ruin my view of the player who made me fall in love with soccer. It didn’t. It did the opposite.

This is such a powerful and touching memoir. I loved every single second I read just like I loved every single second I watched him play.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't pay much attention to Donovan when he was playing as I started watching MLS in 2010 and he missed the 2014 World Cup which was the first one I was super into. But I really loved post-soccer Donovan, maybe more than others, and I think he was a great World Cup commentator.

As a result of the World Cup fervor this year, I borrowed Rog Bennett's new book from the library and became aware of this Donavan memoir. I dug up Rog Bennett's Inside: U.S. Soccer's March to Brazil on random YouTube channels that were hosting the episodes and learned it was pretty shocking when Klinsmann cut Donovan from the 2014 squad I loved so much. After finishing the episodes on a plane, I immediately started looking for this book in airport book stores (no luck) before grabbing it back home.

I thought this was a super interesting read, because while I knew Donovan had done great things for the USMNT, I just missed most of his tenure and didn't really understand his impact on the sport in this country. And knowing his greatness in the sport, his personal life and path were also pretty surprising. I was going to give this four stars, but now I'm thinking, ah, screw it. He deserves five. He just seems to be a person who is who he is (even though it clearly took him a long time to figure out who that was and what that meant) and that's a person I can get behind.

[Graeme Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon: A Memoir is the rare sports autobiography that earns the word "unfiltered" a book that reaches well beyond the highlight reel to confront the quieter, harder truths that fame and achievement so often obscure.

Landon Donovan arrives at this memoir with a legacy that speaks for itself: six MLS championships, a historic 2010 World Cup winner against Algeria, a stint alongside David Beckham at LA Galaxy, and a career so consequential that Major League Soccer renamed its MVP award in his honour. And yet the most compelling passages of this book have nothing to do with any of that. They are about a boy growing up as a twin in California, raised by a single mother, starved for the attention of an absent father, and finding in soccer not just a gift but a refuge a place where scoring goals could briefly fill the silence that home left behind.

That emotional foundation gives the memoir its power and its poignancy. Donovan is unflinching in tracing how that childhood hunger followed him into adulthood, how the 2006 World Cup defeat cracked something open in him, and how he navigated three serious bouts of depression while carrying the expectations of an entire footballing nation. He writes about mental health with a candour and specificity that is still too rare in professional sport, and that honesty alone makes this book genuinely important.

The result is a memoir that works on multiple levels simultaneously as a richly detailed account of the rise of American soccer, as an intimate portrait of elite athletic pressure, and as a deeply human story about identity, self acceptance, and the long search for peace beyond the game. Donovan proves himself as thoughtful and precise with words as he ever was on the pitch.
Essential reading for soccer fans and anyone navigating their own interior battles alike.

[G Flores · Rating 2 out of 5]

Someone really let this man write and publish that his "happy meal" became an "unhappy meal."

It might be fitting that Landon's memoir is about as much of a mixed bag as Landon is himself. Ostensibly, this is him being honest and self-reflective and trying to say something about the importance of mental health and being okay with yourself. When it's not overwrought, preachy or self-important, that genuinely does come across. The rest of the time, as a bit of a snark myself with a penchant for being a stinker, I can't help but think, Landon... what are you saying with this man?

Which is to say that the portrait Landon paints himself with is self-aware without daring too much. Early jabs at the German-American and generally foreign born players on the USMNT throughout his tenure, and an odd shot at Michael Bradley (could you imagine playing with your dad as the coach?), set a bitchy tone that rarely lets up in the first act of the book making me question if I would be able to get through it. I understand talking about being left off the 2014 World Cup roster first as it is probably the most infamous moment of his career beyond the Algeria goal, and over the course of the book you start to understand his animosity towards Germans and German football in general, but leading with "fuck the German-"Americans"" and then never quite circling back to that at the end of the book along with some other uncomfortable moments, make Landon seem mildly xenophobic for someone who has lived such an international life.

There's a scene early on where a guidance counselor has the AUDACITY to suggest that Landon should think about a safety school in case UCLA and soccer don't work out. Landon wants the scene to read like "Can you believe this woman? How dare she!" How dare she what, Landon? Do her job? An editor really should have reigned in the section on Landon's childhood. I know it will seem insensitive, but speaking broadly, Landon's childhood was simply not interesting or special enough to warrant as much ink as is spilled on it. The stuff with his dad provides a lot of context for meaningful revelations later in his life, but we could have done with a tenth of what was offered and it would have had much more impact and also cut out a bit more of the unlikable snark. Landon has always been self-aware enough to know that he's a bit of an asshole - hey, me too man - but the trick isn't being okay with being an asshole, it's to do better.

When we stopped trying to make his fairly normal and frankly not that bad childhood sound like a Dickensian tragedy and got into his playing career, the book livened up. Rather than insider anecdotes, Landon actually does have a story to tell about his personal journey and it is done competently and effectively. It's a bit graceless at times, but it gets the job done. Landon is not a writer, but he's a decently intelligent guy, despite also coming across as slightly and weirdly anti-education at times.

Almost everything good I have to say about this book has a counterbalance to it of "dammit Landon... you suck, man." And so I come back to my original thesis: this book is about as much of a mixed bag as Landon is himself. The good parts don't cancel out the bad, nor the bad the good. It is an honest attempt at self-reflection that comes off just often enough that when he falls short of real introspection, it sticks out. Clumsy attempts to dramatize fairly run-of-the-mill experiences further lessen the impact of the very real emotional beats throughout the story.

Landon will be on the commentary team for the World Cup next month, so it could be fun for an overzealous first time watcher to read up on his backstory, but as he won't be coaching, playing, or in some other way directly contributing to the drama on the pitch, this isn't even necessary reading for the World Cup. I can't recommend this book unless you're a sicko like me who can't help but read all the American soccer books he can. But, if you're like me, you probably didn't need a recommendation to pick this up in the first place.

[Nancy Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first became aware of Landon Donovan as a TV soccer commentator during the current 2026 World Cup. I thought he had a lot of valuable insights stated in a clear and humble manner. He was identified as a former player on USNMT with a strong record of accomplishments. Then I found his Unfiltered Soccer podcast with Tim Howard and listened to his more in depth thoughts on the current USMNT and the World Cup. Again, he seemed sensible and articulate.

So when I stumbled on the audiobook of his recently released memoir, read by the author, I used an Audible credit to obtain it instantly. Among the topics I found most interesting were:

the kind of family he grew up in, including a twin sister, in Redlands, CA

his very early passion for soccer as a small child

his success in competitive youth soccer in U.S. and beyond

his decision to sign a pro contract with a German club rather than attend UCLA on a full scholarship

his negative experience in Germany with pro clubs

his selection for the USMNT and extensive participation in international competition

his role as an MLS star

I was less interested in:

his ultra-detailed play by play descriptions of certain matches emphasizing his key goals.

his feelings of being not fully included (we all have those)

the excruciating details of his 10 days in Cambodia

how he ambushed his ex-wife at a party

detailed accounts of his interactions with a therapist

how he dreaded being recognized by the public

The picture of Landon Donovan that emerges from his memoir is that he is a naturally talented and obsessed soccer player whose personal life had been much neglected throughout his career. He retired from pro soccer in 2014 at age 32, found a more compatible marriage partner and started a family.

He does not tell us about how he transitioned into becoming a sports commentator and podcaster. Also he does not tell us about some periods when he came out of retirement to play in more recent years. He also co-founded an MLS team in San Diego and has worked as a coach. It would also have been very interesting to hear his assessment of the current state of professional soccer in the U.S.

He also omits mention of a sad incident that took place in Trinidad in 2001 at an international tournament of Under-20s. He collided on the pitch with the captain of the Trinidad squad. The other player, who was physically larger and who initiated the tackle, was paralyzed permanently and died two years later from complications. A stadium was named for him. Donovan‘s injuries were minor. It was an accident with grave consequences. Surely this merited mention.

One of the common themes of memoirs in general is overcoming obstacles, suffering loss and depression, and then emerging on the other side reformed and enlightened.
LD’s memoir fits this pattern. However, sometimes memoirists do not have enough objectivity to really judge their state of enlightenment. I suspect that Landon Donovan has evolved but is still very much a work in progress.

He still seems to measure his self-worth primarily by goals scored on the soccer pitch. And he overestimates public mania over his achievements. Although well known by serious soccer enthusiasts, his level of celebrity across the USA is not such that he needed to vacation on a remote island in Cambodia to escape autograph-seekers! Only if he dined with his LA Galaxy teammate David Beckham would he be likely to draw a lot of attention.

He should feel extremely proud of the role he has played as one of the best American soccer players of his era full stop. He needs to let go of resentment for being left off the World Cup team for 2014, shame for underperforming at the 2006 World Cup (no goals, no assists), and any other bumps along the road to success. He was, by any yardstick, the most successful, active, and decorated U.S. male soccer player to date.

This book is highly recommended for soccer fans, especially those who remember Landon Donovan from his active playing years 2000-2014.

[Susan Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually stick to fiction, but as a soccer junkie, I was interested to learn what Landon and author had to say in this memoir. I had previously been gifted with Tim Howard's memoir, The Keeper, in 2014 and I loved that one. Tim Howard is and always will be one of my heroes! So I had high hopes for this book.

The book was well written, with good pacing and detailed descriptions of people and events and how Landon was impacted by everything. The book went into a lot of detail about specific tournaments, games, goals, and losses. I didn't mind that (soccer junkie, remember), but don't know if that level of coverage was really necessary.

It was interesting to learn of the challenges Landon faced growing up, his experience in Germany, and the round robin of different coaches over the years. I loved how much he appreciated his relationship with and support from his agent, Rich. He also made it clear how much he loved his mom, twin sister, and his half-brother. And although he repeatedly described himself as a loner, it was heartwarming when, near the end of the book, he finally opened up to becoming part of a group of friends. It was also interesting learning about his first wife, and later, his second.

I felt a little cheated because it wasn't really clear to me why Landon ended up not staying married to Bianca. And we learned very little about his second wife, and virtually nothing about his kids. Perhaps he felt that those details were too personal and none of anyone's business. Fair enough. But the result was that at the end of the book, I really didn't feel that I knew a whole lot more about Landon the person than what I had learned previously from the media (including the Unfiltered Soccer podcast). I just had a few more details about specific games, teams, goals etc.

As this is a review of the book, I am giving it four stars, as I enjoyed it. But I am disappointed in that I like Landon a bit less after reading this. Oh, well. May he find peace in his post-playing years.

[Reading Our Shelves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: https://readingourshelves.wordpress.c...

I knew Donovan was a California kid, so I had assumed he grew up well-off. I was dead wrong on that!

He is a twin, and his mom also had an older child from a previous relationship. She worked in a school, and had trouble raising three kids by herself. His dad constantly fluctuated in and out of his life, and was not reliable in the least – yet, as a male, Donovan kept holding out for his dad’s approval.

Donovan grew up playing sports with his brother, who is five years older than he is. So, even though he was a little on the short side, he was used to “playing up.” This gave him a big advantage when he eventually started playing on organized teams.

He was recruited young to teams associated with US Soccer, where he got to train for things like the Olympics. He also had to leave home early, at one point being a part of an 18-month training camp in Florida. He gave up the chance at college to play in Germany, but ended up hating it there and feeling very alone. This sense of depression revisits him several times later in his life.

We have a good mix here of soccer stuff and personal stuff. (There are even spats with Alexi Lalas and David Beckham, if you’re into that sort of drama!)

Specifically, I want to highlight the ending, where he stresses the importance of mental health and seeking care for that. This was a great epilogue, especially coming from a male in the sports world, where that sort of thing isn’t always front and center. Kudos to Donovan for making that a part of this story.

[Laura Flavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon is far more than the story of one of America's greatest soccer players it's a remarkably honest exploration of identity, mental health, resilience, and the pursuit of fulfillment beyond athletic success. Landon Donovan offers readers an unfiltered account of both the extraordinary highs of his legendary career and the deeply personal battles that unfolded away from the spotlight.

What makes this memoir especially compelling is Donovan's willingness to discuss topics that many elite athletes hesitate to address. His reflections on depression, pressure, family, purpose, and personal growth add emotional depth to a career already filled with historic achievements. Rather than presenting himself as invincible, he invites readers into the complexities of his journey, making his story both inspiring and deeply relatable.

The book balances memorable moments from the world's biggest soccer stages with thoughtful introspection, showing that true success is measured not only by trophies and records but by the courage to confront personal struggles and continue moving forward. Donovan's honesty makes this memoir resonate far beyond sports.

Landon is an engaging, courageous, and meaningful read for soccer fans, athletes, leaders, and anyone navigating their own challenges while searching for purpose and peace.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm gonna be nice and bump up this book's rating a little more than it probably deserves, mostly because I found it interesting (for the most part) and quick to read. If you grew up during Landon's time as a soccer player, you will feel some nostalgia by reading this.

That said, while I appreciate Landon laying a lot of his feelings out on the table, he probably should have kept his mouth shut about some things. It is very obvious that he has a thing against the German-Americans, and just Germany in general due to his failure there. Maybe Jurgen Klinsmann is a time traveler, read this book, and that's why he cut Landon from the 2014 World Cup team? Who knows. I was also disappointed that the book basically concludes after Donovan's 2014 retirement, and doesn't even mention his brief 2016 and 2018 comebacks.

The book does have a cool chapter structure, but there are times when it seems to jump from different events and times without much clarity. Or some things get touched on but don't really appear again.

I like Landon Donovan as a soccer player, and appreciate all of his contributions to the sport in America. But to be honest, I probably like him a little less personally now.

[Захарченко Віктор · Rating 5 out of 5]

Сьогодні Доновану 44 роки. Він живе в Сан-Дієго з дружиною Ганною та трьома дітьми. Щодня плаває, грає в хокей, вигулює собаку, крутить педалі на Peloton. Веде подкаст «Unfiltered Soccer» з Тімом Говардом і коментує матчі на Fox Sports – зокрема чемпіонат світу 2026 року, який вперше приймуть США.

«Успіх для мене тепер – це спокій», – каже він. «Я в спокої, коли я з дітьми. Я в спокої з дружиною, коли ми подорожуємо, коли я граю в гольф».

«Іноді мені дико від думки, що хлопець, який виріс у домі на 900 квадратних футів, летить до Нью-Йорка і зупиняється в Ritz-Carlton з видом на Центральний парк. І думаєш: як це все сталося?»

«Я не нудьгую. Я шукаю свою наступну пристрасть. І те, що я робив останні кілька років – це зробив мир із тим, що не обов'язково потрібно її знаходити».

Ця книга для тих, хто знає, як важить та ковдра, яку не можна скинути. І для тих, хто ще не подзвонив своєму батькові.

[Lana · Rating 5 out of 5]

“My story may have started out as a personal quest to be the best at soccer, but along the way it shifted to a quest to just be the best version of myself.”

This book is an introspective, vulnerable, and deeply honest peek behind the curtain into not only the soccer career of an icon of the game, but also a deep dive into the importance of prioritizing and accepting help when you are struggling. I grew up watching the U.S. Men’s National Team legend be an unstoppable force on the field, drawn like a magnet to the back of the net. And now, in reading his memoir as an adult, I have an even deeper appreciation for him as an advocate for therapy and for having open discussions about mental health. The inside cover of the book reads, “More than a sports memoir,” and that could not be more true. Whether, like me, you are a massive soccer fan, or otherwise, Landon’s memoir is an impactful look into perseverance, fame, family, and much more. I would highly recommend this read.

[Kylie Kukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not usually one for memoirs but as a life long soccer player and fan when I saw this on my Libby app I immediately scooped it up. This was so enjoyable, such a deep dive into a complex and layered story about an American soccer hero and legend. Landon’s upbringing and story was emotional, with fun moments reliving some of the best moments of his career like the Algeria goal that lives rent free in my mind along with millions of other Americans.

I enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Landon and why he is how he is. It was fun to see familiar names like Dempsey, Beasley, Howard and others throughout.

If you are a soccer fan, or a sports fan you’ll enjoy this.

[Smh624 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so much more than a typical professional athlete memoir. Donovan very effectively brings you inside his head and relates his experience of his entire life. I followed his entire career since he emerged at age 15, all the way through Klinsmann's indefensible decision to drop him from the USMNT and his retirement after winning the MLS Cup in 2014. He provides a deep understanding of what he was dealing with at each step of his life and his struggles and efforts to be both a better player, but even more importantly, a better person. He was a world class player and he maintains that level with this memoir.

[September Withers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Landon: A Memoir by Landon Donovan is a powerful and deeply honest reflection on life beyond the spotlight. More than a sports memoir, it offers an unfiltered look into the emotional and mental challenges that accompany success at the highest level.

Donovan’s storytelling is raw, reflective, and impactful, capturing both the thrill of his achievements and the weight of his personal struggles. His openness about identity, pressure, and finding peace makes this book resonate far beyond the world of soccer, offering inspiration to anyone navigating their own path.

[Ben · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the book kind of simplistically written with not much new information about his playing career, particularly his failures to make it in Europe and his being cut from the 2014 World Cup team. For all the talk of self awareness and revelation there didnt seem to be much honest reflection nor observation about his playing career. I enjoyed his honesty about his mental health struggles and I think it is admirable for athlete to discuss those topics as they perform in an arena which can contain a lot of machismo.

[Madi Kennel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for former competitive athletes! Did not expect the wave of emotions I felt while reading Landon. I went in expecting the normal highlight reel (big games, big goals, big pressure) but did not expect the deep internal side to all of it - namely the strange disconnect that can happen when you’ve spent so much of your identity being “a soccer player.” This book felt very real in the sense of he doesn't have the answers but opens up on how difficult the journey can be.

[Julia Fanous · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt a little slow at times. I enjoyed the parts about soccer the best but the alternating timeline choices were oddly placed. There must have been a reason for it but to me it didn't flow that well and made the pacing off.

[Jimmy Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely phenomenal. Donovan gives an unvarnished look at how his background and personality contributed to both his successes and failures. His vulnerability in dissecting how his anxiety and depression held him back at times and how he learned to deal with it is inspiring.

[Fernando Gualotuna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that ever kid looking to play soccer at any level should read!

[Kelly Blunden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! I loved hearing him tell his story about his path to pro soccer; The Good The bad the ugly and everything in between. And he's a toffee so how could I not love him. UTFT 💙

[Brennan C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is it truly 5 stars? I’m not sure, but it was interesting for me to learn more about Landon and who he is as a person. Here’s to a World Cup 2026 win for the USMNT!

[Mika · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this!
I miss the times when football players aren't so into themselves and only cared to build their brand and money.

[Jimmy Quintana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic memoir

Landon is the reason I fell back in love with soccer after 2009 confedd cup. Great memoir and insight into the biggest name in USA soccer.

[Melissa Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

3-1/2

[N · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very honest and real….great mix of life and soccer experiences…just 4 stars because you never signed my poster… or even acknowledged I was waving🤣#grudge

[Joshua Riddell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually not a big fan of memoirs but this one was pretty good. I’m sure there is still a lot left out but it focused us as much on his difficult times in life as his triumphs.

[Matt Pekarek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good