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-read 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. Landon Donovan is arguably the greatest US men's soccer players of all time. He won a record six MLS Cups and four US Soccer Player of the Year awards, and had the ultimate honor of having Major League Soccer name its MVP award after him. Donovan is the all-time leader in assists for the US men's national team, is tied for the most international goals scored by a male US player, and is the second-most-capped player in his country's history. Donovan is the only American player to reach the 50 goals/50 assists mark and he starred on the US team that reached the quarterfinals at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where Landon was recognized as Best Young Player in the entire tournament. His five goals makes Donovan the highest-scoring male American player in World Cup history. Born in Ontario, California, to a Canadian father and an American mother, Landon Donovan lives in San Diego with his wife and three young kids. "This memoir captures the brave man I came to know. On the field, Landon was gutsy, vulnerable, team-first-a winner. What really set him apart was how he was off the pitch: a relentless spirit, humble and thoughtful, who raised the bar for everyone." -Sir David Beckham
