The Sports Plus take
The US soccer star, honest about depression.
Landon Donovan won six MLS Cups, scored the famous late winner against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup, and had the MLS MVP award renamed for him. In this memoir he also writes openly about growing up with an absent father and the three bouts of serious depression that began after the US team's 2006 World Cup loss. It traces the rise of American soccer through one of its biggest stars, with 40 color photos.
Shelf
How it reads
Easy read
Best for
- US soccer fans
- High school and college players
- Readers interested in athletes and mental health
About this book
- Author
- Landon Donovan with Ryan Berman
- Publisher
- Page Two
- Published
- March 24, 2026
- Format
- Hardcover
- Pages
- 344
- ISBN-10
- 1774586916
- ISBN-13
- 978-1774586914
Book description
American soccer legend Landon Donovan's unfiltered account of his career, his mental health battle, and his search for peace after the game. Includes 40 full-color photos.
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, he grappled with finding peace both on and off the pitch. In this honest autobiography, Donovan shares his 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, playing alongside David Beckham with the LA Galaxy, and netting a historic winner against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup. 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 for soccer fans and anyone navigating their own mental health journey: a story of resilience, identity, and the pursuit of self-acceptance.
About the author
Landon Donovan is one of the greatest players in US men's soccer history. He won a record six MLS Cups and four US Soccer Player of the Year awards, and Major League Soccer named its MVP award after him. He is the all-time assists leader for the US men's national team and the highest-scoring American man in World Cup history. He lives in San Diego with his wife and three kids.




