Landon Donovan is widely regarded as one of the key figures in popularizing soccer in the United States. His last-minute goal against Algeria in the 2010 World Cup not only gave the US a victory in their group but also brought the country together.
Donovan shared with Fox News Digital that this moment changed his life forever. He said, ‘There is not a day that I’m at an appearance or doing something that someone doesn’t come up and say something about that. And honestly, the thing I get more than any is, ‘I became a soccer fan that day watching that game,’ which gives me chills because that is what we’re trying to do.’
Growing the Sport
As a young professional, Donovan and his teammates were not just players but also ambassadors for the sport in the US. They worked tirelessly to grow the game, and Donovan’s 122nd-minute goal against Algeria exponentially accelerated this process.
Now, Donovan is one of the faces of FanDuel’s soccer betting during the World Cup, promoting features like Super Sub, which allows bets to transfer to a player’s replacement if they are subbed out.
Donovan emphasized the importance of being around good people and doing fun things. He praised FanDuel for treating him well and for their responsible gambling message, which matters to him as a father of young children who may one day be involved in such activities.
Responsibility to Grow the Game
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Donovan believes the current US Men’s National Team (USMNT) has an even greater responsibility to take advantage of the sport’s growth potential in the US. He reflected on his own experiences, including a great World Cup in 2002 and a disappointing one in 2006, and how these shaped his awareness of the opportunities and challenges the team faces.
Donovan said, ‘As you get older, you have a responsibility to do your job and to help grow the sport. And it doesn’t mean it can’t be fun or enjoyable or any of that. It’s just, it is a responsibility. That is what these players have on their shoulders, and they know that.’
The USMNT begins its quest for its first World Cup title on Friday in Los Angeles against Paraguay.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
