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Fans of U.S. Soccer likely recall exactly where they were when they heard the news that Landon Donovan got left off the roster of the U.S. Men’s National Team for Brazil 2014. After all, it’s not everyday that an icon gets fired - especially one who helped build the very organization that eventually cuts him loose. It’s a little like when Apple ousted Steve Jobs. It’s almost unthinkable but, as soon as it happens, you find yourself wondering what’s next – slow decline or new heights of glory.
Since that day, it seems that perhaps the only person not worrying what his next move is Landon Donovan himself.
“This is all overwhelming. When it’s all said and done, there’s going to be some sadness, but there will be even more excitement because I will know for the first time in 16 years, I won’t have to worry about next year. "
“I’ve chosen to live my life a little bit differently than most athletes do,” Donovan continued. “I put soccer in its relevant place. It’s exciting, it’s inspiring, it’s emotional, it’s entertaining, but really, there are lot more things that go on in life that are more important."
Apparently, Donovan knows what he wants to do, and right now that means laying back and enjoying life. He seems to be at peace with his decision, unlike the general public, who want to know, "what's next?"
There are signs that Donovan won’t be too far from the spotlight. He recently did a commercial for Wells Fargo Bank that highlightshis comedic timing. He has a history as a brand endorser, although he is obviously not on the same level as Cristiano Ronaldo who has earned millions for his endorsement of name brands like Coke, Samsung and KFC. Nonetheless, Donovan may be the closest thing to American soccer royalty that this country has ever had. So, he can always follow in the footsteps of David Beckham and become a soccer icon. Way before Ronaldo came along, David Beckham was the king of men's soccer. He endorsed underwear, fragrances, lent his name to movies (Bend It Like Beckam) and he married a Spice Girl. To top it off, he became a bigger star in the U.S. when he moved to the States to play professional soccer for MLS.
But if Donovan doesn't want to become a name brand, he can always go into coaching. The United States could use an experienced coach to lead them to their first World Cup trophy. Wouldn't it be nice to have the United States' all-time leader in goals and assists end up coaching the US Men's Soccer team? Donovan hasn't ruled that out, but he hasn't exactly ruled it in either, if you will. He has said in recent interviews that he is concerned about where American soccer is headed, which makes you wonder if this will prompt him to coach in the future.
“We’ve made so much progress and I don’t want to see us regress. We need to continue to find and develop good leaders. That has always been the key since I came into the national team. The successful teams always had good leaders, and I think there is a little bit of that missing now, and I worry about that going forward.”
Of course if he doesn’t want to do any of that, he can always go into broadcasting. LD did make a few appearances on ESPN/ABC last year during the World Cup to give a little commentary. Former American soccer star Alexi Lalas has made a nice career as a soccer analyst on ESPN as well.
For now, at age 32, Landon Donovan is content spending his time at the beach enjoying his retirement; time will tell how long his contentment will last.
