Where Is Landon Donovan Now? US Legend at the World Cup

Landon Donovan was a legend on the pitch and often the center of attention during his playing career - and frequently making a difference at crucial moments for the US national team.

But his life has taken a different turn since hanging up his cleats in 2019.

“I do sense that competitive fire is still there,” Donovan told GOAL last year. “But I don’t want to do it in a way that just focuses on me again, and I mean, really, almost throughout my whole career, it was about me.”

Sometimes, it even helped other players shine.

Donovan has been the head coach of USL San Diego Loyal, a club he co-founded with his teammates for the past three years.

He is also a stakeholder and strategic advisor for Lincoln City of England's lower tier.

His philosophy is about embracing learning and accepting that there's a lot he doesn't know - rather than pretending to be a perfect leader right off the bat.

“My role at Lincoln City is if - whenever, however - they need help, I'm more than happy to lend a hand, but you don't go to a successful club like this and pretend like you're adding a lot,” he said to The Athletic.

Donovan has also taken on a TV role and in Qatar, he'll face his biggest media challenge yet as a World Cup commentator alongside Ian Darke.

Previously, Donovan spent time in ESPN and Fox studios for the Gold Cup, and he did live broadcasts for the 2016 Copa America. He also hosted episodes of ESPN+ ― ‘Detail’.

Clint Dempsey, a teammate and fellow American, has also honed his skills as a TV presenter, becoming part of a separate commentator team for Fox in Qatar.

What a coincidence that Donovan is paired with Darke at the booth, considering Darke was the commentator when Donovan scored a crucial goal for his country against Algeria in 2010 - taking his team through to knockout rounds.

It's the US legend, not Darke, who felt a bit starstruck.

“I saw him a few months ago when we did a training match,” Donovan told World Soccer Talk.

“I'm glad to hear him because of that [his commentary of the goal]. Singing with someone iconic and commentating on a very significant goal for me is special.”

“It genuinely makes that goal even better than if it was someone entirely new and unheard of. So I'm really proud he got to experience that too.”

“Working with Ian Darke is a blessing because he's really good. Really fun to work with. I've been a huge fan of his work forever!”

Much like his fellow compatriot, Jozy Altidore, Donovan has remained a faithful supporter of Gregg Berhalter's squad.

Commentating has helped him stay connected to the team - even with his managerial duties.

Donovan has been the face of US football previously. And he enjoyed that role.

Now, he's excited about watching other players - possibly Christian Pulisic, Gio Reyna, or Tyler Adams - take center stage in Qatar.