Donovan is a USA soccer legend, a Dad to three kids, and a coach to 26 athletes for the SD Loyal (https://www.sdloyal.com/). He has won six (6) MLS cups, is the all time leader in assists for the national team and MLS, and is tied with Clint Dempsey as the all-time leader in scoring for the U.S. national team. He is regarded as one of the greatest U.S. soccer players of all time. We get a chance to relive the Algeria goal in 2010, the impact it had on soccer here in the states, the pressure of the moment, and the strategy to get to that goal. He talks with us about creating an identity through soccer and how that filled his need for acceptance. What this did to him post professional soccer and how he came to grips with who he is as a human being. Landon shares how he found his next passion and the importance of trying new things to get to your “why” and define your personal purpose. Learn how he got to the top level, the preparation needed to excel, and how training, travel and media affected his motivation. How he addresses fear and lives in the present. And what compassion can do for yourself and your relationships, especially when you coach, parent or lead a team.
Show Notes:
1:27 - Landon’s tale of the tape
2:53 Landon’s life on Quarantine Standard Time
3:45 Landon’s “Selfless Phase”
6:26 Landon growing up
8:41 How Landon ranks in other sports
9:56 Landon’s rise from nowhere
12:24 U.S. scouting: bleak back in the day
12:59 Getting deep
13:59 Identity tied up in soccer
15:15 The hardships of Germany
16:15 Landon copes with the 2006 World Cup
18:25 How Landon stayed motivated
19:37 Landon’s key to coaching
21:12 What leaders can do better
22:46 Landon shares his purpose
25:02 Landon relives the “Algeria goal”
29:23 “In Search of Greatness” - documentary
30:42 Corner flag celebration
32:23 Landon’s take on fear
36:28 Landon’s new identity in life-after-soccer
37:32 Landon’s new challenge
40:32 Why are YOU here