Why Landon Donovan Forgave his Father

As the 2026 World Cup comes to a close, we sit down with two key figures in bringing the beautiful game to the United States.

First, we hear from former U.S Soccer President Alan Rothenberg, the architect of the 1994 World Cup, who was a key figure in the World Cup back to the United States this year. He walks us through what this year's competition could mean for the future of soccer in our country.

Then, we dive deep with U.S. soccer legend Landon Donovan. Six-time MLS Cup Champion and the U.S. men’s all-time leader in goals and assists, Landon has single-handedly changed how we view soccer in America. But after his 16-year career, one of the toughest challenges he faced was confronting his relationship with his father. We’ll get into Landon's new self-titled memoir, which shows how an under-privileged kid from Southern California can grow up to be one of the best soccer players the United States has seen. 

Show Notes

1. Landon: A Memoir 
2. Final 6 Minutes of USA v. Algeria | FIFA
3. Every Single Landon Donovan World Cup Goal | FIFA
4. Landon Donovan opens up about forgiving his father | FOX
5. Landon Donovan’s 2010 World Cup goal: the moment that changed soccer in the United States | Onefootball

Show Credits

Host: David Greene

Executive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom Grahsler

Senior Producer: Michael Olcott

Producer: Michaela Winberg

Associate Producer: Bibiana Correa

Talent Booker: Britt Kahn

Engineers: Mike Villers

Tile Art: Bea Walling

Theme Song: Emma Munger

Sports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.