MLS honors Landon Donovan, names MVP trophy after him

Landon Donovan’s incredible career was honored by Major League Soccer ahead of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, as the U.S. national team legend had the MLS MVP award named after him.

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Donovan, 32, retired from soccer at the end of the 2014 MLS season after becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in the league’s history after winning five MLS Cup titles.

The former LA Galaxy superstar was delighted to have the award named in his honor.

“As a child, soccer was merely an outlet for me -- a way to express myself,” said Donovan. “To have this prestigious award named after me is truly unimaginable. Thank you to Commissioner Garber, Major League Soccer and all of the people that have supported me along the way. I am extremely humbled by and proud of this honor.”

Donovan is the all-time leader in goals (144) and assists (136) in MLS and was named on 14 consecutive MLS All-Star squads during his time with the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes. He also enjoyed a stellar career with the U.S. national team, playing in three World Cups on his way to leading the nation in goals (57) and assists (58) in 156 appearances.

The trophy, as you can see in the photo above, features a silhouette of Donovan and is designed by Tiffany & Co. as the best player each season in MLS will be handed the award with Donovan’s name on it.

A fitting tribute to a true legend of MLS.

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