Landon Donovan was born March 4, 1982 in Ontario, California. Donovan's parents divorced when he was two and he was raised by his mom in Redlands, California. Donovan started playing soccer when he was five. In his first game, he scored 7 goals and his journey to soccer stardom had begun. Donovan was a star in the California youth soccer leagues and in 1997 at the age of 15, he was accepted into the US Olympic Development Program.

As a teenageer, Landon Donovan was already turning heads in the soccer world with his great scoring touch and killer instincts. Some people said he could be the greatest American soccer player ever, while others called him the "next Michael Owen." At the age of 17, he signed with Bayer Leverkusenrned of the German League and moved to Germany to start his professional career.

In 2001, Landon Donovan left Germany and joined the San Jose Earthquakes of the MLS and made an instant impact. In his first year in MLS, Donovan was named MVP of the league's All-Star Game and helped the 'Quakes win the 2001 MLS Cup. Landon Donovan would make an even bigger name for himself at the 2002 World Cup of Soccer. Landon started every game for the United States during the tournament, scored two goals and led the US to a surprise appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals. Landon Donovan continues to be one of America's biggest soccer superstars. His natural skills and sweet scoring touch have made him a force both in the MLS and on the world stage. Donovan led the San Jose Earthquakes to a second MLS Cup title in 2003 and will be trying to do the same in 2004.

--Kidzworld.com