Landon Donovan, the renowned former soccer star, captured widespread attention on social media for his distinctive hairstyle during Fox Sports’ Euro 2024 coverage on Monday, June 17.
Known for his typically clean buzzcuts throughout his playing days, Donovan’s current hairdo revealed a few unexpected patches, a result of a recent hair transplant procedure he underwent just two weeks prior.
The change in his appearance became a topic of lively discussion after Donovan’s appearance while commentating on the France vs. Austria match.
The conversation gained further traction when Mike Magee, Donovan’s former teammate from LA Galaxy, posted a screenshot of their text exchange on X (formerly Twitter). In the message, Magee humorously advised Donovan to “check Twitter asap and prob fire your barber,” to which Donovan responded with a mix of surprise and humor, explaining that he had been told the changes from his hair transplant wouldn’t be noticeable on camera.
Magee playfully continued the banter, questioning who had given Donovan that misguided advice, and even asked if he could share their conversation publicly. Donovan, showing good humor about the situation, consented, saying, “Whatever, I deserve it.”
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Adding to the online buzz, Donovan then took to social media himself, posting an older photo of himself with curly hair and quipping, “Thanks for putting me on blast Mo ???. Just trying to get back to my glory days.”
The playful exchange and Donovan’s candidness about his hair transplant sparked a variety of reactions from fans. One X user humorously commented, “Did Landon Donovan literally run out of the barber’s halfway through a haircut because he was late for work?” while another admired his carefree attitude, stating, “Landon Donovan gives absolute zero f—s, & you know what, I respect that.”
Landon Donovan began his illustrious soccer career in 2001 at age 19 when he was loaned to the MLS San Jose Earthquakes.
He quickly rose to prominence, winning U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year in 2003 and 2004. In 2005, he joined LA Galaxy, where he enjoyed a significant tenure until 2014, punctuated by a brief return in 2016 before retiring in 2018.
Throughout his career, Donovan made three World Cup appearances, won U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year four times, and remains the only American to have received the prestigious Golden Ball Award.
Following his retirement from professional soccer, Donovan transitioned to broadcasting, where he continues to share his expertise and passion for the sport as a commentator for Fox Sports.
His recent viral moment underscores how he remains a beloved figure in the soccer community, known not only for his on-field prowess but also for his engaging personality and willingness to engage with fans in light-hearted moments.
