Landon Donovan vs Clint Dempsey: Stats Compared
Forward, United States (born 1982, retired 2016) · Forward, United States (born 1983, retired 2018)
There is something timeless about weighing Landon Donovan against Clint Dempsey. Their jobs on the pitch were not the same, yet both redefined what their role could be. Career output puts Landon Donovan at 190 goals in 550 games, with Clint Dempsey at 180 in 550. The assist columns read 145 for Landon Donovan and 90 for Clint Dempsey where the record exists. The honours ledger favours Landon Donovan with 9 major trophies (6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014)) against Clint Dempsey's 2 (1× MLS Supporters' Shield (2014)). The forward duties of Landon Donovan leaned ruthless; the forward responsibilities of Clint Dempsey leaned explosive. Context beyond the headline totals is important: Landon Donovan's landmark level arrived around 2010 with a career spanning San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, LA Galaxy; Clint Dempsey's came around 2012 across New England Revolution, Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Seattle Sounders. Arguments will run and run, which is exactly why the matchup endures.
159 words · comparison angle: role
Player profiles
The USA's all-time leading scorer for club and country until his retirement, Donovan was the face of American soccer through three World Cups, capped by his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Algeria in 2010.
“A quick, clever forward whose intelligent movement and clinical finishing made him the USA's most decorated attacking player.”
The first American to score in three separate World Cups, Dempsey became the first US-born player to captain a Premier League team and remains one of the country's most decorated forwards.
“A tenacious, technically gifted forward whose late runs into the box and clever improvisation produced some of American soccer's most memorable goals.”
Head-to-head stats
Career goals by season
Representative career seasons — goals per season for each player across their documented clubs.
Attribute radar
Attribute ratings are peak-era, 0–100. Different positions naturally skew the profile.
Attribute comparison
Trophy breakdown
- 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014)
- 3× CONCACAF Gold Cup (2002, 2005, 2007)
- 1× MLS Supporters' Shield (2014)
- 1× MLS Cup (2016)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 2001 Professional debut for San Jose Earthquakes
- 2001 Won MLS Cup with San Jose Earthquakes
- 2002 Won CONCACAF Gold Cup with San Jose Earthquakes
- 2010 Reached the peak of his powers at LA Galaxy
- 2016 Retired after a final spell at LA Galaxy
- Finished his career with 190 goals in 550 appearances and 9 major honours. Finished his career with 190 goals in 550 appearances and 9 major honours.
- 2004 Professional debut for New England Revolution
- 2014 Won MLS Supporters' Shield with Seattle Sounders
- 2016 Won MLS Cup with Seattle Sounders
- 2012 Reached the peak of his powers at Fulham
- 2018 Retired after a final spell at Seattle Sounders
- Finished his career with 180 goals in 550 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 180 goals in 550 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
Weighing production against honours, Landon Donovan takes the verdict — a clear margin, driven by a weightier trophy cabinet.
Landon Donovan edges it (a clear margin)
