NIKE CELEBRATES LANDON DONOVAN’S U.S SOCCER LEGACY

After 14 years of game-changing speed, goals and a flair for the dramatic, Landon Donovan is set to retire from the U.S. Soccer Men’s National Team. Nike proudly celebrates his contribution to the game and inspiration with a personal tribute on the day of his final U.S. match:

Since you started playing,

We’ve gotten up at 3 a.m. to watch games.

We’ve worn a lot more face paint. And flags. And wigs.

We’ve shown futbol what soccer can do.

We’ve grown up with a soccer hero. Who’s American.

We’ve enjoyed dos a cero.

We’ve lept out of our seats and hugged strangers.

We’ve felled giants.

Thanks, Landon. For leaving us wanting more.

Nike’s social media channels will continue to celebrate his legacy using the #OnlyOneLandon hashtag. Fans are also encouraged to utilize the hashtag as they send thank-you messages to Donovan that are then eligible to appear on a mural at his former elementary school in Redlands, Calif.

Through the years, Donovan’s relationship with Nike has been on display through various campaigns and innovative products. We look back on some key moments:

2000: During his first full year with the senior national team, an 18-year-old Donovan breaks through in an ad for the Nike Dri-Fit Mercurial jersey and short, with the daring caption “The weather’s beautiful, wish you could defend me.”
2006: Donning the No. 21 at the time, Donovan helps lead the team into summer in Germany in a new national team away kit that harkens back to Nike’s original 1995 design for the national team.
2010: Wearing the Nike CTR 360 Maestri Elite boot, Donovan scores an unforgetable stoppage-time winner in South Africa and puts the U.S through to the next round.
2010: Donovan helps “Write the Future” with a cameo in one of Nike’s most epic films.
2012: Donovan dons a bold patriotic U.S. home kit look, made from recycled plastic bottles.

Follow the @nikesoccer Twitter and Instagram and Nike Soccer Facebook page for more.