Landon Donovan vs Gennaro Gattuso: Stats Compared
Forward, United States (born 1982, retired 2016) · Defensive Midfielder, Italy (born 1978, retired 2013)
Line up Landon Donovan next to Gennaro Gattuso and the contrasts come quickly. Era matters in any comparison, and these two peaked under very different footballing conditions. By the end Landon Donovan had 190 goals from 550 caps and club outings; Gennaro Gattuso had 25 from 550. In chance creation, Landon Donovan tallied 145 assists to Gennaro Gattuso's 20. Landon Donovan departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014); Gennaro Gattuso with 5, including 1× FIFA World Cup (2006). Landon Donovan belonged to the modern era, dominating with a predatory quality; Gennaro Gattuso rose in the turn of the millennium with a intelligent edge. Their routes to the top were distinct: Landon Donovan built his reputation across San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, LA Galaxy, peaking around 2010, while Gennaro Gattuso reached his defining level around 2007 after spells with Perugia, Rangers, AC Milan, Sion. Greatness, in cases like this, is rarely a zero-sum affair.
166 words · comparison angle: era
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.”
A snarling, relentless ball-winner nicknamed 'Ringhio' (Growl), Gattuso was the combative heartbeat of AC Milan's midfield through two Champions League triumphs.
“An abrasive, high-energy defensive midfielder whose non-stop tackling and pressing shielded his more gifted teammates.”
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× FIFA World Cup (2006)
- 2× UEFA Champions League (2003, 2007)
- 2× Serie A (2004, 2011)
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.
- 1995 Professional debut for Perugia
- 2006 Won FIFA World Cup with AC Milan
- 2004 Won Serie A with AC Milan
- 2007 Reached the peak of his powers at AC Milan
- 2013 Retired after a final spell at Sion
- Finished his career with 25 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours. Finished his career with 25 goals in 550 appearances and 5 major honours.
The verdict
Taking goals, assists, silverware and overall profile together, Landon Donovan takes it by a narrow margin.
Landon Donovan edges it (a narrow margin)
