Landon Donovan vs Predrag Mijatović: Stats Compared
Forward, United States (born 1982, retired 2016) · Striker, Yugoslavia (born 1969, retired 2004)
Landon Donovan against Predrag Mijatović is the kind of comparison that fuels pub arguments for hours. Their textures on the ball are what fans actually remember, and they could hardly be more different. Landon Donovan finishes with 190 career goals from 550 games — a 0.35 strike rate — against Predrag Mijatović's 210 from 500 at 0.42 per match. The assist columns read 145 for Landon Donovan and 30 for Predrag Mijatović where the record exists. Landon Donovan departs the game with 9 major pieces of silverware, including 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014); Predrag Mijatović with 2, including 1× UEFA Champions League (1998). Landon Donovan played with a predatory that made him unmistakable; Predrag Mijatović brought a ruthless that was equally his own. Club journeys add another layer, with Landon Donovan reaching his representative peak around 2010 across San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, LA Galaxy and Predrag Mijatović doing so around 1998 with Budućnost Podgorica, Partizan, Valencia CF, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, Levante. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
180 words · comparison angle: style
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.”
Mijatović's decisive winning goal in the 1998 Champions League final ended Real Madrid's 32-year wait for the European Cup and remains one of the club's most iconic moments.
“A clever, mobile striker whose intelligent runs in behind and composed finishing produced goals in the biggest moments.”
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× UEFA Champions League (1998)
- 1× La Liga (1997)
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.
- 1986 Professional debut for Budućnost Podgorica
- 1998 Won UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
- 1997 Won La Liga with Real Madrid
- 1998 Reached the peak of his powers at Real Madrid
- 2004 Retired after a final spell at Levante
- Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours. Finished his career with 210 goals in 500 appearances and 2 major honours.
The verdict
If forced to pick, Landon Donovan is the choice: a clear margin, with a weightier trophy cabinet the deciding factor.
Landon Donovan edges it (a clear margin)
