Gary Lineker vs Landon Donovan: Stats Compared
Striker, England (born 1960, retired 1994) · Forward, United States (born 1982, retired 2016)
Gary Lineker and Landon Donovan represent two answers to the same question: how do you define a great? Their textures on the ball are what fans actually remember, and they could hardly be more different. By the end Gary Lineker had 330 goals from 567 caps and club outings; Landon Donovan had 190 from 550. Modern assist data only covers part of their careers, so creativity is hard to compare cleanly — Gary Lineker is listed at 0 and Landon Donovan at 145 where figures survive. Trophy counts give Gary Lineker 9 and Landon Donovan 9, with 1× Copa del Rey (1988) and 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014) the standout honours respectively. Gary Lineker played with a mercurial that made him unmistakable; Landon Donovan brought a ruthless that was equally his own. Their routes to the top were distinct: Gary Lineker built his reputation across Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona, Tottenham, peaking around 1986, while Landon Donovan reached his defining level around 2010 after spells with San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, Everton, LA Galaxy. Each, in his own way, set a standard the other is measured against.
190 words · comparison angle: style
Player profiles
Gary Winston Lineker (born 30 November 1960) is an English sports broadcaster, businessman, and former professional footballer who played as a striker. Regarded as one of the best players of his generation and one of England's greatest players, Lineker is the only player to have been the top goalscorer in England with three clubs: Leicester City, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur. He also played for Barcelona in Spain, and won 80 caps for England.
“A model penalty-box striker whose timing and finishing were almost never wasted.”
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.”
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
- 1× Copa del Rey (1988)
- 6× MLS Cup (2001, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014)
- 3× CONCACAF Gold Cup (2002, 2005, 2007)
Trophy distribution
Career milestones
- 1978 Established himself at Leicester City
- 1982 Reached his defining peak
- 1986 Delivered a landmark season
- 1994 Retired from professional football
- 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.
The verdict
The numbers give Gary Lineker the lead — a clear margin, courtesy of a sharper goalscoring record.
Gary Lineker edges it (a clear margin)
