Landon Donovan and Mike Magee were teammates on the Galaxy from 200 to 2013 and briefly in 2016, winning three MLS Cups together during that time.
Apparently the two men have remained close ever since — close enough that Magee felt comfortable asking Donovan a question that was seemingly on the minds of everyone who saw him during Fox Sports. Euro 2024 Monday afternoon coverage:
What the heck is going on with your hair?
Donovan, 42, is considered one of the greatest US men’s soccer players of all time. He and Brazilian star Neymar top the all-time list for most assists in international games (58), while he and Clint Dempsey are tied for most international goals by an American (57). He also won four CONCACAF Gold Cups with the USA and five MLS titles with the Galaxy.
Now a Fox Sports analyst, Donovan provided color commentary for Monday’s Euro 2024 match between France and Austria alongside play-by-play announcer Ian Darke. Before the game, the broadcasters appeared on camera for a preview that might have been very enlightening – although apparently no one seemed to be paying attention because everyone was distracted Donovan’s most unusual hairstylewhich appeared to have a large, possibly rectangular section cut above his left ear.
People on social media went crazy over the legendary player’s new look. Many had fun and made a series of jokes, while some expressed concern for his well-being.
Magee, who now owns the Sneaky Fox Vodka Company, decided to get to the heart of the matter. He reached out to his former teammate via text later as well shared a screenshot of their conversation in a post X captioned, “Sorry @landondonovan.”
“LD check twitter ASAP,” Maggie texted Donovan, “and try to fire your barber.”
Donovan responded with several facepalm emojis and joked, “Where were you 7 hours ago??”
He then gave an explanation for his appearance.
“I had a hair transplant two weeks ago and was told it wouldn’t show on camera,” Donovan wrote.
Magee responded, “Who told you that Rafa Marquez?!”, referring to the Mexican soccer legend and Donovan’s former rival on the field.
Donovan sent back three laughing emojis and one that is NSFW.
When Magee asked if he could post their text thread, Donovan replied, “Whatever it is, I deserve it.”
Donovan proved to be even more of a good sport Tuesday morning, when he responded to Magee’s tweet with a photo of him years ago when he wore a lovely curly mullet on top of his head.
“Thanks for putting me on blast Mo,” Donovan said referring to Magee. “I’m just trying to get back to my glory days.”
Donovan is not the first sports broadcaster to publicly discuss undergoing the procedure in an attempt to enhance his receding hairline. Then-Fox and current ESPN announcer Joe Buck described himself as a “hair addict” in his 2016 memoir.
Donovan and Dark are set to call the Spain-Italy game on Thursday. Maybe Donovan will delve further into the hairy theme at that time — or maybe he’ll just wear a hat.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2024-06-18/landon-donovan-hair-transplant-euro-2024
