Major League Soccer names MVP award after Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan won Major League Soccer’s MVP just once in his record-breaking career. But Thursday the league guaranteed he’ll forever be linked to the honor, renaming the trophy the Landon Donovan MVP Award.

“Landon Donovan’s commitment to growing the game in North America is unrivaled and his contributions to Major League Soccer are immeasurable,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said of the Galaxy midfielder, who retired last month after setting records for both goals and assists in MLS and with the U.S. national team. “His legacy will be forever etched in our league’s history and we appreciate everything he has accomplished, both on and off the field.”

The foot-high Landon Donovan trophy, crafted by Tiffany & Co. features a silhouette of Donovan before a sterling MLS crest.

“To have this prestigious award named after me is truly unimaginable,” Donovan said in a statement. “I am extremely humbled and proud of this honor.”

In addition to his scoring and assist records, Donovan won a record six MLS titles -- including three of the last four with the Galaxy -- and made 14 consecutive All-Star teams during his 14-year MLS career. He also won MVP honors in two MLS Cup finals and two All-Star Games.