Unencumbered Landon Donovan free to enjoy bit role in LA Galaxy comeback

He’ll be wearing white. He’ll be elusive, he hopes. And he’ll seem familiar, yet somehow altered by a journey from one kind of existence to the next. You’ll recognize him, even if he’s not exactly what you remember, and if confirmation is required simply check the LA Galaxy team sheet. Go past No. 10 all the way down to 26, a relatively anonymous number (beyond Stamford Bridge) that means far more to the man Landon Donovan is today than the one he was.

He’s back, as many figured he might be eventually—a ghost returned from the limbo of early retirement and signed by injury-hit LA for the rest of the 2016 season. He departed an MLS champion for a record sixth time nearly two years ago. He was an icon, a Rorschach test and a World Cup hero and martyr whose skillful, slashing style was as unique as his relationship with the game. That relationship was uncomfortable at times, but he made peace with it toward the end. Whatever impact that journey may have had on his failed quest to play in a fourth World Cup, it empowered Donovan and allowed him leave the sport on his terms. He was a key component of LA’s title run. He was celebrated at an emotional U.S. sendoff in Connecticut. And he was immortalized as the namesake for the league’s MVP award.

What to make of Landon Donovan's stunning return to the LA Galaxy, MLS

Most ghost stories are about unfinished business. The spirit returns to the plane it once inhabited to see something through, right a wrong, make good on unrealized potential or exact revenge. This one is different. Donovan is undisturbed and may be more at peace than he’s ever been. If he’s changed, it’s for the better. He’s a husband, a father, a student, a coach and a commentator, and perhaps he’s never been more comfortable in his own skin—even as it evolves.

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Soccer was a part of his life, not its entirety. That bothered some but made sense to him, and in a way, he’s never been in a better position to “enjoy his football,” as his former teammate David Beckham would have said. No one this fall will expect or demand that Donovan be singularly devoted, nor will they assume he’ll be his team’s most impactful player. When he was able to focus on enjoying the game, free from the scrutiny, over-analysis and negativity that occasionally encumbered him, he typically was spectacular.

Experiencing a LegenD: Reflections on covering Landon Donovan's career

“It’s a crazy thing when I sit down and think about [returning],” Donovan said in an interview posted by the Galaxy. “But in the end, when I take away all the layers of it, I’m really excited and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun, and I really hope it can be beneficial for this club.”

That’s been the key—taking away the layers. When reminiscing about Donovan’s World Cup winner against Algeria in a Sports Illustrated feature on famous national team goals, former U.S. defender Jay DeMerit said, “You see there’s a lot more pressure on his shoulders … Maybe some of it is self-imposed, but most of it wasn’t. There’s certain things he has to live up to and he’s kind of in a sticky situation because he’s pretty guarded in his ways. But in that moment [against Algeria], you could see him let go.”

GALLERY: Classic Landon Donovan photos through the years

Classic photos of Landon Donovan

circa 1992

A young Landon Dovovan poses in his youth soccer uniform.

1999

Landon Donovan and Julio Bracamontes of Mexico battle during the quarterfinals of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. The U.S. defeated Mexico 3-2.

2000

Landon Donovan runs through an agility drill at a practice session in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

2000

Landon Donovan poses in front of the Bayer pharmaceutical plant in Cologne, Germany. He had a brief stint with German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

2000

Landon Donovan during a quiet moment with Bayer Leverkusen.

2000

Landon Donovan hits out of a bunker while playing a round of golf in Adelaide, Australia, on an off-day before playing Japan in one of the quarterfinal matches of the Olympics.

2000

Landon Donovan runs after the ball during a game against Mexico at the Los Angeles Coliseum. The USA defeated Mexico 2-0.

2001

To honor U.S. Women's National Team member Brandi Chastain — who famously took off her shirt after winning the 1999 World Cup on a penalty kick — Landon Donovan pulled off his jersey to reveal a sports bra after he scored during the MLS All-Star Game in San Jose.

2001

Landon Donovan gets off a shot as James Lawrence arrives too late to stop it during a 2002 World Cup qualifier against Jamaica.

2001

Landon Donvan chases the ball ahead of Danny Califf during the MLS Championship game between the San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

2001

Landon Donovan hoists the MLS Cup trophy after the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1 at Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Donovan scored the Earthquakes' first goal in the 43rd minute.

2002

Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley pass the ball in a stretching drill at the Misari Football Center in Seoul, Korea.

2002

Landon Donovan records teammate DaMarcus Beasley during the national team's visit to the demilitarized zone. The U.S. soccer squad faced Portugal, South Korea and Poland in the first round of the 2002 FIFA Korea-Japan World Cup.

2002

Landon Donovan autographs a USA team jersey for U.S. Army SPC 4 Jesus Medina of Houston during the team's visit to the demilitarized zone in Panmunjom, South Korea.

2002

Petit of Portugal holds back Landon Donovan during the second half of the their Group D match played in South Korea. The U.S. won 3-2.

2002

Landon Donovan plays the ball against Poland during the 2002 World Cup in Daejeon, South Korea.

2002

Landon Donovan celebrates following his 65th-minute goal during second-round playoff action against Mexico in the 2002 World Cup. The U.S. won 2-0.

2002

Landon Donovan on the cover of Sports Illustrated as the national team began play in the 2002 World Cup.

2003

Landon Donovan of the San Jose Earthquakes kisses the MLS trophy after beating the Chicago Fire.

2004

Landon Donovan moves the ball past Israel Lopez of Mexico during an International Friendly at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas. USA defeated Mexico 1-0.

2004

Landon Donovan played his fourth and last season with the San Jose Earthquakes in 2004. He made 87 appearances for them and scored 32 goals.

2005

Landon Donovan poses during a photo shoot on Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles.

2005

Landon Donovan in action against Mexico during a 2006 World Cup qualifier.

2005

Landon Donovan runs off the field holding an American flag after the U.S. defeated Mexico to advance to the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

2006

Landon Donovan with teammates Oguchi Onyewu (top, left), Bobby Convey (top, right), and DaMarcus Beasley.

2006

Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Oguchi Onyewu and Bobby Convey on the cover of Sports Illustrated prior to the 2006 World Cup.

2006

A disappointed Landon Donovan after the U.S. was eliminated from the 2006 World Cup after its third game.

2007

Landon Donovan and Frankie Hejduk parade around the field with the Gold Cup after the U.S. defeated Mexico in the final of the 2007 CONCACAF at sold out Soldier Field in Chicago.

2007

Landon Donovan receives a kiss from his mother, Donna Kenney-Cash, after winning the Honda Player of the Year Award.

2007

Landon Donovan attacks the Ecuador goal during the first half of an international friendly in Tampa, Fla. The U.S. won 3-1.

2008

Landon Donovan clashes with the goalkeeper during a U.S. match with Cuba.

2009

Landon Donovan heads the ball against Mexico during a 2010 World Cup qualifying match at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The U.S. won, 2-0.

2009

A Landon Donovan assist on a goal by teammate Jozy Altidore led to this reaction during a 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Trinidad and Tobago at LP Field in Nashville.

2009

Landon Donovan and David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy celebrate scoring a goal against Chivas USA during Game One of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

2009

David Beckham and Landon Donovan celebrate the latter's goal against the Houston Dynamo during the 2009 MLS Western Conference Championship game at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 2-0.

2010

English Premier League side Everton acquired Landon Donovan on a two-and-a-half-month loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2010.

2010

Matt Ryan, Derek Jeter and Landon Donovan helped launch a new razor with a ceremonial first shave in New York City.

2010

Landon Donovan during an SI For Kids photo shoot.

2010

Landon Donovan made an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel Show, where the host had fun with a magazine spread in which Donovan was wearing patriotic underwear.

2010

Landon Donovan poses during an SI photo shoot.

2010

Landon Donovan poses with Clint Dempsey and Tim Howard on the cover of Sports Illustrated prior to the start of the 2010 World Cup.

2010

Landon Donovan shoots and scores past Slovenia's goalkeeper Samir Handanovic and defender Marko Suler during their Group C first-round match at the 2010 World Cup.

2010

Landon Donovan jumps over the goalkeeper in the U.S. final group stage game against Algeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

2010

Landon Donovan scores the winning goal in the 91st minute as the U.S. defeats Algeria, 1-0.

2010

Landon Donovan celebrates after scoring the game winning goal in the 91st minute against Algeria. Needing a win to advance, the goal secured the U.S. as winners of Group C and advanced it to the Round of 16.

2010

Landon Donovan and David Letterman take turns trying to kick a ball into the open window of a taxi outside the Ed Sullivan Theater for "The Late Show With David Letterman."

2010

USA coach Bob Bradley and Landon Donovan appear on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart."

2010

Danica Patrick and Landon Donovan pose together at the 2010 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.

2010

Mark Wahlberg shakes hands with Landon Donovan at the 2010 ESPY Awards in Los Angeles.

2011

Landon Donovan and Serena Williams attend a Super Bowl Weekend kickoff party in Dallas.

2011

Kobe Bryant, Landon Donovan, David Henrie and Chris Webber attend the Cartoon Network Hall of Game Awards held at The Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, Calif.

2011

Landon Donovan jumps into the arms of a teammate after scoring against Mexico in the first half of the CONCACAF Gold Cup final in Pasadena, Calif.

2011

Landon Donovan celebrates during the 2011 MLS Cup between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

2011

David Beckham celebrates with his sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, alongside teammates Juninho and Landon Donovan after the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo in the 2011 MLS Cup at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

2011

Indonesian students listen to Landon Donovan during a soccer clinic in Jakarta. The L.A. Galaxy visited Indonesia as part of their Asia tour.

2012

Landon Donovan watches the Los Angeles Kings and the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals during the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

2012

Referee Silvia Reyes gets between Landon Donovan and Toronto FC's Darren O'Dea after O'Dea tripped Donovan during an MLS match. The LA Galaxy defeated Toronto 4-2.

2012

Landon Donovan reacts after scoring on a penalty kick in the second half against the Houston Dynamo in the 2012 MLS Cup. The Los Angeles Galaxy won 3-1.

2012

Landon Donovan kisses the MLS Cup after winning the 2012 title against the Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

2013

President Barack Obama holds a soccer ball as he poses with Landon Donovan during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House. The ceremony was held to honor Los Angeles Galaxy's 2012 MLS Cup victory.

2013

Landon Donovan plays a corner kick against Toronto FC at BMO Field in Toronto. The LA Galaxy and Toronto FC played to a 2-2 tie.

2013

Landon Donovan attempts a back-heeled shot against Woodrow West of Belize during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup in Portland, Ore. Donovan finished with a goal and two assists — becoming the first U.S. player to record both 50 goals and 50 assists for his career — as the U.S. won easily, 6-1.

2013

Landon Donovan celebrates after scoring a goal against El Salvador during 5-1 victory over El Salvador in the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal in Baltimore.

2013

Landon Donovan celebrates after scoring a goal against Mexico in the Final Round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying match for the FIFA 2014 Brazil World Cup at the Columbus Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.

2014

Landon Donovan hoists the trophy as he and teammates celebrate after winning the 2014 MLS Cup championship against the New England Revolution at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

2015

Landon Donovan throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Donovan has nothing left to prove. There's nothing left to accomplish. But that doesn’t mean there's nothing left to do. He said that the thinning of LA’s roster, from Gyasi Zardes’s broken foot to the departure of midfield menace Nigel de Jong, set the stage for his return. That opened the locker room door, but something else had to push him through. He thought about sharing an on-field photo with his son, Talon, who was born on a 26th (last January, to be exact). He said he thought about “the energy around the game, so when people are in the stadium and they’re cheering and you’re hearing the Riot Squad and the Galaxians and the ACB cheering and all the energy in the stadium, you can’t replicate that. There’s nothing else in life that does that.” And he thought about helping out—not as a savior, but as a contributor.

“They don’t need much,” Donovan said of second-place LA. “Some of my qualities, even though the physical has gone a little bit, in a game I think can make a difference. I think in the locker room and away from the field I can help make a little bit of a difference, and if all those little things add up to one play or one moment can help propel a team to a championship, that would be great for me.

“My goal here is not to disrupt what’s going on. It’s to supplement and to help,” he said.

WATCH: Your questions answered on Landon Donovan's return

There’s wiggle room there. There’s leeway to play a reserve role—which is likely considering the two-year sabbatical—and to support or mentor. Any contribution will be welcome. He’s not a Designated Player, a captain or the focus of a game plan. Donovan can play this fall as a squad member, without the pressure or specter of his national team form, European prospects or even his 2014 farewell tour weighing him down. There's no one to probe his psyche or question his motivation, only those left to wonder if he’s having a good time and, if they’re Galaxy fans, hope he’s providing “all those little things.”

Donovan hasn’t gotten to play that sort of soccer before. No wonder he’s coming back.

He dabbled while retired, ran some camps and appeared in a couple of charity games. It was easy to imagine that Wells Fargo ad as a totally plausible slice of his retired life. An anonymous Donovan, signing up for a rec team and starting out on the bench behind a doofus like Hat Trick Rick. He’d earn his way onto the rutted field soon enough and have the time of his life.

Landon Donovan's new salary details, and his reasons for wearing No. 26

But throw in the crowds, that white jersey, the opportunity to help the club he adores and the chance to play once again in front of family and friends, and you’ve got a recipe that represents the best of both worlds.

“My goal here is to help,” he said. “I didn’t have some crazy urge to go running around a soccer field again. But I do like to help. I love this team … and it seems like the situation played out in a way where the team could use a little bit of help.”

This won’t be the Donovan we remember. He’s a couple years older, surely a bit wiser and he’ll look strange with that 26 on his back. But what’s to come may be the most authentic version of Donovan we’ve seen on a soccer field–free to be himself, do his thing and enjoy his football. That could turn out to be fun for fans and quite dangerous for the opposition. Because it won’t be El Niño and Spray Dan alongside him. It’ll be Gio dos Santos and Robbie Keane.