Landon Donovan and Mike Magee were Galaxy teammates from 2009 to 2013 and then again for a brief stint in 2016, winning three MLS Cups together during that time.
Obviously, the two men have remained close since then — so close that Magee felt comfortable asking Donovan a question that was on the mind of everyone who watched him during Fox Sports’ Euro 2024 coverage on Monday afternoon:
What is the problem with your hair?
Donovan, 42, is considered one of the top American men’s soccer players of all time. He and Brazilian star Neymar are tied for the most assists (58) in international play, while he and Clint Dempsey are tied for the most international goals (57) by an American. He also won four Concacaf Gold Cups with the U.S. 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 must have been very informative — though apparently no one was paying attention because they were all distracted by Donovan’s most unusual hairstyle, which featured a large, possibly rectangular section cut above his left ear.
People on social media were surprised to see the new look of the legendary player. Many people made fun of it and made many jokes, while some also expressed concern about his health.
Maggie, who now owns the Sneaky Fox Vodka company, decided to get to the bottom of the matter. She contacted her ex via text and later shared a screenshot of their conversation on an expost with the caption, “Sorry @landandonovan.”
“LD check Twitter ASAP,” Maggie messaged Donovan, “and possibly fire your barber.”
Donovan responded with several facepalm emojis and joked, “Where were you 7 hours ago???”
He then gave an explanation for his presence.
“Had a hair transplant procedure two weeks ago and was told it wouldn’t show on camera,” Donovan wrote.
McGee responded, “Who told you about Rafa Marquez?”, referring to the Mexican football legend and Donovan’s former on-field rival.
Donovan sent three laughing emojis and one NSFW one.
When McGee asked if he could post their text thread, Donovan responded, “Whatever, I’m entitled to it.”
Donovan proved to be even more of a good sport on Tuesday morning when he responded to Maggie’s tweet by posting a photo of himself from years gone by, sporting a gorgeous curly locks on top of his head.
“Thanks for giving me a great start, Mo. I’m just trying to get back to my glory days,” Donovan said, referring to McGee.
Donovan isn’t the first sports broadcaster to publicly discuss getting hair plugs to regrow his hair. Then-Fox and current ESPN announcer Joe Buck described himself as a “hair-plug addict” in his 2016 memoir.
Donovan and Darke will call the Spain-Italy match on Thursday. Perhaps Donovan will discuss the matter further then — or perhaps he’ll just wear a hat.
