My Everton #168: A Chance Meeting With Landon Donovan

I am an Evertonian from the United States – and it all started because of my dad. 

Growing up, he admired players like Landon Donovan, Tim Howard, and Brian McBride – and that connection was what also first drew me in. But it didn’t take long for the Club itself to leave a lasting impression.

My first trip across the pond came in February 2016, when my dad and I attended our first Everton match at Goodison Park. It was also our first time in Liverpool, and, from that moment on, both the Club and the city stayed with me. A decade later, in January 2026, we returned. This time, we went to two matches, walked around Goodison, and toured Hill Dickinson Stadium. Seeing both grounds in person – especially revisiting Goodison – brought back so many memories, including moments like Calvert-Lewin’s winner against Palace in front of the Gwladys Street End.

There are certain things that just stay with you. Hearing “Z-Cars” for the first time gave me chills – and it still does. Watching Everton every weekend, regardless of the result, is something I always look forward to. Through the ups and downs of the past few years, it has only deepened my appreciation for the Club and everything around it.

One of the more surreal moments recently was running into Landon Donovan. When I mentioned Everton, his face lit up immediately. We talked briefly about my visits to Goodison and the new stadium, and he said, “Goodison Park is the best”, and how he’s excited to see what’s ahead for the Club. That moment really stuck with me. I’ve also been fortunate enough to meet former Everton icons like Tim Howard and Leon Osman, which made that connection feel even more real.

What sets Everton apart for me is what the Club stands for. The connection to the community, the identity as 'The People’s Club'. The pride of its supporters is something you feel right away—especially in Liverpool. Talking with fans during my visits, you can see how much the Club means to them, and that passion is something I’ll always carry with me.

Players like Seamus Coleman, Jordan Pickford, and Richarlison have been some of my favourites to watch over the years, and David Moyes’ return felt like a full-circle moment as Everton moved into a new chapter.

The past few years haven’t been easy, but I think they’ve brought supporters even closer together. We have come through those challenges and now we're pushing to get back to where we belong.

Becoming an Evertonian has been one of the best parts of my life – and it’s something that will always be a part of me.

By Brendan Markey, Evertonian

My Everton shares first-hand accounts describing the most-treasured memories of fans, players, and staff both past and present. 

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