by Bailey Brautigan

For years now, David Beckham has been the most recognizable name (and body) of professional soccer, and rightfully so with his chiseled abs and almost-too-pretty face. He and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, have been an “it” couple worldwide as people continue to be in awe of such beauty. In recent years, another beautiful person has dominated Google image searches with his racy pictures and killer smile. His name is Cristiano Ronaldo. Ronaldo controversially graced the cover of Vanity Fair, wearing nothing more than designer boxer-briefs. And there were few complaints from the women of the world. These two world-class athletes have attracted more and more female fans to the sport and have solidified themselves as international sex symbols.

But the United States has produced another “sexy” player who (although not traditionally handsome) will soon be the new poster above many young American girls’ beds.

Landon Donovan is an All-American boy that many Americans are just starting to get to know. Let’s face it: the “Yanks” are simply more focused on our version of “football” than we are on the more global sport. Sure, we play soccer when our parents force us into suburban youth rec leagues, but we become Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns fans before we even hear of the LA Galaxy. For the most part, Americans pay little attention to soccer (we can’t even call the sport by its real name) except for, perhaps, once every four years.

This year’s World Cup has brought the focus back on the US National Team, and Landon Donovan has maintained his position as the face of American soccer. With his heroic goal against Algeria today, Donovan has carried the US team to the Round of 16 and claimed his spot as America’s favorite player. Americans everywhere now finally understand Donovan’s SportsCenter copy-machine commercial, and the women in the “U-S-of-A” are beginning to swoon.

At 5’8” and with a receding hairline, Donovan may not be as glamorous as his European counterparts.

But isn’t that the American way?

Soccer betting:
USA to reach the semi-finals 5/2 with sportsbook.com