Landon Donovan was named US Soccer’s Male Athlete of the Year for a record fourth time on Monday. The LA Galaxy star previously earned the prize in 2003, 2004 and 2009.
The midfielder led the United States national team in goals for the fifth time, netting three during the World Cup in South Africa, and also topped the team in points for the seventh time. On the club level, Donovan led the league with 16 assists in 2010 and helped the Galaxy capture the 2010 Supporters' Shield.
“I want to thank everyone who chose me for this honor,” Donovan said in a statement. “I am very proud to have been part of this team and how we represented ourselves this year.
“For me, the lasting memories from South Africa this summer will be as much about the amazing support we received from fans across the country as our team’s performance. It certainly meant a lot to all of us.”
Donovan's goal against Algeria was also the foundation for four other "Best of" awards from U.S. Soccer, including Best Goal, Best Photo, Best Performance: Team and Best South Africa Moment.
WATCH: U.S. Soccer's Studio90 unveils awards, Landon Donovan reacts
Gale Agbossoumonde, who earned his first senior-team cap in a friendly against South Africa in November, won 2010 Young Male Player of the Year. Donovan took home that honor in 2000.
Information from MLSSoccer.com's Noah Davis was used in this report. Noah Davis covers the United States national team for MLSsoccer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @noahedavis.
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