WWhile many celebrities and social media influencers are boasting about their expensive hair transplant surgeries, 43-year-old soccer player Landon Donovan has unveiled a new change from bald to full hair.
The American soccer player, who won the Best Young Player award at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, shared an unguarded video with fans on Instagram on September 29th, captioned, “It’s time to fix this bald head for good.” In the video, he said that he has been suffering from receding hairline and hair loss since he was 18 years old.
Donovan said she had tried “everything” including hair transplants on the top of her head and the back of her head, but “nothing worked.” Donovan said he currently has three options. Of the three options that appeal to him the most: going bald (“he doesn’t want to do that”), leaving his hair as is (“there’s no option at the moment”), or getting a hairpiece. He then asked fans to help him choose a style for the third option.
October
On October 3, the soccer star shared an update on Instagram. The caption to the video read: “After years of trying different methods, I finally decided to try a wig.”
In the clip, which was filmed before his hair appointment, Donovan spoke honestly about his feelings, saying he was “excited” and “nervous.” The video then shows his head shaved down to zero and the wig placed off-camera.
The results were amazing, with comments praising the new hairstyle. TV presenter Adam Richman commented: “I admire your honesty and your vulnerability and it’s great, mate.” Former LA Galaxy teammate Brian Jordan wrote, “Young Lando is back!” This observation is especially true when comparing a 2002 photo of Donovan early in his career with his new, fresh look.
On October 7, less than a week after the transformation video, Donovan shared another “hair update” on Instagram and thanked his followers. According to the American Hair Loss Association, two-thirds of men in the United States will experience some noticeable hair loss by the age of 35. Still, Donovan said he was surprised by the avalanche of messages of sympathy. “I had no idea how many people were dealing with this and struggling,” he said. “I’ve received thousands of messages from you.”
Donovan was pleased with the result and said that while he was still “getting used to it” he was “really enjoying it” so far.
On October 10, just three days after revealing his hairstyle change, Donovan wrote a heartfelt post highlighting the importance of World Mental Health Day in light of his own battle with depression. He began his post by briefly mentioning his recent changes in appearance. “Hi, I’m Landon Donovan. I’m at the Austin FC store with a new haircut,” he said with a little laugh.
Landon Donovan also posted a clip of an interview on the US Soccer Podcast, talking about his upcoming book and reflecting on his decades-long career in the sport.
