Retired soccer player Landon Donovan poses for photographs during a news conference ahead of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Philadelphia. MLS announced that it has named its Most Valuable Player award after Donovan. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Major League Soccer has renamed its Most Valuable Player award after Landon Donovan, its career scoring leader who retired last month after helping establish the league and boost the prominence of the U.S. national team.
MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced the decision Thursday before the MLS draft, calling Donovan's decision to join the league in 2001 "one of the most important milestones in our history."
Donovan wiped away tears as he watched a video tribute inside a hotel ballroom.
The 32-year-old was voted MLS's MVP in 2009 and won his record sixth MLS Cup last month when the Los Angeles Galaxy defeated New England. Donovan says he's "eternally grateful" MLS players will have the opportunity to win the Landon Donovan MVP Award.
Designed by Tiffany & Co., the foot-tall award displays Donovan's silhouette and the new crest MLS will use this year in its 20th season.
Retired soccer player Landon Donovan poses for photographs during a news conference ahead of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Philadelphia. MLS announced that it has named its Most Valuable Player award after Donovan. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Associated Press
Retired soccer player Landon Donovan speaks during a news conference ahead of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Philadelphia. MLS announced that it has named its Most Valuable Player award after Donovan. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Associated Press
Retired soccer player Landon Donovan speaks during a news conference ahead of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Philadelphia. MLS announced that it has named its Most Valuable Player award after Donovan. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Associated Press
Retired soccer player Landon Donovan speaks ahead of the first round of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Associated Press
Retired soccer player Landon Donovan speaks during a news conference ahead of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Philadelphia. MLS announced that it has named its Most Valuable Player award after Donovan. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Associated Press
Retired soccer player Landon Donovan speaks during a news conference ahead of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, in Philadelphia. MLS announced that it has named its Most Valuable Player award after Donovan. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The Associated Press