In the world of soccer, every opinion sparks debate. Whether you consider Messi or Ronaldo the GOAT, there will always be two sides to the argument. So when Landon Donovan called Giovanni Reyna a “soccer practicer,” it left many people upset, especially when he suggested that Reyna should have never left the MLS. A lot of fans, critics, and even former USMNT stars called out the MLS legend for his opinions on Reyna. However, Donovan later clarified that he was, in fact, on their side.

To provide context, Giovanni Reyna has faced challenges since crossing the Atlantic to play club football at Signal Iduna Park. A string of injuries has limited his game time, but for Donovan, his ultimate hope is for Reyna to improve. After all, he’s one of the best talents the USMNT currently has to offer.

Speaking on his ‘Unfiltered Soccer’, the former LA Galaxy forward mentions that people have taken his words too personally. “I am in Gio’s corner, I want Gio to succeed,” says Donovan. “It doesn’t mean we’re not going to be honest and doesn’t mean we’re not going to be unfiltered”

Donovan also mentions that he cheered for Reyna when he recently scored the opening goal in Borussia Dortmund’s draw with Hoffenheim. That goal marked Reyna’s first club goal in over 583 days, which came in just his second start since April this year. Since signing for the German club back in 2019/20, the American has made 95 appearances to date. 

“If that’s the way he’s going playing well and scoring, great, stay at Dortmund, if not, find a place to play, whether it’s MLS or Holland or Mexico, I don’t care” added Donovan. While debate about the other leagues, compared to Europe’s top five remain prevalent, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher offered a different perspective on the matter.

“That just sounds absolutely ridiculous” – Jamie Carragher on Giovanni Reyna playing in the MLS

When Landon Donovan mentioned that Reyna would have better chances of making the USMNT had he stayed in MLS, Carragher trolled the forward by suggesting his opinion stemmed from the fact that the legendary striker never made it in Europe. 

“It sounds like a ridiculous statement if you’re saying someone should be playing in the MLS rather than playing in the Bundesliga or the Champions League. That just sounds absolutely ridiculous,” said Carragher. Also, let’s not forget the fact that Gio is the son of Claudio Reyna who played most of his club football in Germany and England for the likes of Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Sunderland, and Manchester City. 

With the January transfer window soon to open, all eyes will be on Giovanni Reyna and where he’ll play next. After a loan spell at Nottingham Forest last season, another stint in England could be on the horizon. As Donovan mentioned, we all hope that Reyna gets more playing time and finds his name on the team sheet for the 2026 World Cup at home.