Donovan Mocked on Decision Day Broadcast

Bradley Wright-Phillips joked about Landon Donovan's hairpiece during MLS Decision Day coverage, and Donovan said he no longer cares about the criticism.

Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Soccer

Donovan Mocked on Decision Day Broadcast

During Apple TV's Decision Day coverage, Bradley Wright-Phillips joked that Landon Donovan must take off his hat while a clip of Donovan at Nu Stadium aired. Donovan, who wore a custom hairpiece during the 2026 World Cup, said he no longer cares about the jibes about his hair and playing career.

Why it matters

The exchange highlights how the hair transplant issues Donovan discussed publicly have become a recurring topic in MLS broadcasts and commentary. It also reflects the 2026 season's final-day stakes, with Inter Miami holding second place in the Eastern Conference.

Inter Miami led Charlotte FC 3-0 at halftime before Liel Abada scored a brace by the 55th minute and Rodolfo Aloko scored a 90th-minute equalizer. Inter Miami finished second in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of New England, which lost 1-0 to Orlando City on Saturday.

The players

Landon Donovan

A 6-time MLS Cup winner and former U.S. national team star whose hair transplants and hairpiece have drawn public attention.

Bradley Wright-Phillips

A former MLS striker and current broadcaster who made the joke about Donovan's hat during Decision Day coverage.

Apple TV

The streaming service that carried MLS Decision Day coverage and aired the clip of Donovan at Nu Stadium.

The details

Apple TV aired a clip of Donovan at Nu Stadium while Wright-Phillips made the joke about his hat. Donovan, a 6-time MLS Cup winner, said in comments to The Athletic that he wears a wig rather than shaving his head and no longer cares about the criticism of his hair and his time at Bayer Leverkusen, which Eddie Johnson called a failure.

2024: Donovan's botched hair transplant went viral during the European Championship.
2026 World Cup: Donovan wore the custom hairpiece throughout the tournament.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Decision Day matches aired, including Inter Miami vs. Charlotte FC.

Season Trajectory

The broadcast mockery arrived on MLS Decision Day, when playoff seeding and conference positions were settled across the league. Inter Miami's second-place finish in the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of New England, set its postseason position for the coming playoffs.

Inter Miami's second-place finish affects how MLS playoff matchups are set for the coming postseason. Fantasy and betting interest in Inter Miami and Charlotte FC players may follow from the Decision Day results.

The takeaway

Public figures who have discussed personal appearance changes openly may still face public commentary on those changes. Donovan's comments show how athletes can set their own boundaries on that commentary.