Landon Donovan speaks out as Euro 2024 pundit mocked for his hair live on TV

Landon Donovan has admitted he was told his hair transplant procedure would not be visible on camera after being mocked during Euro 2024. The former Everton and LA Galaxy striker sported a bizarre haircut while providing punditry in Germany.

Donovan was working for American broadcaster Fox during France’s clash with Austria on Monday night. Maximilian Wober’s own goal gifted France the perfect start to the tournament.

However, it was Donovan’s hair that provided the main talking point for American viewers during the match. The 42-year-old sported an unorthodox style with the hair appearing longer on the sides than on top.

His former LA Galaxy team-mate Mike Magee has now shared a text message exchange with his friend that explains the look. Donovan revealed that he underwent the procedure just two weeks before the tournament.

“LD check Twitter asap and probably fire your barber,” Magee said to Donovan, who retired in 2019.

The USMNT icon responded with three face-palm emojis and said: “Where were you seven hours ago? Had a hair transplant procedure two weeks ago and was told it wouldn’t show up on camera.”

Magee referenced the former Barcelona and Mexico defender Rafael Marquez, who has also undergone the procedure in the past. He said: "Who told you that, Rafa Marquez?”

He then asked Donovan if he could share their conversation on Twitter, with the pundit responding: “Whatever, I deserve it. Goodnight Mo.”

Donovan watched France get off to a winning start against Austria at Euro 2024. Wober diverted Mbappe’s cross into his own net late in the first half.

But there was huge concern for France as Mbappe suffered a fractured nose late on. The forward, who will join Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, was hurt in an accidental collision with Austria’s Kevin Danso.

Mbappe received medical attention on the pitch, with his white France shirt doused in blood. The 25-year-old was taken to hospital but despite conflicting reports, he did not undergo surgery.

A mask will be made for Mbappe to wear while his nose recovers. The French Football Federation said: “Kylian Mbappe suffered a broken nose during the second part of the Austria-France [match] held this Monday in Dusseldorf.

“The captain of France was treated first by the medical staff and Dr. Franck Le Gall, who diagnosed him with a nose fracture.

“Mbappe will receive treatment in the next few days, but he will not undergo surgery in the immediate future. A mask will be made for him so that the number 10 of the French national team can prepare for his return to the competition after a period dedicated to treatment.”

French publication Le Figaro report that Mbappe could miss the remainder of France's group matches before returning for the knockouts, should Les Bleus reach that stage.