Landon Donovan: 'I Will Not Be a Dad Any Time Soon'

The start of 2010 saw Landon Donovan donning a comical fake mustache and sombrero in a commercial for the Mexican lottery. At the time, despite being the all-time leading goal scorer in U.S. history, he could still probably walk down the street in most American cities without being noticed.

Flash forward seven months and the U.S. soccer star's Q-rating seems now to have no limits. His three-goal performance in the 2010 World Cup -- including the bellwether 91st minute winner vs. Algeria in the final match of Group C -- saw Donovan on a mini media blitz Stateside following the U.S.'s loss to Ghana in the Round of 16 in June.

That peaked Wednesday night when Donovan and the U.S. National Team won the ESPY Award for Best Moment.

Perhaps the only blemish for Donovan in the last month was a report that surfaced in England during the World Cup that he fathered a "love child" during his 10-week loan this winter at Everton in the Premier League.

On the ESPY red carpet in Los Angeles, Donovan denied the "love child" report to E! News.

"I actually wasn't sure I was going to [be] asked but I know now that I will not be a dad any time soon, which is good news for me."

It's worth noting that news was delivered with his estranged wife -- actress Bianca Kajlich -- by his side, which should count for something, or at least add some credence to the denial.

In addition to the Best Moment award, Donovan took home ESPYs for Best MLS Player and Best Performance Under Pressure.

Now, with any apparent off-field drama laid to rest, Donovan can probably focus on his soccer future, which is as bright as it has ever been.

After three failed stints in Germany, the now 28-year-old forged a total career makeover in 2010. First came his standout role at Everton on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy. Then came a wonderful World Cup, where he became -- for two weeks anyway -- a household name in the United States. Sandwiched in between was his continued excellence with the Western Conference-leading Galaxy.

Donovan signed a four-year contract with the Galaxy following the 2009 season, but his eye-opening performances have seen his name linked to major English Premier League clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City.

If one of these cash-rich big spenders comes calling to MLS with a large transfer fee, could the league turn it down?

And at 28, would Donovan, after tasting the big-time with Everton, force his way out of his contract?

Then again, would it make sense for MLS sell its most marketable, well-known American star ... who just so happens to be the best player in the league? It's doubtful MLS will see a player with Donovan's crossover appeal, especially on the heels of the World Cup, any time soon. It wouldn't exactly send the best message to prospective MLS fans when if it sells off one of the handful of players in the league which casual American sports fans know by name.

However these rumors play out, whatever the next step Donovan takes in his career, if Wednesday's denial is accurate, we can safely judge it won't be driven by an ulterior motive.