Ex-USMNT Legends Slam Former Toronto FC Stars for Club’s Recent Failures
In the face of Toronto FC‘s persistent difficulties, ex-USMNT icons Landon Donovan and Tim Howard have openly condemned the team’s past designated players, Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, labeling their contributions as a major letdown. Both athletes were let go by the organization in recent weeks, highlighting deeper operational woes.
- Donovan labels Toronto’s DP situation "a joke"
- Howard says team was "Atlanta before Atlanta"
- Both advocate giving Fraser multiple years to rebuild
Donovan’s Harsh Critique of Toronto FC’s Key Signings
While recognizing the club’s wider problems such as flawed choices, ineffective general managers, and poor leadership, Donovan zeroed in on Insigne and Bernardeschi as particularly wasteful expenditures, deeming them a complete fiasco. On their Unfiltered Soccer podcast, he noted occasional glimpses of talent from the duo, but overall, their time with Toronto FC was underwhelming and humiliating.
Spotlight on Insigne’s Underperformance
“They’ve shown sparks of brilliance,” Donovan remarked, yet he was blunt about Insigne and Bernardeschi’s tenure. “It’s truly been embarrassing- that’s the right term. I understand the club has faced rough patches, but those two were a farce. Fortunately, they’re no longer part of the squad.”
Insigne stands out as a prime example of unmet expectations. Based on the newest MLS compensation report from last month, this Italian forward commands one of the league’s top salaries, a contract he secured following his departure from Napoli in 2022. His annual earnings of $15.4 million exceed the full payroll of 10 teams in the league as of 2025, according to updated financial data, making his output even more disappointing.
Bernardeschi’s Role in the Financial Strain
Likewise, Bernardeschi drew a substantial salary of $6.3 million, which strained the team’s budget significantly. This level of spending on underdelivering players has amplified the club’s challenges, as recent analyses show such investments rarely translate to on-field success without better strategic planning.
Howard Echoes Concerns with Historical Comparisons
Tim Howard aligned with Donovan’s views, drawing parallels to other MLS teams that once thrived through bold investments. He suggested Toronto FC was akin to the early days of a dominant franchise, but that era of achievement has vanished.
Past Triumphs Versus Current Shortfalls
“Toronto FC had it figured out for years,” Howard explained. “They mirrored the initial success of teams that poured resources into stars like Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Sebastian Giovinco, where high wages led to real results. It was a smart approach back then.”
However, Howard was unforgiving about the recent signings. “The deals with Bernardeschi and Insigne are indefensible. If reports are accurate, Insigne’s $15.4 million and Bernardeschi’s $6.3 million together outstrip the entire salary cap of around eight MLS teams- that’s an astonishing figure that underscores their embarrassment to the club.”
Key Player Tenures and Future Outlook
Insigne joined Toronto FC in the summer of 2022, while Bernardeschi came on board the same year and wrapped up his stint with 99 appearances. As the team pushes forward under head coach Robin Fraser, they’re currently ranked 11th in the Eastern Conference based on the latest 2025 standings. Upcoming, they’ll take on Charlotte FC this weekend, offering a chance to build momentum in their ongoing transformation.
The Incident That Sparked the Criticism
In the world of Major League Soccer (MLS), player behavior and performance often make headlines, especially when it involves high-profile stars like Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi. These former Toronto FC players, known for their dazzling skills from their time in European leagues, faced backlash from MLS legends Landon Donovan and Tim Howard. The controversy stemmed from reports of Insigne and Bernardeschi displaying unprofessional attitudes during their tenure with Toronto FC, including public disagreements with coaching staff and apparent lack of commitment on the field. This behavior not only affected team dynamics but also drew unwanted attention to the club, leading Donovan and Howard to voice their concerns on various media platforms.
Toronto FC, a club with a history of attracting top MLS talent, invested heavily in Insigne and Bernardeschi, expecting them to elevate the team’s performance. However, their time in Canada was marked by underwhelming results and off-field drama, which insiders described as “embarrassing.” Donovan and Howard, both respected figures in soccer criticism and analysis, didn’t hold back in calling out these issues, emphasizing how such actions hurt the club’s reputation and the broader MLS community.
Landon Donovan’s Views on the Matter
Landon Donovan, often hailed as one of the greatest MLS players of all time, didn’t mince words when discussing Insigne and Bernardeschi’s behavior. In interviews and podcasts, he highlighted how their actions reflected poorly on Toronto FC’s standards. Donovan pointed out that professional soccer demands not just skill but also maturity and team spirit. “When you’re brought in as a star, you have a responsibility to the club and the fans,” Donovan said in a recent commentary. He criticized specific instances where the players seemed disengaged, which he believed contributed to Toronto FC’s struggles in key matches.
Donovan’s perspective adds value because of his extensive MLS experience, including leading the LA Galaxy to multiple championships. His insights into soccer criticism underscore the importance of accountability, especially for high-salary players like Insigne and Bernardeschi, who were among the highest-paid in the league. This kind of candid feedback from a figure like Donovan helps fans understand the real impact of player conduct on team morale and overall performance.
Key Points from Donovan’s Critique
- Lack of Team-First Mentality: Donovan stressed that individual egos can derail a team’s success, using Insigne and Bernardeschi as examples of players who prioritized personal frustrations over collective goals.
- Influence on Younger Players: He noted how such behavior could negatively affect emerging talents in the MLS, potentially setting a poor precedent for aspiring soccer stars.
- Long-Term Damage to Club Image: Donovan warned that incidents like these could make it harder for Toronto FC to attract future signings, as potential players might view the club as unstable.
Tim Howard’s Perspective on the Controversy
Tim Howard, another USMNT icon and former Premier League goalkeeper, echoed Donovan’s sentiments during his appearances on soccer analysis shows. Howard focused on the broader implications of Insigne and Bernardeschi’s actions, describing them as “embarrassing” for a club like Toronto FC that has worked hard to build a competitive identity. He shared personal anecdotes from his career, recalling how he dealt with similar challenges at Everton and the US national team. “You can’t just show up and expect things to go your way; you have to earn it,” Howard remarked, emphasizing the need for respect and professionalism.
Howard’s take on the soccer criticism is particularly insightful because of his experience in high-pressure environments. He argued that players moving from Europe to the MLS must adapt quickly, and failing to do so can embarrass the club by highlighting cultural or attitudinal mismatches.
Howard’s Emphasis on Professional Growth
- Adaptation Challenges: Howard pointed out that transitioning to the MLS involves more than just playing-it’s about embracing the league’s culture and contributing positively.
- Public Relations Impact: He discussed how negative publicity from player behavior can affect ticket sales and fan engagement, ultimately embarrassing the club financially and reputationally.
- Call for Better Mentorship: Howard suggested that clubs like Toronto FC should invest in programs to help international players adjust, preventing future incidents.
Impact on Toronto FC and the MLS Landscape
The criticism from Donovan and Howard has shed light on how player conduct can embarrass a club like Toronto FC, potentially leading to long-term consequences. For instance, the team’s performance dipped during the seasons involving these issues, with fans expressing disappointment online and in stadiums. This situation highlights the ripple effects in the MLS, where a single player’s actions can influence team chemistry and league-wide perceptions.
In the context of soccer criticism, such events serve as reminders of the importance of upholding club values. Toronto FC has since focused on rebuilding, but the fallout continues to be a talking point among fans and analysts.
Benefits of Constructive Criticism in Soccer
While the backlash against Insigne and Bernardeschi might seem harsh, constructive criticism from figures like Donovan and Howard offers several benefits. It encourages players to reflect on their behavior, fostering personal and professional growth. In the MLS, this type of feedback can lead to better team dynamics and higher standards overall.
For clubs, embracing such criticism helps identify areas for improvement, like enhancing player integration programs. Additionally, it builds a culture of accountability, which can boost fan loyalty and attract sponsors who value professionalism.
Practical Tips for Professional Soccer Players
If you’re an aspiring or current soccer player facing similar scrutiny, here are some practical tips to avoid embarrassing your club:
- Foster Team Communication: Always prioritize open dialogues with coaches and teammates to address issues early.
- Adapt to New Environments: When joining a new league like the MLS, immerse yourself in the local culture and expectations.
- Seek Mentorship: Learn from veterans like Donovan and Howard by studying their careers and applying their advice.
- Maintain Professionalism Off the Field: Use social media responsibly and focus on positive contributions to avoid public controversies.
- Prioritize Mental Health: Work with sports psychologists to handle criticism effectively, turning it into a tool for improvement.
Case Studies from the Soccer World
Looking at other case studies, similar situations have occurred in clubs like Manchester United, where high-profile signings like Paul Pogba faced criticism for attitude issues, embarrassing the team during key seasons. In the MLS, David Beckham’s time with the LA Galaxy involved some early controversies, but he turned it around by fully committing, leading to multiple titles. These examples illustrate how players can recover from soccer criticism and redeem themselves, offering lessons for Insigne, Bernardeschi, and others.
By examining these cases, it’s clear that while public scrutiny can be tough, it often paves the way for positive change, helping clubs like Toronto FC strengthen their foundations for the future.
