Chris Wondolowski bided his time as a reserve for five seasons before blossoming into the leading scorer in MLS history. The Danville native and San Jose Earthquakes legend has ascended to the U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame on his first shot.
Wondolowski, who announced his retirement on the field at PayPal Park following the Quakes’ final game of the 2021 season, was announced Thursday as part of the 2026 National Soccer Hall of Fame’s class of 2026. The ceremony will be May 1 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas. Former U.S. women’s star Tobin Heath also was a first-ballot selection.
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 7: San Jose Quakes’ Chris Wondolowski (8) places his hand to his heart while looking at the crowd after scoring a goal against FC Dallas at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif., on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021. Wondolowski has played 14 seasons with the San Jose Quakes and announced his retirement after the game.(Shae Hammond/Bay Area News Group)
“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame,” Wondolowski said in a release issued by the Quakes. “Surprise, shock, tears, joy. I’m still trying to find the words for the emotions. As a soccer fan first, I know how special it is. I remember spending hours playing in the backyard pretending to be these all-time greats. I never thought I would be such a part of that elite group.
“Thank you to the voters and everyone who helped me get here over the years, from all my teammates and coaches, to the fans, my friends, and most of all, my family. I couldn’t have done this without you. I also want to congratulate everyone else in the Class of 2026 on receiving this remarkable recognition.”
The Quakes said he learned the news that he had been elected from his family, who surprised him in his East Bay hometown of Danville.
Players need to be retired at least three seasons to be considered for induction. Wondolowski was elected from the Player Ballot, where election procedures call for the two players named on the most ballots (and on at least 50% of the ballots) to be elected. He received 37 votes from the 48-member Player Voting Committee (77.1%).
“The San Jose Earthquakes congratulate Chris Wondolowski on his election to the National Soccer Hall of Fame,” Earthquakes president Jared Shawlee said in the team’s release. “Chris has embodied everything about the club from the moment he first arrived, not just with his legendary accomplishments on the field, but also with the class and humility he has demonstrated in our community. We are so proud of him and elated to have been a part of his journey to his deserved place among soccer’s all-time greats.”
San Jose Earthquakes’ Chris Wondolowski (8) waves to the crowd as he leaves the field after scoring his 100th MLS goal against Orlando City SC in the second half at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, May 24, 2015. (Josie Lepe/Bay Area News Group)
Wondolowski played for the Quakes in 14 of his 17 seasons in the MLS. He scored his 171st career goal in the first half of his final game. Following the final whistle, Wondolowski took a microphone to acknowledge the crowd and announce he’d played his final game. “Instead of doing this at a press conference,” he told the crowd of more than 17,000, “instead of a bunch of cameras, I wanted to do it in front of you guys because you guys have been there from Day 1. But this is the last ride.”
He started 313 games with the Quakes, 85 more than any other player. Wondolowski finished with 26 more goals than Landon Donovan, another former Quakes star, who is second on the MLS career scoring list.
Even before his MLS career took off, “Wondo” had deep roots in the Bay Area soccer scene. He played club soccer for the Diablo Valley Soccer Club (DVSC) and Danville Mustang Soccer Association and starred at De La Salle High and Chico State.
The forward was originally selected by the Quakes in the final round of the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft and played in two matches, but after that season the franchise relocated to Houston.
He returned to San Jose after a mid-season trade in 2009, and broke through the following season when he led the league in with 18 goals in 26 matches to earn his first Golden Boot. In 2012, Wondolowski tied the MLS single-season record with 27 goals for his second Golden Boot. He was also named the league’s Most Valuable Player while leading San Jose to its best regular season in club history and second Supporters’ Shield. Wondolowski was named to the MLS Best XI three straight times from 2010-12.
Internationally, Wondolowski made 35 senior-level appearances for the United States Men’s National Team and scored 11 goals.
Wondolowski has served as the Quakes’ head of under-23 Individual Development Programming since he retired as a player. He was inducted into the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in 2023 and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.