Beckham Moving to LA Galaxy

David Beckham, 31-year-old former captain of England’s national soccer team, issued a statement yesterday that read in part, “This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons. After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS [America’s Major Soccer League] from August this year.” That won’t help the Galaxy much, since they start their season on April 8 against Houston.

MLS is hyping the move already, but the powers that be in the league seem to have already succumbed to their own propaganda. “David Beckham will have a greater impact on soccer in America than any athlete has ever had on a sport globally,” said Timothy J. Leiweke, president & CEO of Anschutz Entertainment Group, which owns the Galaxy. “David is truly the only individual that can build the bridge between soccer in America and the rest of the world. “ Pelé couldn’t do it, so why should Becks be able to do it?

Naturally, the arrival of Mr. Posh Spice will be good for ticket sales in LA, and there could be a slight uptick in ratings for late season games on TV. However, Mr. Beckham doesn’t really bring much more than a name to the game. At 31, his best years are behind him. He isn’t getting much playing time at Real Madrid (starting only 7 of 25 matches), and he’s no longer even on the England team.

He comes to LA with some serious silverware. He was on winning Man U teams for the Premiership title in 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2003; the FA Cup in 1994, 1996, 1999, the European Cup in 1999, and the World Club Championship also in 1999. He also participated in the Supercopa de España in 2003, which Real Madrid won shortly after his transfer from Man U. Since then, he has won nothing. As some wags have said, “he’s better at selling shirts than scoring goals.”

However, at Real Madrid, and Manchester and in the international game, he was up against the best. The MLS is good, but it’s rather second division compared to the top flights in Europe. He may well lead the Galaxy to a crown or two; he may have a few glorious goals left in him; and he may get a beer commercial out of the deal. But he isn’t what he was, LA isn’t Manchester, and one man can’t change the MLS. All the same, he’s welcome.

© Copyright 2007 by The Kensington Review, Jeff Myhre, PhD, Editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written consent. Produced using Fedora Linux.

Home