More than a footballer, more than a man. Brand Beckham is in the news again and it’s shocked a fair few.
On Monday evening David Beckham announced he has ‘One more last challenge in him’ and will therefore leavel his MLS club, L.A Galaxy, on December 1st.
Two questions immediately stem from Beckham’s announcement; Where is he going and what impact has he had on American soccer.
Both thoughts are difficult to answer at this point. On his impact for the MLS, it is stronger than it has been ever before. Attendances at grounds are increasing, new stadiums are being built and even new teams are being created.
Montreal Impact became the 19th franchise in the MLS and the third to be located in Canada, so it shows the growth the league is going through. But Beckham hasn’t been the sole purpose of this, he also wasn’t the instigator.
What Beckham can be seen as, was the talking point. Global media care about Beckham, and the knock-on effect of that will be the global media care about the MLS.
Soccer is now the second most watched sport in the U.S.A for 12-24 year olds in the U.S, according to a survey from ESPN. English Premier League games aid this, as the Premier League games are shown in good varietyy and early morning when no other spor6s are on to compete.
Beckham’s involvement in the US is not over though, part of his contract from L.A Galaxy clause leads him to be part of a MLS franchise. Plus his family and himself seem settled living the high life in L.A.
Which neatly leads to the next question, Beckham joining Alessandro Del Piero and Emile Heskey into the A-League in Australia is the bookies favourite at the moment. They have high wages and Australia seems worthy of a place for Beckham to root.
But his family will place a massive part in the decision making. Brooklyn is 13, Romeo is 10, Cruz is 7 and Harper is almost one year. To completely move country, and with Beckham aiming for a L.A return anyway, It means this next big challenge will surely be a temporary one.
That’s why the riches of Paris Saint-Germain might be the perfect bet. It’s in travelling distance from England, Joe Cole managed it on loan last year at Lille, so David could move back to the UK around his family, but travel for his football and it will be for some of the kids to see where daddy grew up.
It makes sense but it’s only pure speculation, we will have to wait on what one of England’s most famous faces decides to venture to next.
Oh and surely Victoria wouldn’t mind a few months travelling to Paris either.