In a rumor that is sweeping the globe while just inching across the U.S., soccer star David Beckham will sign with the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer tomorrow, making him by far the highest profile soccer player to play in the States since Pelé and the New York Cosmos days.
“I’ve played now for two of the biggest clubs in the world. I’ve played at the highest level for 15 years, and now I think I need another challenge,” Beckham reportedly told Good Morning America.
It’s likely the average American doesn’t see the significance of this move, which is why it will ultimately fail. Having been employed in Spain the past few years at Real Madrid, Beckham’s star off the pitch hasn’t stopped shining, but he has certainly seemed a step slow on the field.
But for Beckham, the greatest soccer-playing metrosexual in history, to come to the U.S. is a huge deal, that if played well, could lead Major League Soccer to untold popularity and riches. For Beckham and wife Victoria, it will mean added popularity in the U.S., and extra opportunity in Hollywood (though if you’ve heard Beckham speak, a film career seems hard to fathom).
Sadly, Beckham’s signing is much more likely to be the death-knell of the niche league than it’s rebirth. Soccer is not going to become wildly popular in the U.S. Ever. David Beckham, Posh Spice or Ronaldo won’t change that.
In the end, it’s an interesting move, but if the MLS is planning on putting its hopes and dreams on aging players, they will be sorely disappointed and will put the league’s very existence at risk. And the PGA will have one less competitor.
–WKW
WorldGolf.com's William K. Wolfrum blogs about everything in the world of golf and travel, including Michelle Wie, Lorena Ochoa, Tiger Woods and other PGA and LPGA headlines. Plus, he offers the humorous and obscure in news, politics and pop culture.
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