The big question: What impact has David Beckham had on the MLS?

This article will explore the impact of Beckham in the MLS

Since he made his debut for Manchester United in 1992, David Beckham has become a worldwide icon. This is down to his footballing ability and earned incredible success. His off-the-field activities have also turned him into a huge celebrity. 

Ownership of Inter Miami and playing career in the United States

David Beckham helped set up a new Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in Inter Miami. His development from player to club owner started when he moved to La Galaxy in 2007. 

Mike Randolph, a young player with the Galaxy when Beckham joined spoke with the media about David's impact in LA. Randolph was struck by the Englishman’s normality. Many have suggested that Beckham has played a huge part in expanding the popularity of football or soccer in the country. 

David Beckham's best moment with LA Galaxy in the MLS came in 2011 when they clinched the MLS Cup. This marked a crowning achievement in his American journey. His leadership and skill were instrumental in guiding the team to success, solidifying his legacy in Major League Soccer.

Then came his journey as the owner of Inter Miami. They now have Lionel Messi in their team and even won their first major trophy during the last campaign. 

When his side won that trophy, Beckham told the media: "It’s the biggest compliment that anyone can give these players because it is like a movie. You watch these players play and it’s emotional because everything about their play is beautiful. Everything about their mannerisms is beautiful and everything about them as individuals, off the pitch, is beautiful."

Before moving to the MLS, Beckham played for two of the biggest clubs in Manchester United and Real Madrid. He won almost every trophy on offer to him, most famously the Champions League in 1999. He moved to Real Madrid in 2003 and he became a Spanish champion when he won the league shortly before his move to America in 2007. You can read more about his pre America football career further down the article. 

It was during Beckham’s time at Manchester United that he met Victoria, also known as ‘Posh Spice’ and his celebrity status began to explode. Part of this relationship was a focus of Beckham's recent Netflix documentary. 

"Watch the David Beckham documentary on Netflix – it’s compelling! An English footballing great who has style with substance. My personal belief is if he had not married Victoria, he might have achieved legendary status in the footballing world. #Netflix #beckham pic.twitter.com/0f7Be0mS2e

— bagira (@bigcatt09) February 18, 2024

Beckham the celebrity

Following his marriage to Victoria, David started to become be seen in more celebrity circles in addition to footballing ones. During this time, he started a clothing brand alongside a line of fragrances and aftershaves. 

He currently has over 66 million Instagram followers with his posts showing his varied life in Miami and some of the highlights from his football career. 

Beckham is certainly not the first footballer who used his footballing ability and following to get into the celebrity world. Several decades before Beckham burst onto the scene, George Best had a similar impact. Like Beckham, Best also had a spell playing football or soccer in the United States.

His future

With his ownership of Inter Miami, David Beckham no doubt sees his long-term future in that part of the world. As time goes on, we will probably see more of him involved in the local culture. 

His work on Inter Miami's Youth Academy will mean he should have a long-lasting impact even if he moved on. His past as a player in Manchester United's famous Class of 92 means that youth and academy football will always be quite important to him. 

His past

Beckham rose through the ranks at Manchester United, making his first-team debut in 1992. His exceptional crossing ability, precise free-kicks, and unmatched work ethic quickly earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup. He played a crucial role in United's dominance during the 1990s and early 2000s, winning six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.

Renowned for his accurate long-range passing and dead-ball expertise, Beckham became synonymous with free-kick mastery, earning the nickname "Golden Balls." His impact extended beyond the pitch, with his distinctive hairstyles and fashion choices making him a global style icon.

In 2003, Beckham made a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he continued to showcase his talent, contributing to the club's success with his vision and leadership. His time in Spain saw him win La Liga in the 2006-2007 season. This was before he made the move to the United States and his career developed that he probably ever imagined.