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Beckham Has Been Here Before
Beckham Has Been Here Before
Posted by Gareth Howell on August 18, 2009 at 01:10pm
photo: NathanF/ BY
 

This past week, David Beckham stated that he is in no rush to return to Europe. The announcement served to placate his frustrated soccer fans from the U.S., who have been booing the star of the Los Angeles Galaxy at recent Major League Soccer (MLS) games. He has fallen out of favor with devotees on the American side of the pond since delaying his return there after a loan spell with European giants AC Milan earlier this year. 

But, despite the long faces of his U.S. fans, Beckham still manages to draw a big crowd. On August 8th, when Galaxy lined up to face New England Revolution, there were 26,623 people in attendance. The figure is double that of Revolution's usual crowds--a clear signal of Beckham's continued influence. And just last week, in front of an audience of 93,000, the highest since the U.S. hosted the World Cup in 1994, Beckham silenced the booers--if only momentarily--at Galaxy's game against current European champions FC Barcelona, when he let rip yet another free kick.  Beckham was in particularly fine form for the game, and earned congratulations at halftime from Barcelona stars Thierry Henry and Lionel Messi. Love him or hate him, it is clear that people want to see David Beckham play.

The large number of attendees at the Galaxy v. Barcelona game not only reflects the rising potential for the sport in the US, but signals Beckham's characteristic rebound back from adversity.  In the season after the 1998 World Cup, he was booed nationwide at every game for his perceived role in England's exit from the competition--an infamous red card against Argentina. Unfazed by the negative attention, the midfielder simply went about his business of playing soccer and ended up having the most successful year of his soccer career to date. Soon after, Beckham was England captain. Then, he completely earned back the trust of the nation's soccer fans with a trademark free kick that allowed England to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

But, when Beckham moved to the United States in 2007, he was, once again, in the doghouse with his European fanbase. Critics saw his move to the MLS, unquestionably of a poorer standard than the top European leagues, as all about the money. Still, many believed Beckham when he said he simply was trying to leave a legacy by developing soccer in the U.S. The reality is that both money and legacy were involved, but one needn't fault Beckham for the money bit. At this point, his name is a brand from which his former clubs have made huge profits and Galaxy and the MLS continue to benefit. While Beckham himself no doubt benefits from a purported $250 million a year, he puts that money to good use. He has set up an academy for young player development in Los Angeles and has been involved in community soccer programs across the country.
 
Beckham came to the US with a mission, and he has stuck by it the best that he can. But as with most international soccer players, overriding that mission is his clear passion to play the game at the highest level. This passion, which boiled over with a wreckless tackle in a game against the Seattle Sounders on August 15th, fuels Beckham's desire to play for his country--the highest honor for any soccer player. Within this context, Beckham's perceived disloyalty can be understood somewhat. Besides, with soccer players moving clubs almost every season in the rest of the world, loyalty has become a thing of the past. It is hard to see what Galaxy fans expected in the first place.

Still, Beckham's recent statement of his commitment to soccer in the States tempers his passion to play once again on an international level.  When he retires from playing he hopes to set up his own team in the U.S., which he has the contractual right to do. But, he has always maintained that he decided to stay in Italy longer than planned in order to maintain his standing with England soccer coach Fabio Capello, who recently has reiterated that Beckham's future as an international soccer player depends on his return to Europe. In the short term, it seems Beckham's future may well lie elsewhere. But, until then, the booing won't discourage him. It's something he thrives on.  
 
Unfortunately, that just might mean that his American fans may not see the best of him.
 
 
Previously:

 

(3) comments | permalink


Understanding soccer

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 08/20/2009 - 10:48.
It sounds like you agree with the majority of the statements. There were 93,000 people in attendance, and the author does not deny that Barcelona were the major reason for the large number. Southern California is, after all, one of the largest fanbase for FC Barceona outside of Spain. The point of the author is merely that Beckham held his own amongst these players, and it was evident to anyone in attendace - including yourself it seems - that Beckham was on a parallel to the Barca players (not all of them, but most, he certainly stood out for galaxy). I am not here to make a big deal out of him either, neither is the author. It is important to defend him though, because he gets scrutinized for being like every other big soccer star out there. It's just that he is a global brand and a good player... what's that expression... everyone hates the person on top? So, you see, the story had to be one sided - the author is just giving the side of the coin that hasnt been offered yet.

Understanding Beckham. 2.

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 08/24/2009 - 11:21.
Yes I see that the author stated fans were in attendance for Barca, but drama over soccer players is exactly what i am against. You mention him being a global brand and a good player, but what is understressed is "good player". Now we have so many writers and news pieces either attacking or defending Beckham, that we forget what is important, which is what is left on the field. And I believe other players did stand up to Barca such as Donovan, who despite not being the most renowned player, makes plays happen. Because if I recall it was Donovan who was fouled, giving Beckham that free kick, in which he scored the goal. So, you see, the only side that should be given is what is shown on the field, do you agree?

Understanding Beckham.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 08/19/2009 - 10:45.
I agree with some of the statements that you make because yes Beckham is scrutinized for the team changes he made while there are other players who switch teams more often, and make it clear that it is for the money. I disagree with the 94,000 thousand in attendance at the Barca game to see Beckham. Yes he was there, yes he did score a goal, and yes sadly he was booed, but the stars on the Barca team were hugely the reason for the 94,000. I was there, for Barca. Maybe one day i will UNDERSTAND Beckham and why people make a big deal out of him. To me he is just another player, a phenom of course but a soccer player above all, and what is respected is what is done on the field. And under those terms I respect the guy. But above all great post sir, even if it was a wee one-sided.

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