| David Beckham, U.S. Soccer’s Savior Kick-Starting American Interest in the Game. | ||||
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When Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Giorgio Chinaglia and the New York Cosmos brought the excitement of European football — or soccer, as it’s known in the States — to the U.S. in the 1970s and early ’80s, it was the American public’s first exposure to the game. But when the North American Soccer League (NASL) faded in 1984, so did America’s enthusiasm for the world’s most popular sport. That all changed instantaneously when David Beckham jettisoned European powerhouse Real Madrid for the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. Beckham signed a record-breaking five-year deal with Major League Soccer’s L.A. Galaxy worth more than $250 million (128 million pounds) in salary and commercial endorsements. The leap even came complete with a prime-time reality television special called Coming to America, which followed Beckham’s wife, Victoria (aka Posh Spice of the Spice Girls), as she prepared for the move to Los Angeles. As juicy as the payday was, Beckham says his decision to move wasn’t just about cash. “I didn’t want to go [to America] at 34 years old and for people to say he’s only going for the money. It’s not what I’m going out there to do,” Beckham said at his press conference following the signing. “Soccer in America is the biggest played sport up to a certain age, and that’s where I want to take it to another level.” The Brit has done just that. On the field this season, Beckham is tied for first in assists among Galaxy players and third in goals scored. “David’s presence has also contributed to the success of other players, like Edson Buddle,” said former Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas. Off the field, Beckham’s presence has had a huge impact on everything from merchandise to ticket sales. Since his signing, half a million replica Beckham jerseys have been sold worldwide — 300,000 in the first week after the press conference. But what is most encouraging is the attendance figures. The Galaxy average more than 25,000 fans at their home games and more than 27,000 on the road. In fact, the interest in soccer has grown so much that the league will be expanding from 14 to 18 teams by 2011. Not a bad start for the newest savior of American soccer. “It seems like only a few weeks ago I arrived in Los Angeles with my family ready for the next chapter in our lives,” Beckham said. A year later… I can’t imagine being anywhere else in the world right now.” — James Kouledianos
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