A legend with a legacy: David Beckham

The spotlight will always be on me, but it’s something I’m learning to live with as the years go by. - David Beckham

There are legends in every game. Some of them are legends because of the things they did on the field, some of them because of what they did off it. (Paul Gascoigne for example). And then there is David Beckham.

When the former fan favourite of the Stretford End, The Bernabeu, LA Galaxy and the current icon in Paris decided to call it a day, like most I was shocked too. But then I did not expect any less of him. He called in his retirement when PSG already had Ligue 1 in the bag, when he had become the first English player to win the league in four different countries. But this was just the end of an illustrious career. A career which was good, bad and ugly during its 20 year duration.

David Robert Joseph Beckham started his illustrious career at Old Trafford. A part of Fergie’s Fledglings, Beckham was an instant hit with the crowd at Old Trafford. Evidence of this is the reception he received at Old Trafford, when he came to play for AC Milan. He came on as a substitute and the whole stadium, including Sir Alex, rose as one to applaud the man. But he worked hard to attain the respect of the crowds. He did not break into the first team as quickly as say Ryan Giggs did, but flashed onto it with a bang. His goal from behind the half-way line against Wimbledon made him a household name in England and very soon with his charm and debonair looks, David Beckham was the heartthrob of Europe.

That Beckham played a big role in getting United the Treble is well quoted in history. But even before that, Beckham was already making very big waves in the footballing world. He was a part of the French World Cup in 1998. He shone brightly through the group stage and looked like the man who could take the Three Lions to glory. But during the last 16 match with Argentina, he was fouled by Simeone, and he kicked out in retaliation. Beckham was shown the red card, the match went to penalties, and England lost. From national hero, he became enemy number one. He was booed everywhere he played, be it for United or for England. The only place he was never booed was indeed Old Trafford. In fact, even during qualifiers and friendlies, English fans booed him every time he touched the ball. And finally in retaliation, he made his now historic middle finger gesture to the fans. And after that the pressure relented. In the 2002 World Cup, Beckham exorcised his demons when he scored the winning penalty that knocked out Argentina from the group stage.

But his finest international match for me was against Greece during the 2002 World Cup qualifiers. He was captain in that match and seemed to be a force of nature. The match was held at Old Trafford and the way Beckham was playing, pointed to a sense of destiny. In fact, it seemed like he had the world’s pressure was on his shoulders. He ran up and down the pitch, making tackles, putting in perfect through balls and keeping his team in order. At times it seemed like it was his willpower that was keeping England in the game. After England trailed 1-0, he rushed on to a Martyn long throw and was surrounded by two Greek players. The skill he showed in that 9 second duration is beyond anything I have ever seen in my life. He heckled his markers, who gave up and conceded a free kick. Consequently, he almost scored. The moment that England equalized though was when Beckham floated in a beautiful free kick for Sheringham to help on its way and score. Greece scored again and England seemed to be destined for a loss.

‘With men like David Beckham, you always feel a sense of destiny’- Martin Tyler

These were the words spoken by Martin Tyler just before the free kick and it has to be said, what followed made him a prophet. Beckham scored a mind-blowing free kick which sent Old Trafford into raptures. He had swerved the ball with such finesse, speed and accuracy that no keeper in the world would have had a chance. Of course, he scored other free kicks, many of them. And maybe other players hit better ones. But the pressure, the sense of occasion and the prize at stake make it the best free kick I have ever seen.

While he was national hero again, his relationship with Sir Alex was deteriorating. The breaking point came after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal. In Beckham’s own words, ‘The boss had singled me out unnecessarily and bullied me, I did something no United player should ever do, I swore at him. He kicked a boot, which could have gone anywhere but it hit the top of my eye. I stood to go at him, but was held back by the team”. Ferguson’s constant worry was about his marriage getting in between his game and all subsequent tiffs between them were based on this insecurity. A transfer looked imminent and almost sealed when Real Madrid, after defeating United 3-1, came to Old Trafford. Ronaldo scored a hat-trick and Beckham was brought on. He scored another unbelievable free kick and a touch-in to get United back in the tie. United won the game 4-3 but lost the tie.

“He was never a problem until he got married. He used to go into work with the academy coaches at night time, he was a fantastic young lad. Getting married into that entertainment scene was a difficult thing – from that moment, his life was never going to be the same. He is such a big celebrity, football is only a small part.” – Alex Ferguson speaking about Beckham’s marriage in 2007.

It is believed by many still that the only reason Madrid bought him was to bring in revenue. And that they did well enough. Shirt sales increased by 20% during his time there. The tours to the far east became money-spinning bonanzas. Of course, there were other stars. But then it is difficult to compete with the English name who is only second in popularity to Coca-Cola in Japan. In all fairness, he did not do much there, all he won in four seasons was a league title and a Spanish Supercup.

Then in 2007-08 season, Major League Soccer giants LA Galaxy bought him, and it was here that the true power of the Beckham name showed. Everywhere he played, attendances rose. Advertising and on-air revenues increased for LA Galaxy. He shot American football into limelight and is the reason that other waning stars such as Henry and Keane decided to ply their trade across the Atlantic. In fact, he was the man responsible for increasing the quality of American soccer.

The shock though came when he decided to move to cash-rich PSG. People though it was him clutching at straws but he showed he still belonged. His performances against Marseille and Barcelona showed that he may not have the legs to last a full game but he was still one of the best passers around. He played within his limits and with great maturity, leading an inexperienced side with all his skill and experience.

His brand-ambassadorship of China again showed how he was so much more than a footballer. As impressive as his playing resume is, it dwarfs in comparison to his sponsorship deals. Brands like Adidas, Pepsi, Brylcreem, Police Sunglasses, Gillette, Motorola, Vodafone, Armani, Sharpe and Burger King have employed his services for marketing purposes. Movies like ‘Bend it like Beckham’ played a crucial role in popularizing the game in Southeast Asia, and if there can be a global ambassador for the global game, it has to be David Beckham.

After two decades as part of the game, after winning 23 team titles, 14 individual awards, after being the runner-up twice in the World Player of the Year race, the former United number ‘7’ has nothing left to prove. He has earned the right to be regarded as one of the greatest legends of the game. He has earned the right to respected all over the world. He is indeed a legend with a legacy.

“Whereas Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan are respected, Beckham is loved, adored, worshipped in some parts of the world. He has an almost godlike status.” – Staffordshire University professor Ellis Cashmore