David Beckham is a legacy not only in the United
States but also throughout the entire world. Beckham is known not only known
for his incredible soccer skills and dedication to a sport, but I think he has
had far more success in popularizing the game of soccer and has made the Galaxy
one of the biggest franchises in the MLS. As many Galaxy and soccer fans are
sadden to see December 1st approaching, Beckham has done a great deal in
improving the quality, reputation and importance of a sport. Don Garber, The MLS
Commissioner states that, “When David Beckham signed with the LA Galaxy in
2007, he set out to help grow MLS and the sport of soccer in North America.
There is no doubt that MLS is far more popular and important here and abroad
than it was when he arrived.” (MLSSoccer.com). I agree with Garber, Beckham has
provided more to the American people than a win in the MLS final. From
Beckhams’ popularity and influence in soccer, the MLS has expanded
exponentially and created seven additional teams. The league now has nineteen
clubs, and fifteen of those clubs play in soccer specific stadiums such as the
Home Depot Center. To non-soccer fans that many not seem like a huge success
but to soccer fans it represents progress in making soccer a popular sport. Not only has the league benefited from
Beckham but also so has the attendance rating and the recognition of the sport
has never been higher. Beckham has also revolutionized the pay structure of the
league. Although, Beckhams’ career in the US is coming to an end, the success
of Beckham cannot be ignored. During his time, the MLS has added new teams,
built better stadiums, signed better players and brought in more money than
ever. Beckham is not solely responsible for the changes that have occurred but
he is accountable for increasing the status of soccer in American pop culture.
Overall, Beckham has had a huge impact not only in the sport of soccer but also
in American pop culture.
With Beckham leaving the LA Galaxy, do you
think soccer will still be prevalent in the United States? And do you think the
LA Galaxy will lose popularity once Beckham leaves?
Francesca Benfanti ( T/ Th 2- 3:15)
4 comments:
It is true that David Beckham has had a huge impact on increasing the popularity of soccer in the United states. The reason for this increase in popularity is not simply due to the fact that David Beckham is a talented soccer player but the change in policy that the MLS made when dealing with foreign players. Previous to the signing of David Beckham there were no players in the MLS who were considered international superstars. When Beckham signed with the Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007 the league was forced to modify the current stringent salary cap that the league had in place (MLSSoccer.com). Through the modification the Designated player role was created in which a team can have three players whose salaries do not count towards the teams salary cap. This has allowed for the signings of players such as the New York Red Bulls Thierry Henry, who was playing for Barcelona before signing with the Red Bulls (Newyorkredbulls.com). Due to these changes in the league and the increase in exposure of the MLS internationally due to these changes the popularity of soccer in the United States will only increase in the years to come.
Jacob Castersen (T/Th 9:30-10:45)
When David Beackham leaves the Galaxy the team will take a popularity hit. You lose not only one of the most talented players of all time, you lost the celebrity factor he brings to the team. If the team continues to have success reaching the playoffs not much will change. If they start losing a lot of games I think the true fans of the Galaxy won't jump ship, however the casual fans will likely lose interest to another more successful club. The Galaxy need another huge signing to keep interest from casual fans. They did well to aquire Robby Keane from Tottenham but they need another one soon. It is hard to call soccer a prevalent sport because of the dominance of football, basketball, and baseball; but I think with the new teams and stadiums the sport will continue to grow positively over the next several years. Just like the Galaxy need a big player to sign the sport needs a few more in order to really crack into prevalant sports in America.
Matt Miller (T/Th 9:30-10:45)
It has been nearly 10 years since Beckham last wore the number 7 shirt at Manchester United, and it is clear that his legacy lives on, particularly with the clubs newest recruit claiming he has not proven himself enough to wear it...yet. Since departing the English Premier League, Beckham has played for Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy and there is no doubt that his being signed to these clubs had any negative impact on the clubs commercial success, but it must be said that these teams have survived without him.
Arguably, the fan base could perhaps decrease after his departure, but reports suggest that Beckham has done everything expected of him during his time at LA Galaxy, through increased participation rates, increased audience numbers as well as the expansion of the US soccer industry, and so it can be said that US soccer may suffer a blip due to his departure, but his effort, contribution and passion for the game will live on.
Even though he no longer plays for them, Beckham will always be linked with LA Galaxy and so the interest in soccer may decrease in terms of it losing “David Beckham only fans”, but the global hype created through him, and the commercialisation and sponsorship deals Galaxy have should continue to boost the teams global awareness which will then reflect on the US soccer industry. Large investments have been put into the industry, seen through team sponsorship deals, new stadiums and a new wage structure and these cannot be radically decreased simply due to his departure. The people involved and the changes Beckham brought around need to continue to develop to ensure that the US soccer industry goes from strength to strength.
If you look at the bigger picture, Beckham was one individual in a very large industry, and although he has the celebrity factor as well as the soccer talent he was part of a team, who now need to adapt and look to the future in order to maintain and build on what he helped to establish.
Alex V. T/Thur 9.30-10.45am
Soccer in the United States will continue to grow whether David Beckham stays or not. Our national team has finally begun to compete with other countries. In the last world cup, we tied England, tied Slovenia, beat Algeria, and our only loss was to Ghana. Players like Clint Dempsey, Marice Edu and Galaxy player Landon Donavon have popularized the sport exponentially with their pro and national play. Far more US players are becoming recognized; like Beckerman, as their fame becomes more popular, just as the MLS is. The US has caught on to the popularity of international soccer, however it still struggles to compete locally with American football, baseball and basketball.
David Beckham has certainly brought attention to the sport with his good looks, hot wife and amazing free kicks. His leaving, however, will not remove the fame he has brought with him. He has championships in 3 different leagues, and is known as one of the greatest players ever. The MLS again is looking to recruit other popular soccer stars like; Brazilian midfielder Kaka or Barcelona’s Carles Puyol. Regardless, the popularity of the LA Galaxy will remain, as they have just won two cups back to back.
Alan Palzer
T-Th 2:00PM
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