MLS: Beckham signs with L.A. Galaxy

Sankofa · Post by **Sankofa** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:28 pm

When Beckham joined Real for Â£23million, the merchandise sales generated paid back his transfer fee in about a month.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:33 pm

For some reason, I don't see that happening in the US. A South American, Central American or Mexican soccer star would possibly generate that kind of interest. An English soccer player - not really.

2tone · Post by **2tone** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 1:13 pm

weather you like beckham or not he has generated intrest that would otherwise not be there. he is the most famous soccer player in the world. if hes down to come why not bring him?

but...

didnt they try this same type of thing with pele in the 70s? soccer still didnt get the boost in attendence they were looking for.

seems history is repeating itself.

bassjones · Post by **bassjones** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 11:13 pm

Correct, and that was Pele, who not only was the most widely recognized name in soccer, he was actually the best soccer player in the world. Beckham's like that hot Russian tennis player chick who was married to Sergei Federov for a while... Hugely popular, but not really all that good.

And again, he's English, not Latino. A Latino soccer star would probably be hugely popular in the US. I don't see an English soccer player having that sort of impact.