The match took place on Westpac Stadium in Wellington, where LA Galaxy defeated Phoenix 4:1. The game offered everything that can be offered to a soccer fan – a real sports show with friendly atmosphere, skillful play by both teams, intense situations, lots of goals and a score from Beckham, even though it was after a penalty.
The New Zealand players had the desire and the skills to win, but they found that it is never easy to play against Beckham; he is one of the best football players in the world. His amazing career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first – team debut in 1992 aged 17. During his time there, United won the Premiership title six times, the FA Cup twice and the WEFA Champions League in 1999. He left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid in 2003, where he remained for four seasons. From 1 July 2007 he has a new five – year contract with LA Galaxy. He is also currently a member of the England team.
The "romantic" years in Manchester United
Beckham’s earnings make him the sixth highest – paid sportsman in the world and the highest – paid soccer player, according to France Football. His contract with LA Galaxy is for ₤125 million. Apart from salary, Beckham’s earnings are boosted by a variety of endorsements because of his iconic status. He is one of the faces of Gillette, he sells sunglasses for Police, clothes for U.K. retailer Marks & Spencer, soft drinks for Pepsi, mobile phones for Vodafone, perfumes for Coty and underwear for Giorgio Armani, in addition to being one of Adidas’ top stars.
At the top - England's national team captain
It has always looked like his steps are carefully prepared for making money. He could have stayed in Manchester United and become one of their legends. Instead, he went to soccer’s Dream Team Real Madrid which made him one of the superstars in the European football. But at the age of 32, he could play football at the highest level only for another couple of years. Then, what’s next? Everybody knows that if you want to be a world superstar you must conquer America.
Beckham knows that too, but herein lies the answer as to why LA Galaxy paid so much money for a person who plays a sport that is of minor importance in the USA. “We’ve already made our money back, “said Tim Leiweke, the owner of the Galaxy three months before Beckham actually joined the club. The additional 7000 season tickets sold, the new endorsement and sponsorship deals done on the back of Beckham’s arrival make the contract anything but a risky or thoughtless act.
The new conquistador - Disney ad campaign
The photogenic looks, the personal charisma and carefully managed star power make him a real money machine. Many believe, that even his marriage to Victoria Adams (better known as Posh Spice), singer in one of the best selling bands, “The Spice Girls”, is also a well-planned step in polishing his image and increasing his popularity.
But at the end of the day, the facts are undeniable; Beckham is a very successful combination of model good looks, strong presence and smooth image, with the ability to play football at the highest professional level. This ability to play exciting and dominating football made him a captain of the England national team for 6 years (2000 – 2006) and earned him the “Bend it like Beckham” sobriquet.
Brand it like Beckham - underwear for Giorgio Armani
Apart from his multiple sports awards, Beckham was also named Officer in the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2003, voted “Britain’s Greatest Ambassador” at the Greatest Britons 2007 awards and many more. This recognition, along with the millions of fans he has all over the world, makes him an extremely influential figure in global influence.
But can this influence spread around the world of rugby and make the most popular game in the world a little more popular in New Zealand? Was it worth the $2 million that Terry Serepisos, the owner of Phoenix paid to Beckham’s team? It is obvious that football can not replace the rugby here, but even if a few young boys put the football shoes and go outdoors to kick the ball instead of playing video games, it is worth even more.
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