Power Ranking: Top 10 greatest players to play soccer in the US
By Kris Whelan
No.9- David Beckham
David Beckham is fondly remembered as being the first mega star of the modern era to come to the MLS. He is known as a fashion icon, a pop star’s husband and a humanitarian but above all, he is known for being an outstanding football player. He had an amazing career that spanned across six clubs (including a loan spell at Preston North End). He has won titles in England, Spain, America and France. He captained his country and his right foot has inspired movies, literally. “Bend it like Beckham” was released in 2002.
The English midfielder began his career with Manchester United and it’s there where you could argue he had his best years. He was an integral part of the Man Utd ‘team of kids’ that went on to have so much success. During his time with the Manchester club Beckham won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and one UEFA Champions League. He was the runner up in the Ballon d’Or award in 1999, the year Man Utd won there famous treble. (Premier League, FA cup and Champions League). He is said to have been able to give the best delivery of a ball in the history of the club, and is fondly remembered as the best free kick taker in the history of the Premier League. Not a prolific goalscorer, Beckham was renowned for setting up team mates and is still third in the list of all time assists in the League.
Following his departure from Manchester, Beckham was named Real Madrid player of the year in 2005 and went on to win the La Liga title the following year. The Englishman then went on to the MLS and won the championship twice with LA Galaxy. His career was never going to be one to just fade away with old age, Beckham would finish out his playing days in France winning the Ligue 1 with PSG.
"“He is a tremendous player and he has contributed so much to the success of Manchester United. He is a world-class performer, so any team would want to accommodate him.”- French star Zinedine Zidane"
The boy from London went on to have one of the finest careers imaginable and is the only Englishman to ever win a league title in four different countries. Though he never won a major international tournament, he captained England and got over 100 caps along the way.
Next: No.8- Thierry Henry