[quote]m0dd3r wrote:
regarding the “bring real football to us poor americans” thing, Beckham has been saying for a few years now that he wants to open a football academy in the states after his playing days are over. Frankly, I think it’s a brilliant idea. There are a shitload of fantastic athletes in this country, but you don’t see many top notch footballers come out of the states. A big part of it is that we don’t grow up watching the game, playing it all the time. And we don’t have a lot of top notch competition. If a guy like beckham can play a few years in the MLS then open an academy for aspiring footballers in the states, I think it might just increase the level of play and players coming out of the US. So it doesn’t seem like he wants to bring real football to us, but more likely, take advantage of an underdeveloped talent pool for the rest of the world. Not a bad business plan if you ask me.[/quote]
He does have the David Beckham Soccer Academy and guess where it is located? Yup… the Home Depot Center… where the LA Galaxy play. Now that’s synergy, baby.
If anyone can make soccer big here, it’s Beckham. While he may not be as mobile as he once was, his right foot isn’t going anywhere for the next couple of years. That’ll bring people to the games. As far as merchandising goes, Beckham has qualities Gretzky and Pele and a lot of other sport saviours don’t- he’s a good-looking guy and both the girls and media obsess over him.
For those a bit more in tune with the game, it’s going to be interesting to see how his work-rate will be when he starts playing. Lineker said it’s a semi-retirement, and as far as competition goes, it’s certainly going to be a lot easier. But, I wonder if his off the ball stuff will mirror those sentiments, as he’s always worked tremendously hard for his team.
[quote]jp_dubya wrote:
OK, correct me if I am wrong, I am not a soccer nut, but first of all, from what I have heard, isn’t he on the southbound lane in his skillset? Isn’t he noted for an almost complete non appearance in the world cup? Props to him, though. They agreed to pay and he accepted.[/quote]
Yes and yes.
It’s one big publicity stunt. Period.
He’s really not that good anymore, his technique has slipped a bit, and he’s surely not as fast as he used to be.
Still, hes more than a few times better than the MLS “star” players. So we’ll see if he can attract some people to the MLS.
Italian, Spanish, and English leagues will still rule though…
I find it funny how some no talent clown like Posh can become famous in america, but the greatest pop singer and probably the best frontman in the world, Robbie Williams, is a complete unknown here.
Strange.
[quote]silkspike wrote:
‘Bend It Like Beckham’ was a great little movie. Parminder Nagra and Keira Knightley star.
I heard the news last night. All I can say is YAY. America is going to get Victoria Beckham now - former Posh Spice from the Spice Girls (singing group). She’s one of the biggest publicity whores on the planet. I’m sure she’s THRILLED about moving to America, and gaining such an enormous audience. Just run like hell if she starts to sing.
David is cool. David has fucked up, and people still love him. He’s gorgeous, but his voice just doesn’t match his looks. I wonder if they’re going to sell their ‘castle’ here or use it as a summer home?
I’ll bet the folks at the National Enquirer are orgasmic over the news.
Oh dear, how are the other WAGS (footballers Wives and Girlfriends) going to cope without Victoria leading the pack?
[quote]T-Nick wrote:
I find it funny how some no talent clown like Posh can become famous in america, but the greatest pop singer and probably the best frontman in the world, Robbie Williams, is a complete unknown here.
Strange.[/quote]
Robbie Williams is brilliant, but his popularity hasn’t extended across the pond, unfortunately. I guess the difference may be, despite Robbie’s huge talent, he seems insecure deep down. Posh, despite her lack of talent, has absolutely no lack of ego, ambition, and a driving desire to stay on page one of the newspapers. She’s learned the game well.
the pay will be associated to the coverage he gets from around the world. He is definately past the top of his game, but in terms of profile, saleability, all round “good for brand” image, well there is very few, if none better.
he will get attract lots of sponsorship, as unlike baketball of gridiron, he will very unlikely be found with a crack whore prostitute and a pile of drugs!
[quote]miniross wrote:
he will get attract lots of sponsorship, as unlike baketball of gridiron, he will very unlikely be found with a crack whore prostitute and a pile of drugs!
[/quote]
It will be nice to avoid that for a change. lol
This is kind of a funny thing I find in looking at the English view of Beckham (at least the English press and many English soccer fans). While he may have never been the #1 player in the world and he might not be at the top of his game now, he was always an excellent teammate, a hard worker, not cocky, incredibly accessible to fans and especially kids and he is incredibly classy.
It boggles my mind how a few gaffes on his part (the missed PK and the notorious red card) have turned him into a complete pariah.
I’m not saying American sports fans are somehow the most gracious in the world (since there are far too many examples of the contrary for that to be true), but for the characteristics described above, he would be adored here in the U.S. if playing any other sport.
It’s like he’s hated for being famous and capitalizing on that fact. Strange.
[quote]daveirl wrote:
Someone earlier said Beckham had a unique skill in ‘bending’ the ball. It’s anything but - - YouTube
A great shot, no doubt, but come on. When you have British universities doing physics studies on how you kick the ball, I think there might be something to it. Besides, the most amazing thing about Beckham’s kicks is almost not the left to right curve, but the ridiculous dip (after going high enough to clear the wall of defenders).
what a fucking legend Beckham is! You’ve got to give him credit. $1 million per week when his career is well past it’s peak, for playing in a level of competition that isn’t fit to shine his boots! Brilliiant!
Where the hell are they getting the money from though? I suppose they are investing in his brand and fame. He will bring a lot of publicity and sponsorship i guess but $1 million per week?
[quote]daveirl wrote:
Someone earlier said Beckham had a unique skill in ‘bending’ the ball. It’s anything but - - YouTube
Amazing goal but Roberto Carlos hits the target once in about 10 shots let alone scores.
Beckham at his peak was the deadliest free kick and corner specialist in the world. He deliverd in World cup games, European games and important qualifiers.
roberto carlos barely gets the ball over the wall half the time. That was a great shot and there are certianly others than can come close to becks (juninho for one) but he is without a doubt the best free kick specialist in the world
for those of who havent really heard how assinine becks and posh are, here is a hilarious Ali G (the guy who made borat) skit with Posh and Becks at a charity fundraiser. They pretty much have to sit there while getting made fun of because its all of charity.
[quote]Beowolf wrote:
jp_dubya wrote:
OK, correct me if I am wrong, I am not a soccer nut, but first of all, from what I have heard, isn’t he on the southbound lane in his skillset? Isn’t he noted for an almost complete non appearance in the world cup? Props to him, though. They agreed to pay and he accepted.
Yes and yes.
It’s one big publicity stunt. Period.
He’s really not that good anymore, his technique has slipped a bit, and he’s surely not as fast as he used to be.
Still, hes more than a few times better than the MLS “star” players. So we’ll see if he can attract some people to the MLS.
Italian, Spanish, and English leagues will still rule though…[/quote]
He certainly wasn’t the player of the World Cup, but players like Ronaldinho and Kaka hardly lived up to expectations either. Oh yeah and he did this:
