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Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, left, is tripped-up by New York Red Bulls midfielder Clint Mathis. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun
There’s two David Beckham’s. One is an undisputed football champion who can still cut it at the games elite level; the other is a celebrity, a brand and commercial entity. The conflict between the two Beckham’s has caused the current quagmire that has left the MLS and American soccer in damage control.
After declaring his intention to “make a difference” for American soccer at his much published unveiling with the LA Galaxy, in just under two years, the dream is all but over with Beckham declaring he would rather be on pre-season with any European club than helping the Galaxy fight for survival in the Western Conference.
The marriage between Beckham and Hollywood appeared so right.
He was undertaking a missionary role the like of which Pele had previously undertaken, with the noble task of helping soccer break through the barrier of indifference in America with Beckham taking centre stage in a league in desperate need of marketability.
Meanwhile, celebrity Beckham and his pop star wife were appeased with red carpet appearances and A-list friendships.
But Beckham the footballer jumped too soon.
Unlike Pele, who had foregone his Brazilian national career when he won over New York, Beckham has been unable to let go of his ambitions with England.
Not only that, his spell at Milan demonstrated his ability to still compete with Europe’s best and also seems to have reawakened his desire to return permanently to the cut and thrust of European football.
From claiming he would never return to the EPL with anyone aside from Manchester United, he now admits he would consider all offers.
He may have paid out of his own pocket to extend his stint at AC Milan, but he has been forced kicking and screaming back to the MLS and no one is believes his pledge of commitment to the Galaxy and his American crusade.
Despite approaching the wrong side of his thirties, there’s no question that he has the capability to play an integral part for Fabio Capello’s England in South Africa next year.
But Beckham should have reconciled his career goals before he committed to the Galaxy for five years.
His indecision and lack of commitment means Beckham has let down the Galaxy, the MLS and the wider prospects of ‘soccer’ in America. He is deserving of the criticism dished out by teammate Landon Donovan.
The timing couldn’t have been worse: in the middle of the MLS season with European giants touring, ironically including AC Milan who play Beckham’s Galaxy, and on the back of the USA’s impressive Confederations Cup performance.
As demonstrated by AC Milan signing defender Oguchi Onyewu, American soccer has the ability to produce world-class players, but it needs a sustainable professional league to development that talent.
American soccer should be basking in the sun not facing renewed questions regarding the codes ability to break into mainstream America.
Still perceived as an outsider’s game by many, the Beckham saga has only confused and bewildered a public who just don’t understand the peculiarities of soccer.
Beckham’s desire to get out of the MLS also confirms what we already know, but something that is difficult for Americans to accept; their product is inferior to what the rest of the world has to offer, further damaging the image of the MLS.
At a time when, like the A-League, the MLS is undertaking a crucial expansion phase, Beckham’s stance has done more damage.
Compared to the first time he played in New York two years ago, there were 42,999 less people watching him when he returned to the MLS last week.
Any gains made by his arrival are now gone.