You don't have to be a David Beckham fan to recognize the fact that Beckham is a soccer superstar. He is one of the players that enjoy iconic status in soccer circles. And well he might!

But first, let us understand who David Beckham really is. There are those who claim that Beckham's superstar status has more to do with his wife's popularity and his own celebrity lifestyle than Beckham's football skills. But is this really true? Is it possible to attain the heights that Beckham has simply by marrying a music star and wearing designer clothes? The answer is obviously No!

As a footballer, David Beckham has truly paid his dues. Any soccer journalist that knows his onions will tell you that for years, David Beckham (along with Ryan Giggs) played vital roles in the soccer success of Manchester United.

As a player, Beckham may not be blessed with the dribbling skills of Ronaldinho or the incredible pace of Cristiano Ronaldo. But he had his own strong points. Nobody plays free kicks the way David Beckham does. Nobody else delivers pin point crosses from the right wing like Beckham. Very few players can whip in a corner kick to the exact spot the waiting striker wants it to land. But Beckham has this ability and that is why he is special

David Beckham is a gifted footballer. There is no doubt about this. He proved it at Manchester United and he proved it at Real Madrid. These are two of the biggest clubs in the world. David Beckham was also the captain of English national team for years and he provided good leadership to a team of hugely talented players.

Even after all this time, Beckham remains a highly relevant player to both club soccer and the English soccer team. At present, he is on record as being the most capped outfield player that English has ever had. The great Fabio Capello (England Manager) will not give anybody a shirt in his team for just a fancy hairstyle and designer boots.

Apart from being a footballer, David Beckham is also a hot commodity. At Manchester United, his No.7 shirt recorded the most number of sales. In the first six months of Beckham's arrival in Real Madrid, his No.23 jersey attained record sales. Even as a player on loan to A.C. Milan, David Beckham's jersey continues to sell in record numbers.

The story is pretty much the same with adverts and endorsements. This is why David Beckham occupies the position as the richest soccer player of all time.

Beyond a shadow of doubt, Beckham is indeed a soccer phenomenon. His marriage to Posh Spice, his looks and celebrity lifestyle is just icing on the cake. But the fact is that he made his name by virtue of soccer skills and hard work on the pitch.

Learn more about this author, Emmanuel Osondu.
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