by Natalie Faulk

Created on: September 08, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

David Beckham's journey to America will have very little to do with the impact of soccer in this country. Americans didn't care much for soccer without Beckham, and it is very unlikely that they will suddenly start tuning in every week simply because of him. Yes, it is true that Beckham has a huge fan base all over the world; however, making the move to an American-based team does not automatically guarantee more local fans.

I have read articles claiming that Japanese players signing with MLB teams have increased the Japanese fan base for baseball. This, in no way, is in the same category as having an international soccer star come to an American-based team and creating more American fans. Fans are fans because they love the game, and the arrival or departure of one player does not make or break said fan base.

While soccer is, indeed, a popular sport in the United States, particularly for the youth of today, the saturation of Beckham Galaxy jerseys are not even in the same league as sales of NFL, MLB, NBA, or even NHL fan apparel. Soccer overseas has a deeply imbedded loyal fan base accumulated over years of media attention and fan interest similar to the "American" sports listed above. If soccer will have any chance of ascending to the popularity podium alongside the NFL, et al. it will be in the very distant future.

One final note: if the newly-established fan base for David Beckham includes Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, then I personally do not want to be a member. I think Victoria "Posh" Beckham's reality television show will have more fans than her husband.

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