David Beckham & MLS, Don't Buy the Hype

We’re about to be snookered by David Beckham & MLS.

David Beckhman’s arrival could hurt soccer more in the US than it helps.

Could this huge marketing Endeavour fail? To clearly state what is happening here. The MLS is asking Americans to become soccer fans because of a 32-year old non American, narcissistic soccer player. Who would currently not be recognized among the 100 best all around soccer players in the world. This might be like putting a Ferrari body on sedan, you’ll get people to stop stare, but when it comes time to perform.

Why doesn’t the MLS, whose appeal is growing, bank on the young American stars (see Jozy Altidore & U-20 World Cup) coming up through the system. For the first time in the history of the MLS, they actually have some American players capable of playing world class soccer.

If you want to watch the best soccer in the world you would watch the EPL or AC Milan, or the Champions League, etc, etc, Beckham certainly is not KAKA, for that matter as exciting as an above average midfielder like Mancini.

Who is David Beckham and how did he become so famous? Beckham became famous with Manchester Untied, probably already the most famous soccer team in the world. He reached his peak just as Manchester Untied reach unprecedented levels in the late 90s. He was the face of the team, and it was just perfect storm of attention building his image. He also captain England’s team on the International level, which underperformed in World Cups. He moved from the most popular team in England to the most popular team in Spain, somewhere along the line he married a singer, whom is equally concerned about image. Beckham is also a guy who could rub-off on people the wrong way. Most male sports fans are probably not that concerned about hair styles and jeans brands. Plus tried of hearing about his wife, after all this is America there are more pretty girls walking around any campus, then all of Hollywood.

Yes the drive-by sports media will probably love him, because remember all they care about is making money. If you can sell magazines and commercials you’re a star regardless of your on field abilities.

Don’t be surprised if the MLS averages higher scoring games in the second half. If the MLS’ goal is to make money and get more people to watch on TV, I say they’ll accomplish it. If they want to create long-term appreciative soccer fans out of the American sports fans, then something tells me this plan might not work out so well. The MLS is weird already with league negotiating all the player contracts. It’s constructed in such a way to benefit the league 1st, and who knows what the future holds for the MLS. With Beckham the plan is to attract as much attention as possible for a year or two, and hopefully by the time the hype wears off, they’ll be better players and more money in the league’s or someone’s pocket.

So we’ll see shortly if Entertainment Tonight crowd makes good sports fans, or if U.S. Sports Fans will make good soccer fans. Or if people actually will buy into David Beckham.