Editing David Beckham (section)

===LA Galaxy===
====2007: First season in MLS====
{{quote box|quote="I'm coming there not to be a superstar. I'm coming there to be part of the team, to work hard and to hopefully win things. With me, it's about football. I'm coming there to make a difference. I'm coming there to play football&nbsp;... I'm not saying me coming over to the States is going to make soccer the biggest sport in America. That would be difficult to achieve. Baseball, basketball, American football, they've been around. But I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think I could make a difference."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=2728604 |title=Beckham set to invade America |work=ESPN |agency=Associated Press |date=12 January 2007 |access-date=16 January 2007 |archive-date=11 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511124308/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=2728604 |url-status=live }}</ref>|source=Beckham on going to America|width=25%|align=right}}

Beckham's involvement with [[Major League Soccer]] (MLS) began while he was still a Real Madrid player when it was confirmed on 11 January 2007 that he would be leaving Madrid in six months to join MLS side [[LA Galaxy]]. The speculation about his new contract in Madrid was thus put to an end and the following day Beckham's official press conference was held in conjunction with the [[2007 MLS SuperDraft]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Halpin |first=Jason |title=Events surround MLS SuperDraft |url=http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20070110&content_id=81545&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp|publisher=MLSnet.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527211351/http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20070110&content_id=81545&vkey=news_mls&fext=.jsp |archive-date=27 May 2008 |date=1 October 2007}}</ref>

The announcement made global headlines and elevated the league's profile. Though many worldwide media outlets reported the deal to be worth {{USD|250&nbsp;million}},<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/01/11/beckham.mls/ |title=Beckham will play for MLS' L.A. Galaxy in $250M deal |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=11 January 2007 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725000850/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/soccer/01/11/beckham.mls/ |archivedate=25 July 2013 }}</ref> the astronomical figure was soon revealed to be a PR stunt engineered by Beckham's media handlers (British representative agency [[19 Entertainment]]).<ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, p.43</ref> To maximise the media effect, in the press release they decided to list the potential sum that Beckham could make over the five-year period from all his revenue sources, which in addition to his Galaxy pay, also include his personal endorsements. Beckham's actual deal with the Galaxy was a five-year contract worth {{USD|32.5&nbsp;million}} in total or {{USD|6.5&nbsp;million}} per year.<ref name="galaxy-millions">{{Cite news |title=Beckham rejected Milan and Inter to take Galaxy millions |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/beckham-rejected-milan-and-inter-to-take-galaxy-millions-431736.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205163746/http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/beckham-rejected-milan-and-inter-to-take-galaxy-millions-431736.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 December 2008 |work=The Independent |date=12 January 2007 |access-date=9 September 2008 |location=London |first=Sam |last=Wallace }}</ref><ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, p.42</ref>

The high-profile acquisition paid immediate financial dividends for Galaxy long before Beckham joined the team. On the strength of the signing and the media frenzy it created, the club was able to pull off a new five-year shirt sponsorship deal with the [[Herbalife]] nutrition company worth {{USD|20&nbsp;million}}. The gate revenue peaked as well with 11,000 new season tickets holders and sold-out luxury suites (each one of the 42 inside the team's home stadium, the [[Dignity Health Sports Park|Home Depot Center]]).<ref name="The Beckham Experiment p.44">''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, p.44</ref> LA Galaxy owners [[Anschutz Entertainment Group]] (AEG) also reported an immediate spike in business. Involved on many business fronts worldwide, AEG was already leveraging its Beckham association in places such as [[Shanghai]] and [[Beijing]], where the company had been working aggressively for years to receive clearance to build arenas and stadiums. The company's CEO [[Tim Leiweke]] put it as follows: "Suddenly, we're known as the company that owns the team that David Beckham is going to play for, so our world changed".<ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, p.45</ref>

In the months following the announcement, the additional terms of Beckham's contract became public knowledge. One unique contract provision was giving him the option of buying an [[Expansion of Major League Soccer|MLS expansion]] franchise in any market except New York City at the fixed price of {{USD|25&nbsp;million}} whenever he stopped playing in the league<ref name="Kennedy">{{cite news|url=http://www.socceramerica.com/article/51723/beckham-is-mls-expansion-story-du-jour.html|title=Beckham is MLS expansion story du jour|first=Paul|last=Kennedy|date=20 May 2013|work=Soccer Business Insider|access-date=21 May 2013|archive-date=29 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629142415/https://www.socceramerica.com/article/51723/beckham-is-mls-expansion-story-du-jour.html|url-status=live}}</ref> – an allowance that the league's owners had never given to a player before. Another provision was the opt-out clause after the 2009 season, meaning that should he decide so, Beckham was free to leave the club after completing year three of his five-year contract.<ref name="The Beckham Experiment p.44"/> The league had a [[salary cap]] in place, requiring the creation of the [[Designated Player Rule]] for Beckham to bypass the cap; the rule was later nicknamed in his honor. In April 2007, he and wife Victoria bought a {{USD|18.2&nbsp;million}} home on San Ysidro Drive in [[Beverly Hills]].<ref name="The Beckham Experiment p.66">''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, p.66</ref>

[[File:David Beckham Nov 11 2007.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Beckham (with a blue captain's armband) became LA Galaxy captain immediately upon joining the team.]]
Beckham's contract with LA Galaxy took effect on 11 July, and on 13 July, he was officially unveiled as a Galaxy player at the Home Depot Center, to much fanfare and world media interest, in front of more than 5,000 gathered fans and some 700 accredited media members.<ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, p.16</ref> Beckham chose to wear number 23. It was announced that Galaxy jersey sales had already reached a record figure of over 250,000 prior to this formal introduction.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nysun.com/national/soccer-player-beckham-sparks-13m-in-sales/52872/|title=Soccer Player Beckham Sparks $13M in Sales for Galaxy|newspaper=New York Sun|access-date=17 August 2019|date=20 April 2007|archive-date=17 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190817162232/https://www.nysun.com/national/soccer-player-beckham-sparks-13m-in-sales/52872/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In parallel, Beckham's handlers at 19 Entertainment succeeded in putting together an unprecedented US media rollout designed to expand his carefully crafted personal brand in America. He made the cover of ''Sports Illustrated'', a few weeks earlier [[Adidas]] launched the extensive 13-part ad campaign "Fútbol meets Football" starring Beckham and [[National Football League|NFL]] running back [[Reggie Bush]], and ''W'' magazine published a racy photo spread featuring David and wife Victoria photographed by [[Steven Klein (photographer)|Steven Klein]]. Meanwhile, [[ESPN]] sports network was running a promotional campaign and agreed to air the ''David Beckham: New Beginnings'' documentary produced by 19 Entertainment before the friendly match versus [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]], which was expected to be Beckham's American debut. In addition to popularising soccer, Beckham's arrival was used as platform for entertainment industry endeavours. Since both Beckham's and his wife's often overlapping careers were handled by 19 Entertainment, which is owned by [[Simon Fuller]], who in turn has a business relationship with the [[Creative Artists Agency]] (CAA), one of Hollywood's most powerful talent agencies, it was important for CAA that the Beckhams made as big an impact as possible upon their arrival in the US. On 16 July, CAA had hosted a welcoming bash for David at its new eight-storey, {{USD|400&nbsp;million}} headquarters in [[Century City]], with CAA employees reportedly instructed beforehand to line the staircase and clap for Beckham upon his arrival.<ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, p.67</ref> That night Victoria's reality show prime-time special ''[[Victoria Beckham: Coming to America]]'' aired on NBC, drawing negative reviews in the press and poor viewership ratings.<ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, pp.69–70</ref>

[[File:David Beckham Nov 11 2007 Direction.jpg|thumb|upright|Beckham during an LA Galaxy game in 2007]]
On Saturday afternoon, 21 July, despite still nursing the injured left ankle that he picked up a month earlier during the final match of La Liga's season, Beckham made his Galaxy debut, coming on for [[Alan Gordon (soccer)|Alan Gordon]] in the 78th minute of a 0–1 friendly loss to Chelsea as part of the [[World Series of Soccer (MLS)|World Series of Soccer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_07_jul/20070705_DavidBeckham.htm|title=David Beckham's First Match in Major League Soccer Live on ESPN Saturday, 21&nbsp;July|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=5 July 2007|access-date=14 July 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081224213616/http://espnmediazone.com/press_releases/2007_07_jul/20070705_DavidBeckham.htm|archive-date=24 December 2008}}</ref> With a capacity crowd, along with a long Hollywood celebrity list featuring Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, [[Eva Longoria]], [[Governor of California]] [[Arnold Schwarzenegger]] and [[Drew Carey]] among others, present at the Home Depot Center, the match was broadcast live on ESPN's main network. However, the proceedings on the field of play took a back seat to the Beckham spectacle, and despite the presence of worldwide football stars such as [[Andriy Shevchenko]], [[Didier Drogba]], [[Michael Ballack]] and [[Frank Lampard]], the US television cameras were firmly focused on Beckham, who spent most of the match on the bench. The match's added time featured a scare for already injured Beckham when he got tackled by [[Steve Sidwell]], whose cleats struck Beckham's right foot, sending him airborne before he crumpled hard to the ground. Though the existing injury was not aggravated too much, Beckham's recovery process was set back by about a week. ESPN's presentation of Beckham's debut earned a 1.0 TV rating, meaning it was seen in an average of 947,000 television homes in the US – a disappointing figure given the national media buzz and two weeks of constant promotion by ESPN.<ref name="The Beckham Experiment p.66"/> As far as sporting events that were televised that weekend in the United States, Beckham's much publicised debut drew fewer TV viewers than the [[2007 Open Championship|British Open]] golf tournament, a regular-season [[Major League Baseball]] game, and even the [[2007 IndyCar Series season|Indy Racing League]]'s [[2007 Honda 200|Honda 200]] motor race.<ref name="The Beckham Experiment p.66"/>

The day after the made-for-TV debut was reserved for the welcoming party for the Beckhams at LA's [[Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles|Museum of Contemporary Art]], formally billed as being hosted by Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, [[Will Smith]] and [[Jada Pinkett Smith]], though in actuality a CAA-organized event. Attended by many Hollywood [[A-list]]ers, the lavish event was well-covered in the US celebrity tabloid media, including daily entertainment TV magazines such as ''[[Entertainment Tonight]]'' and ''[[Access Hollywood]]''.<ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, Pp.68–70</ref>

Beckham missed the next four LA Galaxy matches – three in the [[North American SuperLiga]] and an MLS game away at [[Toronto FC]] - though he still made the trip with his teammates, sitting on the bench in street clothes. It was in Toronto on 5 August that the team got its first taste of what life would be like on the road with Beckham on the roster. Due to security concerns, it was the first time the team flew on a charter for a road match, rather than flying commercial; MLS normally forbids charter flights for away matches, claiming they provide competitive advantage, but in this case they made an exception due to the frenzy created around Beckham and resulting security issues. Instead of the usual MLS-mandated modest hotels, LA Galaxy stayed at the five-star [[King Edward Hotel (Toronto)|Le Méridien King Edward]] in [[downtown Toronto]] (an expense paid for by the local [[Toronto]] promoter), while the glitz and glamour continued with the velvet rope, red carpet party at the Ultra Supper Club with Beckham as the centerpiece guest.<ref>''The Beckham Experiment'', Grant Wahl, Three Rivers Press, New York, 2010 paperback edition, Pp.85–87</ref>

[[File:Beckham LA Galaxy cropped.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Beckham playing for LA Galaxy in 2008]]
Two weeks after his twelve-minute appearance against Chelsea, Beckham made his league debut as a substitute on 9 August away versus [[D.C. United]] in front of the sellout crowd of 46,686 (nearly three times the average D.C. United home crowd) at the [[Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium|RFK Stadium]], coming on for [[Quavas Kirk]] in the 71st minute.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/2007-08-09-beckham-debut_N.htm |title=Beckham makes MLS debut but Galaxy stumbles in D.C. |work=USA Today |access-date=15 August 2007 |first=Beau |last=Dure |date=12 August 2007 |archive-date=20 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080120210622/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/mls/2007-08-09-beckham-debut_N.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Coming into the nationally televised match on ESPN, played under a heavy downpour with his team down a man and down a goal, Beckham left a mark during the remaining 20-plus minutes. He hit a long free kick that [[Carlos Pavón]] failed to finish on for the equaliser, and then in the final minutes Beckham served a weighted through ball into [[Landon Donovan]]'s path that United's keeper [[Troy Perkins]] managed to break up in the last moment – the Galaxy lost 1–0. The next match on the road trip was at [[New England Revolution]] and Beckham decided to sit it out, fearing further aggravating his ankle injury on the [[Gillette Stadium]]'s artificial surface.

Beckham returned to the pitch the following week, again facing D.C. United, in the [[North American SuperLiga|SuperLiga]] semi-final on 15 August. During this game, he had many firsts with the Galaxy; his first start, first yellow card and first game as team captain.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=453684&root=mls&cc=5901|title=Beckham takes captain's armband to great effect|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=16 August 2007|access-date=17 August 2007|archive-date=10 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510203732/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=453684&root=mls&cc=5901|url-status=dead}}</ref> He scored his first goal for the team, from a free kick, and also made his first assist, for Landon Donovan in the second half. These goals gave the team a 2–0 victory, and a place in the [[2007 North American SuperLiga|North American SuperLiga]] final versus [[C.F. Pachuca|Pachuca]] on 29 August.

During the SuperLiga final against Pachuca, Beckham injured his right knee, with an [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] scan revealing that he had sprained his [[medial collateral ligament]] and would be out for six weeks. He returned to play in the final home match of the season. The Galaxy were eliminated from playoff contention on 21 October, in the final MLS match of the season, a 1–0 loss to the [[Chicago Fire Soccer Club|Chicago Fire]]. Beckham played as a substitute in the match, bringing his season totals to eight matches played (5 league); one goal scored (0 league); and three assists (2 league).

====2008====
Beckham trained with Arsenal from 4 January 2008 for three weeks, until he returned to the Galaxy for pre-season training.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7171836.stm |title=Beckham begins Arsenal training |work=BBC Sport |date=4 January 2008 |access-date=4 May 2009 |archive-date=7 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107135350/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7171836.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Beckham scored his first league goal with the Galaxy on 3 April, against the [[San Jose Earthquakes]] in the ninth minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=237757&cc=5901 |title=Beckham, Donovan propel L.A. past Quakes |website=ESPN Soccernet|date=4 April 2008 |access-date=4 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408050045/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=237757&cc=5901 |archive-date=8 April 2008 }}</ref> On 24 May 2008, the Galaxy defeated the [[Sporting Kansas City|Kansas City Wizards]] 3–1, giving the Galaxy their first winning record in two years and moving the club into first place in the Western Conference. In the match, Beckham scored an empty-net goal from {{convert|70|yd}} out. The goal marked the second time in Beckham's career that he had scored from his own half, the other being a 1996-goal from the half-way line against [[Wimbledon F.C.|Wimbledon]] at [[Selhurst Park]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=538785&root=mls&cc=5901 |title=ESPNsoccernet – MLS – Canales: Beckham shows scoring touch against Wizards |website=ESPN Soccernet |first=Andrea |last=Canales |access-date=13 November 2008 |archive-date=17 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317004415/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=538785&root=mls&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Overall, however, the Galaxy had a disappointing year, failing to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.

====2009: Loan to AC Milan====
[[File:David Beckham at Al Saad (cropped).jpg|thumb|upright|Beckham playing for [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] in 2009]]
In 2008, Beckham's success in the England national team under [[Fabio Capello]] led to speculation that he might return to Europe to retain match fitness for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification|World Cup qualifying matches]] in 2009. On 30 October 2008, [[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] announced that Beckham was to join them on [[loan (sports)|loan]] from 7 January 2009.<ref>{{cite news |title=Beckham to join Milan in January |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7697377.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2008 |access-date=30 October 2008 |archive-date=23 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223074841/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7697377.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite this and other speculation, Beckham made it clear that the move in no way signalled his intent to leave MLS and announced his intent to return to the Galaxy in time for the start of the [[2009 Major League Soccer season|2009 season]] in March.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Beckham Milan Update |url=http://web.mlsnet.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w=mms%3A//a1503.v115042.c11504.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1503/11504/v0001/mlbmls.download.akamai.com/11504/2008/shows/t106/102408_lag_beckham_int2.wmv&w_id=27284&catCode=shows&type=v_free&_mp=1 |publisher=Major League Soccer |date=25 October 2008 |access-date=25 October 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081028032340/http://web.mlsnet.com/media/player/mp_tpl.jsp?w=mms%3A%2F%2Fa1503.v115042.c11504.g.vm.akamaistream.net%2F7%2F1503%2F11504%2Fv0001%2Fmlbmls.download.akamai.com%2F11504%2F2008%2Fshows%2Ft106%2F102408_lag_beckham_int2.wmv&w_id=27284&catCode=shows&type=v_free&_mp=1 |archive-date=28 October 2008 }}</ref> Many at Milan both within and outside of the club expressed serious reservations about the transfer, with it considered by some players no more than a marketing move.<ref>{{cite news |title=How Beckham Conquered Milan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7887918.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=14 February 2009 |access-date=10 March 2009 |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |archive-date=30 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130170936/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7887918.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Beckham was unveiled at Milan's [[Milanello|training facility]] by the club's chief executive [[Adriano Galliani]] on 20 December 2008. The player chose the number 32 shirt previously worn by [[Christian Vieri]], as both the number 7 and 23 shirts were already used by [[Alexandre Pato]] and club vice captain [[Massimo Ambrosini]], respectively. The day after his unveiling, Beckham was brought to the [[San Siro]], where he was introduced to the home fans by walking out on the pitch before the league match versus [[Udinese Calcio|Udinese]] and proclaiming "Forza Milan" over the public address system.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/3899667/David-Beckham-makes-San-Siro-entrance-with-Forza-Milan.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/3899667/David-Beckham-makes-San-Siro-entrance-with-Forza-Milan.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=David Beckham officially unveiled in Milan |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=22 December 2008 |access-date=2 December 2012 |location=London |first=Richard |last=Bright}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Afterwards, he and wife Victoria watched from a luxury box as Milan won 5–1.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3WnTU88M40 |title=Intervista Sky Sport a Beckham all'intervallo di Milan-Udinese |publisher=Sky Sport 24 |date=21 December 2008 |access-date=2 December 2012 }}{{cbignore}} Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211130/x3WnTU88M40 Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20160515063318/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3WnTU88M40 Wayback Machine]</ref>

{{Quote box|width=28%|align=left|quote="On the pitch, Beckham sees everything before everyone else. His vision of play is better now than during his time in Manchester. He is slower but much stronger tactically and technically. He is very intelligent and works a lot."|source=—[[A.C. Milan|AC Milan]] coach [[Carlo Ancelotti]] on Beckham's condition at 33 years old.<ref name="Milan never intended to play David Beckham">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/david-beckham/4932358/Milan-never-intended-to-play-David-Beckham.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220110/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/players/david-beckham/4932358/Milan-never-intended-to-play-David-Beckham.html |archive-date=10 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Milan never intended to play David Beckham|date=3 March 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=12 September 2014|last1=Agencies|first1=Emily Benammar and}}{{cbignore}}</ref>}}
Playing on the squad led by the 26-year-old superstar [[Kaká]], in addition to several other world-class players at or near the peak of their careers – such as 28-year-old [[Ronaldinho]] and 29-year-old [[Andrea Pirlo]] – as well as club veterans [[Paolo Maldini]], [[Clarence Seedorf]], Massimo Ambrosini, [[Giuseppe Favalli]], [[Gianluca Zambrotta]], [[Filippo Inzaghi]] and Andriy Shevchenko, Beckham made his competitive debut for the ''rossoneri'' in Serie A as a starter away at [[A.S. Roma|Roma]] on 11 January 2009, playing 89&nbsp;minutes of the 2–2 draw in front of 53,444 at the [[Stadio Olimpico]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=251467&cc=5901&league=ITA.1 |title=AS Roma 2–2 AC Milan |website=ESPN Soccernet |date=11 January 2009 |access-date=29 January 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510203728/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=251467&cc=5901&league=ITA.1 |archive-date=10 May 2011 }}</ref> Playing his first competitive match in almost three months, Beckham gave a decent performance in right midfield alongside Pirlo. Though lacking match fitness and occasionally struggling to keep up in a high-tempo match, Beckham put in enough useful crosses and corners to justify the coach [[Carlo Ancelotti]]'s decision to play him from the start.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/12/david-beckham-serie-a-milan-roma |title=Beckham proves a big draw but fails to make major impression on debut for Milan |work=The Guardian |date=12 January 2009 |access-date=2 December 2012 |location=London |first=Tom |last=Kington |archive-date=24 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524073547/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/12/david-beckham-serie-a-milan-roma |url-status=live }}</ref> In Beckham's home debut against [[ACF Fiorentina|Fiorentina]] a week later, he turned in another understated performance on the right side of midfield before advancing into a more active central role in the second half, thus effectively taking over Seedorf's role after the Dutchman was subbed off. Milan won 1–0 courtesy of Pato, but the 65,000+ San Siro crowd mostly focused on Kaká, imploring him to stay.<ref name="Fans beg Kaka to stay">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/18/milan-kaka-manchester-city-fiorentina-berlusconi-ancelotti |title=Fans beg Kaka to stay but Pato is the hero in Milan victory |work=The Guardian |date=18 January 2009 |access-date=2 December 2012 |location=London |first=Tom |last=Kington |archive-date=24 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524071451/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/18/milan-kaka-manchester-city-fiorentina-berlusconi-ancelotti |url-status=live }}</ref>

A noticeably older team, the Ancelotti-coached Milan was proving a good fit for the 33-year-old Englishman. He scored his first goal in Serie A for Milan in a 4–1 victory over [[Bologna F.C. 1909|Bologna]] on 25 January, his third appearance for the club.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=612673&&cc=5901 |title=Beckham scores first goal for AC Milan |website=ESPN Soccernet |date=25 January 2009 |access-date=8 March 2009 |archive-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510203701/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=612673&&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Though Beckham was expected to return to Los Angeles in March, after impressing at the Italian club, scoring two goals in his first four matches and assisting on several more, rumours began to swirl that Beckham would stay in Milan, with the Italian club reportedly offering to pay a multi-million-dollar fee. The rumours were confirmed on 4 February, when Beckham stated that he was seeking a permanent transfer to Milan, in a bid to sustain his England career through the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]]. Milan, however, failed to match Galaxy's valuation of Beckham, in the {{USD|10–15&nbsp;million}} range.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=616973&cc=5901 |title=Galaxy reject AC Milan's opening gambit for Becks |website=ESPN Soccernet |date=7 February 2009 |access-date=8 March 2009 |archive-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510203704/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=616973&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Still, negotiations continued during a month of speculation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=619909&cc=5901 |title=Beckham's future to be resolved on Friday? |website=ESPN Soccernet|date=17 February 2009 |access-date=8 March 2009 |archive-date=19 February 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219201518/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=619909&cc=5901 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On 2 March, the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' reported that Beckham's loan had been extended through mid-July.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Jones |first=Grahame L. |title=Beckham agrees to return to Galaxy in mid-July |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-beckham-milan-galaxy3-2009mar03,0,6510100.story |work=Los Angeles Times |date=2 March 2009 |access-date=8 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303222556/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-beckham-milan-galaxy3-2009mar03%2C0%2C6510100.story |archive-date=3 March 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> This was later confirmed by Beckham, revealing what was described as a unique "[[timeshare]]" deal, in which Beckham would play with LA from mid-July until the end of the 2009 MLS season.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article5871341.ece |title=David Beckham 'dream' deal |work=[[The Times]] |date=9 March 2009 |access-date=9 March 2009 |location=London |first=Nick |last=Szczepanik |archive-date=10 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510204231/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/european_football/article5871341.ece |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====2009: Return to Galaxy====
After his return from Milan, many LA fans showed dislike and anger towards him as he missed the first half of the season, and several held up signs saying "Go home fraud", and "Part-time player".<ref>{{cite news |title=Beckham booed by furious fans |work=BBC Sport |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8159287.stm |date=20 July 2009 |access-date=2 January 2010 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030222849/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/8159287.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Galaxy, however, had [[2009 Los Angeles Galaxy season|a much more successful season]] than in previous years, rising from third to first in the Western Conference during Beckham's time with them. He remained a key part of the squad which saw Galaxy win the 2009 [[Western Conference (MLS)|Western Conference final]] after a 2–0 overtime victory over the [[Houston Dynamo]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/sports/soccer/15galaxy.html|title=Two Blackouts and Two Goals Send Galaxy to M.L.S. Final|date=14 November 2009|work=The New York Times|access-date=17 November 2009|archive-date=13 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513021232/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/15/sports/soccer/15galaxy.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the [[MLS Cup 2009|MLS Cup final]] on 22 November 2009, the Galaxy lost to [[Real Salt Lake]] by 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw. Beckham scored in the shootout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=702587&sec=global&cc=5739|title=Salt Lake beat L.A. Galaxy to MLS title|date=23 November 2009|website=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=23 November 2009|archive-date=20 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020043427/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=702587&sec=global&cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2010: Second loan to Milan====
In November 2009, after the end of 2009 MLS season, it was confirmed that Beckham would return to Milan for a second loan period, beginning in January 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/02/david-beckham-milan-loan|title=David Beckham's loan move to Milan from LA Galaxy is confirmed|date=2 November 2009|work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=1 May 2010|archive-date=13 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213181733/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/nov/02/david-beckham-milan-loan|url-status=live}}</ref> On 6 January 2010, Beckham made a winning return in a Milan shirt, playing 75&nbsp;minutes of a 5–2 victory over [[Genoa C.F.C.|Genoa]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8444755.stm|title=David Beckham makes winning return for AC Milan|work=BBC Sport|date=6 January 2010|access-date=6 January 2010|archive-date=30 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130171533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8444755.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 February 2010, Beckham played against Manchester United for the first time since he left the club in 2003. He played 76&nbsp;minutes of the match at the San Siro – which ended 3–2 to Manchester United – before being substituted for Clarence Seedorf.<ref>{{cite news |first=Sam |last=Lyon |title=AC Milan 2–3 Man Utd |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8515983.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=16 February 2010 |access-date=14 March 2010 |archive-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823064333/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8515983.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the second leg of the tie on 10 March 2010; he did not start the match, but was brought on for [[Ignazio Abate]] in the 64th minute to a positive reception from the Manchester United fans. The score was 3–0 for United at that point and the tie was all but decided. The match was the first time Beckham had played against Manchester United at Old Trafford, and saw him create several scoring opportunities via crosses and corner kicks, but Manchester United dominated Milan and beat them 4–0, winning the tie 7–2.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Man Utd 4–0 AC Milan (agg 7–2) |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8558023.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=10 March 2010 |access-date=14 March 2010 |archive-date=22 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522153937/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8558023.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the final whistle, he aroused a bit of controversy by draping the green-and-gold scarf around his neck that was given to him by the Manchester United supporters protesting against club owner [[Malcolm Glazer]]. As the fan protests against Glazer by the people gathered around [[Manchester United Supporters' Trust]] gained steam in 2010, the green-and-gold scarf had come to be seen as an anti-Glazer symbol, and by extension many saw Beckham's decision to publicly put it on as gesture of support. When asked about it later, however, Beckham responded that protests are not his business.<ref>{{cite news |first=Phil |last=McNulty |title=Beckham shows true colours |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2010/03/beckham_shows_true_colours.html |work=BBC Sport |date=11 March 2010 |access-date=13 March 2010 |archive-date=3 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210503235920/https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/philmcnulty/2010/03/beckham_shows_true_colours.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In Milan's next game, against [[A.C. Chievo Verona|Chievo]], Beckham suffered a [[Achilles tendon rupture|torn left Achilles tendon]],<ref>{{cite news |title=England's David Beckham is injured playing for AC Milan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8567353.stm |work=BBC Sport |date=14 March 2010 |access-date=14 March 2010 |archive-date=15 March 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100315054000/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8567353.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> causing him to miss the World Cup as well as the [[2010 Major League Soccer season|MLS season]] due to the injury, which took him out of action for the next five months. Doctor [[Sakari Orava]] performed surgery on Beckham's tendon in [[Turku]], Finland, on 15 March 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Milan/15-03-2010/beckham-stagione-finita-603312286519.shtml |title=Beckham, stagione finita È sicuro: salta il Mondiale – Risultati e ultime notizie calcio e calciomercato |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |date=13 October 2010 |access-date=10 June 2012 |archive-date=20 April 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420183928/http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/SerieA/Milan/15-03-2010/beckham-stagione-finita-603312286519.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> After the operation, Orava confirmed: "it went quite fine. The prognosis is he needs a rehabilitation for the next few months, and the plaster cast is the next six to eight weeks. I would say that [it will be] maybe four months before he's running, but six months before he's jumping and kicking."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/03/15/1834650/dr-sakari-orava-confirms-david-beckham-will-make-a-full-recovery- |title=Dr Sakari Orava Confirms David Beckham Will Make A Full Recovery From Achilles Tendon Injury |publisher=Goal.com |date=15 March 2010 |access-date=21 January 2012 |archive-date=14 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110814154102/http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2010/03/15/1834650/dr-sakari-orava-confirms-david-beckham-will-make-a-full-recovery- |url-status=live }}</ref>

====2010: Second return to Galaxy====
[[File:David Beckham 2010 LA Galaxy.jpg|thumb|upright|Beckham playing for LA Galaxy in 2010]]
On 11 September 2010, after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury, Beckham returned to the game as a substitute in the 70th minute in the Galaxy's 3–1 win over [[Columbus Crew]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8991596.stm|title=David Beckham returns to action after Achilles injury|work=BBC Sport|date=12 September 2010|access-date=12 September 2010|archive-date=8 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231108152954/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8991596.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> On 4 October, Beckham scored a trademark free kick in a 2–1 win over [[Chivas USA]] to mark his first goal in [[2010 Major League Soccer season|2010]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=829955&sec=global&cc=5739|title=Beckham goal sends Galaxy top of Western Conference|website=ESPN Soccernet|date=4 October 2010|access-date=4 October 2010|archive-date=16 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110216023904/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=829955&sec=global&cc=5739|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 24 October, Beckham scored his second goal of the season in the Galaxy's 2–1 win over [[FC Dallas]] which secured them their second successive [[Western Conference (MLS)|Western Conference]] title and first [[MLS Supporters' Shield]] since [[Major League Soccer 2002 Season|2002]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9122837.stm|title=David Beckham helps LA Galaxy win Supporters' Shield|work=BBC Sport|date=25 October 2010|access-date=25 October 2010|archive-date=28 October 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101028040734/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/9122837.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2011: MLS Cup champion====
During January and February 2011, ahead of the 2011 MLS season, Beckham trained with Tottenham Hotspur. Rumours in the media claimed that the club were in talks with the Galaxy to sign the player on loan, but, according to Spurs manager [[Harry Redknapp]], the move was blocked by Galaxy, who wanted a full final season from their number 23.<ref>{{cite news |title=AEG blocked Becks switch |url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11675_6742492,00.html |work=Sky Sports |date=9 February 2011 |access-date=8 March 2011 |archive-date=14 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110314141806/http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11675_6742492,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, he ended up only training with the club as he had done with Arsenal three years earlier. With Beckham playing in the centre of midfield, the Galaxy won the 2011 MLS cup.<ref name="MLS final"/>

[[File:David Beckham 2012.jpg|thumb|left|Beckham with LA Galaxy in 2012]]
On 15 May, Beckham scored his first goal of the season for the Galaxy from a {{convert|30|yd|adj=on}} free kick, in a 4–1 victory over Sporting Kansas City.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/8106/galaxy-donovan-possession-spark-big-win|title=Donovan, possession spark big win|publisher=ESPN Los Angeles|date=15 May 2011|access-date=15 May 2011|archive-date=18 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518165734/http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/soccer/post/_/id/8106/galaxy-donovan-possession-spark-big-win|url-status=live}}</ref> On 9 July, Beckham scored directly from a corner in a 2–1 win over Chicago Fire, repeating a feat he achieved while playing for [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-07-10-948918221_x.htm|title=Beckham scores from corner to give Galaxy victory|work=USA Today|date=10 July 2011|access-date=2 October 2011|archive-date=10 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110910071127/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/soccer/2011-07-10-948918221_x.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

After having his best season with the Galaxy to date, and finishing second in the league in assists, Beckham finished his fifth MLS season on a high. On 20 November 2011, he joined an elite group of players to have won league titles in three countries, when Los Angeles won their third [[MLS Cup]] against the Houston Dynamo, winning 1–0 on a goal by captain Landon Donovan, with assists from Beckham and fellow designated player [[Robbie Keane]].<ref name="MLS final">{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7263458/mls-cup-landon-donovan-goal-powers-galaxy-third-mls-title |title=MLS Cup – Landon Donovan's goal powers Galaxy to third MLS title |publisher=ESPN |date=21 November 2011 |access-date=21 January 2012 |archive-date=31 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231040653/http://espn.go.com/sports/soccer/news/_/id/7263458/mls-cup-landon-donovan-goal-powers-galaxy-third-mls-title |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|first=Grant|last=Wahl|title=Hollywood Ending: If this was indeed David Beckham's final game in MLS, he went out in style, carrying the Galaxy to a championship and affirming the value of star power in America|date=28 November 2011|magazine=Sports Illustrated|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1192446/index.htm|access-date=25 November 2011|archive-date=25 November 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125200646/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1192446/index.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====2012: Second successive cup victory====
Following the 2011 season, in which the Galaxy won their second consecutive [[Supporters' Shield]], having the second most points in MLS history, Beckham's five-year contract with the Galaxy expired on 31 December 2011. Despite being 36, he stated that he did not intend to retire. Beckham was heavily linked with [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]], but on 18 January 2012, Galaxy announced Beckham had signed a new two-year contract to remain in Los Angeles.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2012/01/la-galaxy-re-sign-david-beckham |title=David Beckham re-signs with LA Galaxy, LA Galaxy official website |publisher=Lagalaxy.com |date=18 January 2012 |access-date=10 June 2012 |archive-date=9 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209230605/http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2012/01/la-galaxy-re-sign-david-beckham |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/16625942 |title=Beckham stays with LA Galaxy and signs two-year deal |work=BBC |date=19 January 2012 |access-date=10 June 2012 |archive-date=22 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122020952/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/16625942 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/beckham-signs-year-deal-la-galaxy-15389465 |title=Beckham Signs New 2-Year-Deal With LA Galaxy |work=ABC News |access-date=10 June 2012 |archive-date=22 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120122105224/http://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/beckham-signs-year-deal-la-galaxy-15389465 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Kay |first=Simon |url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/887779-david-beckham-signs-new-two-year-la-galaxy-deal |title=David Beckham signs new two-year LA Galaxy deal |work=Metro |date=18 January 2012 |access-date=10 June 2012 |archive-date=21 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621124449/http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/887779-david-beckham-signs-new-two-year-la-galaxy-deal |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2012, Beckham and his victorious teammates were received by [[President of the United States]] [[Barack Obama]] at the [[White House]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18081171|title=President Obama teases David Beckham at White House|work=BBC Sport|access-date=12 September 2014|date=15 May 2012|archive-date=18 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120518023822/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18081171|url-status=live}}</ref>

Beckham helped the Galaxy to a fourth-place finish in the Western Conference during the 2012 regular season, with Beckham scoring seven goals and adding nine assists. The Galaxy defeated [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]], the San Jose Earthquakes and [[Seattle Sounders FC]] on their way to the [[MLS Cup 2012|MLS Cup final]], where they defeated the Houston Dynamo 3–1 to retain the cup.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/01/la-galaxy-mls-cup-2012-dynamo_n_2225115.html|title=L.A. Galaxy Win MLS Cup 2012: Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane Score Goals in Win Over Dynamo|date=2 December 2012|work=HuffPost|access-date=3 December 2012|archive-date=2 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202172207/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/01/la-galaxy-mls-cup-2012-dynamo_n_2225115.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was subbed off in the 89th minute for [[Marcelo Sarvas]], and was given a standing ovation at their home venue.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20571436|title=David Beckham wins MLS Cup in final LA Galaxy match|date=2 December 2012|work=BBC Sport|access-date=3 December 2012|archive-date=3 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203011442/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20571436|url-status=live}}</ref> Beckham had earlier announced that the [[MLS Cup 2012|2012 MLS Cup Final]] would be his final game with the Galaxy, despite having another year remaining on his contract.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/david-beckham-says-mls-cup-last-match-l-004521108--sow.html |title=David Beckham says MLS Cup will be his last match with L.A. Galaxy |date=20 November 2012 |access-date=20 November 2012 |archive-date=23 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121123234835/http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/soccer-dirty-tackle/david-beckham-says-mls-cup-last-match-l-004521108--sow.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/nov/20/david-beckham-to-leave-la-galaxy |title=David Beckham: MLS Cup final will be my last game for LA Galaxy |date=20 November 2012 |work=The Guardian |access-date=22 November 2012 |location=London |first=Marcus |last=Christenson |archive-date=5 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005154737/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/nov/20/david-beckham-to-leave-la-galaxy |url-status=live }}</ref>