America Has Been Good To Beckham’s Wallet
David Beckham's endorsement money doubled his first year in America. Because he needed the extra cash.
Getty Images
CARSON, CA - NOVEMBER 01: David Beckham #23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy throws in the ball during a break in Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals match action against Chivas USA at The Home Depot Center on November 1, 2009 in Carson, California. The Galaxy and Chivas USA played to a 2-2 draw. (Photo by Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
You can question the on-the-field wisdom of David Beckham signing with the Los Angeles Galaxy — clearly he’d rather be playing for AC Milan — but you can’t question it as a business move.
The pop-culture icon and soccer star made $16.5 million in endorsement money his first full season with the Galaxy. That is nearly double what he was making before in endorsement money the year before when playing in Europe. In case you were concerned if he could live on just that sum, remember it does not count the $5,5 million salary he makes from the Galaxy, or the cut of the Beckham jersey sales he gets from the MLS, or the joint endorsements he does with wife Posh Spice.
We’re pretty sure he can afford those Lakers courtside seats.
It may be a lot of money in endorsements, but he may Beckham worth it. Emporio Armani Underwear's sales doubled last year when they hired Beckham and had him post in their skivvies.
Beckham is developing a line of soccer gear with his name on it for Addidas, and his people say they are looking for more sponsors (he actually is losing Gillette and Pepsi, so there is space).
Beckham’s time for endorsements and Lakers games may be limited pretty soon. This Saturday he and his Galaxy teammates take on Chivas USA at Home Depot in the second match of their first-round playoff derby. If the Galaxy win — as expected — they will move on to the next playoff round.
Then just three days after Christmas, Beckham will return to play for AC Milan, helping that traditional European power through the end of its season in May by playing as a sub and taking some free kicks.
Next summer, rather than simply returning to the Galaxy, Beckham is expected to spend his time with the English national team at the World Cup taking place in South Africa. Of course, based on England’s recent history, Beckham could be back from South Africa pretty soon after the tournament starts in June.
Whenever he does come back, he should be able to afford a private charter plane for the flight. Maybe he should get two planes…
