When Cuauhtemoc Blanco signed with the Chicago Fire, some 5,000 Chicago-area fans showed up at Toyota Park simply hoping to catch a glimpse of the Mexico and Club America legend. “Can you think of another athlete that if they signed for a Chicago team,” Guppy said, “more than 5,000 people would show up on less than 24 hours’ notice? They would show up literally to just watch him put on a Chicago jersey? Maybe not, unless (Michael) Jordan comes back.”
Now consider the arrival of David Beckham, a man with far more global visibility. His arrival in Los Angeles earlier Friday drew about as many fans — an opportunity extended to Galaxy season ticket holders and sponsors’ guests — in addition to celebrities like the reality TV producer Simon Fuller and political figures like L.A. mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (Beckham presentation video). As John Lopez of the Houston Chronicle says, “The most important era in MLS history starts now.”
And boy does Becks know it. In his opening address, bathed in a sea of gold, blue and white confetti, the England midfielder explained: “In my career, I have played for two of the biggest club sides in the world, Manchester United and Real Madrid, and I’ve played for 11 years for my country and still am playing for my country … But this is one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever taken on,” he said, adding: “Soccer can be as big here as it is everywhere else in the world.” One wonders how much pressure he feels to deliver on that one.