What is it about David Beckham that has the world falling over themselves to be connected to him? Even Disney has fallen under his spell, offering him an endorsing role as a dragon slaying Prince. Does this now make him more than just paparazzi royalty? Could he possibly get more publicity? And what’s the attraction anyway? What has he done to command such media attention?
Ok, I’m British, I know that he plays football (that’ll be soccer for most of my readers), and although I know nothing whatsoever about the sport other than there’s two teams kicking a ball around some grass with the aim of getting it into the designated goal, I am aware of Beckham’s status within the football community. I’m also aware of his time spent playing for Spain. And hey, I’m even informed enough to know that he’s off to the US to play for the American soccer league. But other than his sporting talent and achievement, what is it that makes him such a celebrity?
Within a short time of his signing with the American LA Galaxy team, it was suggested that he might turn up at the Golden Globes, and perhaps even host the Oscars – rumors perhaps in an industry that thrives on gossip, but I still have to wonder, why would someone even link his name to these events? I’ve heard him called a “fashion icon” – now I accept that his wife is a bit of thing about clothes, but isn’t he supposed to be more comfortable in his team strip? And there’s another thing, it’s also rumored that one of his first tasks with LA Galaxy will be in helping to redesign their football strip!
Maybe it’s because I’m British that I still expect to see sports people doing their thing, and being good at it, and not stepping outside their box too often, that I find this adoration for one football player just a bit over the top. In America there’s a huge industry thriving on top athletes and sportspeople endorsing products. This doesn’t happen as much in my part of the world, events and teams get sponsorship, not so much individuals.
So as Disney joins the masses of Beckhameers, it’s endearing to hear how delighted he is with this particular endorsement and I’m sure his kids will love it, but I still have to ask – what is it about David Beckham?
Top 10 Celebrity News Items for the Week of January 8 2007
Putting the Fun Back in Friday Part II