What will the 38-year-old do now he has hung up his famous boots?
The announcement that David Beckham will retire at the end of the current season caps off an extraordinary 20-year career for the former England captain.
The 38-year-old joins former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and teammate Paul Scholes in bowing out of the game, but what will Beckham do now?
Here’s a few ideas from fanatix, remember you heard it here first.
1. Own an MLS franchise
A fairly realistic prospect for the current PSG man as it has previously stated he would be interested in purchasing an American club.
“MLS has made the arrangements needed to allow former England captain Beckham to become an owner,” Tim Leiweke, chief executive of the Los Angeles group that owns LA Galaxy, said in 2010.
“To become an owner in the league at some point in the near future and operate and run his own franchise, and were going to encourage that.
“Unless I’m mistaken, that’s his future once he does make a decision to retire.”
American magazine Forbes estimates Beckham’s annual income is $46million including endorsements and that he has a net worth in excess of $300million. So money might not be an issue.
2. Become a global ambassador
It has seemed in recent years that there aren’t many things Beckham won’t be an ambassador for – his repertoire currently includes Sky TV, Chinese soccer and UNICEF.
The former England captain clearly enjoys being a philanthropist as well as his charitable work is a large part of his life – proved by the donation of his PSG salary to a Parisian children’s charity.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Beckham Foundation was created in the near future.
3. Become a football manager
Alright, his may not be as likely as Beckham has never shown any indication this would be the path he would like to take.
However, the 38-year-old has played under some true greats of the game during his career, most notably Carlo Ancelotti, Fabio Capello and Sir Alex Ferguson – surely he picked something up?
‘Golden Balls’ – coming to a Championship dugout near you very soon.
4. Head to Hollywood
Ever since marrying a Spice Girl in 1999 Beckham has essentially lived the life of a full-time celebrity, adding modelling and endorsement to his CV – as well as occasionally playing football.
Therefore it is certain there is some film executive out there with more money than sense and a complete disregard for movie credibility.
Anyone who saw Beckham’s turn in Goal may disagree but hey, it worked for Vinnie Jones and Eric Cantona right?!
5. Become prime minister
Even here at fanatix we realise this is a little far-fetched and yet there is something in the back of our brains that is making us believe this could maybe happen.
Best wishes as David #BeckhamRetires His magical free kicks for @mufc and England will live long in the memory of all football fans
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) May 16, 2013
Is another sycophantic tweet from current PM David Cameron pretending to like football a sign he is prepping Beckham to be his successor?
At least Becks did live a normal life before he started wearing sarongs and sitting on thrones. Actually he’d probably fit right in.
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