Former England captain David Beckham will be inducted into the United States National Soccer Hall of Fame as part of its 2027 class in recognition of his contribution to the development of football in the country.
The 51-year-old former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder is among the latest inductees selected for the honour, with his induction ceremony scheduled for April 16, 2027, in Frisco, Texas.
Beckham made a high-profile move to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy in 2007, joining the American club from Spanish giants Real Madrid on a five-year contract reportedly worth £128m.
His arrival attracted global attention and helped raise the profile of American football internationally.
During his time at LA Galaxy, Beckham made 124 appearances in all competitions, scoring 20 goals. He also won the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield twice with the club.
The former England international, who also had two loan spells at AC Milan in 2009 and 2010, said his experience in the United States had been an incredible journey.
According to a report by the BBC on Friday, Beckham was informed of his selection on the veterans’ ballot during an MLS board of governors’ meeting on Thursday.
Reflecting on his contribution to American football, he said, “I’m looking to build this league and this sport in this great country for a long time.”
Following his retirement from professional football in 2013, Beckham continued his involvement in the American game by becoming a co-owner of Inter Miami.
The club made international headlines in 2023 when it signed Argentine World Cup winner Lionel Messi, further increasing its global profile.
Beckham’s induction recognises his influence on the growth of Major League Soccer, both during his playing career and through his subsequent involvement in club ownership.
Meanwhile, former United States internationals Megan Rapinoe and Julie Ertz have also been elected into the Hall of Fame in their first year of eligibility.
Rapinoe, 41, a former Ballon d’Or winner, and Ertz, 34, were members of the United States women’s national team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019.
Reacting to her selection, Rapinoe expressed appreciation for the recognition and the opportunity to be honoured alongside former teammates and other football greats.
“To be alongside all the greatest players that have played for us, and played for our country alongside a bunch of my team-mates and friends, recognised like that in this way just means you were successful and a part of great teams,” she wrote on Instagram.
The trio will be formally inducted during the ceremony scheduled for April 2027.
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