David Beckham has left a lasting legacy in football and beyond, particularly during his transformative stint with LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer.

Beckham’s Impact in MLS

Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007 after departing Real Madrid, embarking on a five-year journey that blended football excellence with connections to Hollywood stars and icons from America’s major sports leagues. He played over 100 matches for the club, culminating in an MLS Cup victory in 2012 before retirement. Today, Beckham owns Inter Miami, which secured its first MLS Cup title in 2025.

A Special Bond with Hockey Legend Wayne Gretzky

One notable encounter involved Wayne Gretzky, the ice hockey icon who starred for the Los Angeles Kings. Gretzky, initially unfamiliar with soccer, developed a strong appreciation after watching Beckham perform.

“When I was in LA, David Beckham came to LA,” Gretzky shared with TNT Sports. “I did not know a lot about soccer and I said, ‘I have got to see this guy play.’ He was so incredible, it was so much fun to watch him play.”

The hockey legend holds Beckham in high regard not just for his on-field prowess but for a personal kindness toward his then-eight-year-old son. Beckham personally escorted the boy to the locker room, ensuring every teammate signed his jersey.

“And more importantly, my son, at the time he was eight, we went down to the locker room and he took my son around and got every player in the team to sign his jersey,” Gretzky added. “So I have got a great deal of respect for athletes who are really nice and perform well under pressure also.”

Gretzky’s Growing Soccer Passion

Since that meeting, Gretzky’s interest in soccer has deepened. He took part in the World Cup 2026 draw, where Canada—now managed by Jesse Marsch—landed in a group with Qatar, Switzerland, and the winner of the European play-off featuring Italy, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Wales.

England, where Beckham shone at multiple World Cups, drew Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in their group.