10 Biggest Football Transfers In History

By Matthew Foulds /

10. David Beckham - Real Madrid To LA Galaxy (Free)

David Beckham attracts attention wherever he goes. Yet while his move to Real Madrid from Manchester United was huge, his 2007 move to LA Galaxy at just 32 was ground-breaking. While United States Soccer was once placed firmly on the world map during the Pele, Best and Beckenbauer era, it seems that not even these icons of the game were able to have such a profound impact on US soccer as David Beckham has. A key difference between Beckham and those who have gone to the United States before him, is that he moved there at a stage of his career at which many believed he could still operate at the top level. While his performances for LA Galaxy have been indifferent - with some Galaxy fans questioning his dedication following successive loan spells at AC Milan during the MLS winter break - his positive influence off it is unquestionable. Beckham has promoted the game of soccer in the United States to a level that has never before been reached. The League has expanded, and developed, and now boasts a wealth a home grown talent, as well as more recognisable names such as Henry, Cahill, Keane and Nesta. Whatever critics may say about Beckham's motives for moving to the USA -some believe it was to enhance his own personal brand rather than for footballing reasons -, nobody can doubt that his move from Los Blancos was not momentous.