12. David Beckham, Sports
Becks might have left the pitch in England years ago, but he never left the public consciousness there as his celebrity has exploded over the past decade. After a run attempting to make soccer more mainstream in North America as a member of Major League Soccer's LA Galaxy, Beckham returned for a victory lap at Paris Saint-Germain in 2013 before retiring from the sport. He's presently listed among the most influential athletes in the world on any respectable list, and has worked hard to diversify his image beyond the white lines of the field. With a portfolio that includes running a football school, extensive charity work, modeling, and countless endorsements, it's clear that he may be more prominent in retirement than he was as an active athlete. Next up: returning to MLS as an owner, perhaps in a joint venture with Lebron James for a franchise in Miami.
Matthew Ryder
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Freelance writer situated on the east coast of Canada. Ten years writing pop culture, sports, news, and anything else that people will read. Follow me on Twitter @matthewjryder!
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