4. David Beckham
Nick Potts/PA Archive/Press Association ImagesWhen David Beckham announced he was leaving Real Madrid and La Liga for LA Galaxy and the much-ridiculed MLS in 2007, there was talk that the player might exercise an
"escape clause" to get out of joining the little-known American side. After going from Manchester United to Real, many thought Beckham's decision to leave European football behind was a backward step for his career, and it's one he may privately regret. The transfer to Galaxy almost certainly rang the death knell for his international career with England, while there were questions over whether 'Golden Balls' ever wanted to make the move in the first place. Several weeks before Beckham's scheduled transfer to the United States, Madrid's management contacted LA Galaxy about reacquiring the player, but Beckham stuck to the move, perhaps at the behest of wife Victoria. Beckham was only 32 when he decided to play in America, and may wonder if he had another season or two left in him playing at the highest levels of club football, as indicated by his move to Paris Saint Germain later in his career. Instead he took a step closer to retirement with Galaxy.