PSG looks the perfect match for 'brand Beckham'
Updated: 2013-02-01 10:27
(Agencies)
|
||||||||
Soccer player David Beckham presents his new jersey after a news conference in Paris, Jan 31, 2013. [Photo/Agencies] |
LONDON - David Beckham's move to Paris St Germain (PSG) will give a huge boost to the French club's profile while ensuring that the former England soccer captain remains in the public eye.
Beckham, 37, has been looking for a new team since leaving LA Galaxy in December and moving back to his home city of London with his family. Qatari-backed PSG look the ideal destination for his last hurrah as a player.
The only professional club in Paris, PSG are long on cash and ambition. Founded in 1970, they lack the history that has helped Beckham's former clubs Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan to develop global followings.
"They do need some kind of substance to their aspirations," said Simon Chadwick, professor of sport business strategy at England's Coventry University.
"Beckham is a footballing aristocrat. He has heritage and a track record," he added, saying that Beckham's affable personality would help to draw fans and sponsors to the club.
France lags behind leagues in other major European nations in terms of revenue but the arrival of Beckham should help to promote the domestic game in the run-up to the 2016 European championship which the French will host.
"Sponsors are still keen to be associated with David Beckham," said Adam Bull, senior consultant with the sports business group at Deloitte.
"It's the same case as when he went to LA Galaxy. The status of MLS (Major League Soccer) was enhanced by Beckham and it will be the same for Ligue 1," he added.
Related stories:
Beckham signs up for last tango in PSG
Beckham's football passion to light up Paris?
- Prince William, Beckham launch celebrations for FA
- David Beckham considering China move?
- Romeo Beckham launches his modelling career
- Romeo Beckham: New face of Burberry
- So cute! Beckhams and little daughter appear at NY Fashion Week
- David Beckham celebrates LA Galaxy win with family
- Beckham ends American adventure with second title
- Beckham hailed as MLS turning point
- David Beckham to open restaurant
- Beckham 'flattered' by options
- 'Taken 2' grabs movie box office crown
- Rihanna's 'Diamonds' tops UK pop chart
- Fans get look at vintage Rolling Stones
- Celebrities attend Power of Women event
- Ang Lee breaks 'every rule' to make unlikely new Life of Pi film
- Rihanna almost thrown out of nightclub
- 'Dark Knight' wins weekend box office
- 'Total Recall' stars gather in Beverly Hills
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
American abroad |
Industry savior: Big boys' toys |
New commissioner
|
Liaoning: China's oceangoing giant |
TCM - Keeping healthy in Chinese way |
Poultry industry under pressure |
Today's Top News
Boston bombing suspect reported cornered on boat
7.0-magnitude quake hits Sichuan
Cross-talk artist helps to spread the word
'Green' awareness levels drop in Beijing
Palace Museum spruces up
First couple on Time's list of most influential
H7N9 flu transmission studied
Trading channels 'need to broaden'
US Weekly
Beyond Yao
|
Money power |