Miami Spice! Beckham announces MLS franchise

Move over, LeBron James! There's a new sporting superstar in town.

David Beckham has announced that he will be fronting the formation of a new Major League Soccer franchise in Miami.

Beckham only retired in May 2013, aged 38, following a short but successful spell with Paris Saint-Germain but has wasted little time in getting involved in football again.

"This is an exciting time for myself, my family, my friends and partners, and it is something we are really looking forward to bringing to Miami," he said.

"We're planning to bring a team that will be a global team. I want to create a team that we can start from scratch and I am going to work hard for this city to make this team very successful. It is an exciting time.

"I have worked with some of the biggest clubs and greatest players and this is a dream."

Thursday, 6 February 2014 10:15

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Happy New Year from Goal!

It's the end of the calendar year and spirits are in the sky... footballers and managers across the world have much to reflect on - and look forward to - as we head into 2014.

It's been a great year for Pep Guardiola, who took over from Jupp Heynckes at the helm of treble winners Bayern Munich, while Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery fight it out for the Balon d'Or. Gareth Bale got his big-money move to Real Madrid, though it's time for Sir Alex Ferguson and David Beckham to leavethe party.

Jurgen Klopp is left to drown his sorrows after losing the Champions League final and dropping out of the Bundesliga title race, Jose Mourinho is back with Chelsea, Arsene Wenger is top of the pile and Luis Suarez is in and out of the dog house.

All that's left to say is Happy New Year to all our readers!

Tuesday, December 31, 2013 11:30

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Bale prepared to join pantheon of Real Madrid greats

Gareth Bale is set to join some of the greatest players in the history of football as his move to Real Madrid draws closer.

Goal understands a world record £86 million fee has been agreed between Tottenham and the Spanish giants, with the Wales star set to complete the transfer in the next 48 hours.

Bale will rub shoulders with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and follows a long list of legends - including Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Ronaldo and Alfredo Di Stefano - in plying his trade at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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Neymar the closest thing to metrosexual Beckham

 

He's a style icon as well as a football hero but Neymar insists that he is no "metrosexual".

"That was more something for David Beckham, who was more stylish," claims the Brazilian forward but doth the lady not protest too much? "Yes, it is true that I like to go out and buy new clothes, nice perfumes and hair products," he admits. "I also shave my legs, for example."

Neymar's new colleagues at Barcelona could be in for a surprise at just how much care their latest recruit takes over his appearance... 

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Beckham joins Fergie, Scholes and Neville in Man Utd retirement home

 

David Beckham once again hit the headlines all over the world on Thursday when he announced his decision to retire from football.

The PSG midfielder has enjoyed a stellar career beginning at Manchester United before taking in Real Madrid, AC Milan and LA Galaxy.

Along the way he has become the world’s most famous footballer, and a global brand, but is now set to hang up his boots after 21 years at the top level.

He is not alone, of course, as his decision follows that of former Manchester United colleagues Sir Alex Ferguson and Paul Scholes, who will also bow out of the game on Sunday.

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Kung-fu Fergie lining up final battle with Rooney

 

Amid all of the title celebrations on Sunday, Sir Alex Ferguson dropped one last bombshell after confirming Wayne Rooney's desire to leave Manchester United.

The 71-year-old, who has one final game left in charge of United, has put the ball firmly in Rooney's court regarding his future at Old Trafford.

"I don't think Wayne was keen to play simply because he's asked for a transfer," Sir Alex said.

"I think he wants to think things through in his mind, I think that's a good idea.

"We're not going to let him go. I think he's maybe a bit frustrated that he's been taken off once or twice in the last few weeks." 

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Beckham top of the pile in Goal Rich List

 

The Goal Rich List for 2013 has been published, with few surprises regarding who sits at the top of the pile.

David Beckham tops the list with a staggering net worth of £175 million, beating off competition from Lionel Messi [£115.5m] and Cristiano Ronaldo [£112m].

No wonder the midfielder can afford to give up his Paris Saint-Germain salary to charity, and waive image rights and all other club income for the entirety of his five-month stay with the club. 

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Rooney headed for Old Trafford trapdoor

 

The writing appears to be on the wall for Wayne Rooney at Manchester United.

Reports emerged on Thursday suggesting the striker will be shown the Old Trafford trapdoor by Sir Alex Ferguson in the summer, after the Scot dropped the 27-year-old for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Rooney is reportedly reluctant to leave, though his fashion-conscious wife Coleen may well be pleased with links to Paris Saint-Germain.

United, meanwhile, have reportedly turned their attention to Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski. 
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All eyes on Beckham in PSG bow

 

David Beckham became the latest star to land in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain when he made his debut as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Marseille.

The 37-year-old was thrilled after a "special night" at the Parc des Princes as even Zlatan Ibrahimovic was forced to play second fiddle to the English icon.

The Swedish striker was able to get on the score sheet, however, bagging a late goal that Beckham played a part in at the end of his 15-minute cameo appearance from the bench. 
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Ashley Cole joins England's 100 Club

 

Ashley Cole may not have always been the most popular figure outside of Stamford Bridge, but the left-back will join an elite group of England players on Wednesday.

The defender will join England's 100 Club at Wembley Stadium against Brazil, joining such decorated stars as Steven Gerrard, David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore.

Somewhat controversial off the pitch but rarely anything other than reliable on it, England might actually allow itself to celebrate Cole on Wednesday evening. 
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Beckham takes centre-stage amid Deadline Day madness

 

In a typically entertaining and frantic January transfer window, if not a spending one, there were many sagas and late deals that caught the eye.

Peter Odemwingie tried, but ultimately failed, to take his transfer into his own hands by effectively abandoning West Brom, only to be refused entry to QPR - despite Harry Redknapp showing his desire to flash the cash once again.

Tottenham's chase for a striker was unsuccessful, though north London rivals Arsenal managed to sneak a late signing in the shape of full-back Nacho Monreal, while Anzhi proved their muscle with a deal for Willian which broke the £30 million barrier.

However, there was only ever going to be one winner for the move of the window award when PSG announced that David Beckham was joining them until the end of the season - and is donating the wages from his five-month contract to charity.

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Hollywood ending for Beckham as curtain closes on LA journey

 

oes he write his own scripts? He must do, right? David Beckham ended his time in the United States by helping LA Galaxy triumph 3-1 over Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final.

It meant the California franchise retained the MLS Cup for the second year running and ensured Becks left an indellible print on Major League Soccer after his five-and-a-half year association with the league.

Though he lived up to Los Angeles expectations with the happiest of endings - Beckham was substituted in the 94th minute to give him a chance to wave to the fans, hug his team-mates and indeed one 'unidentified fan' (Robbie Keane) - there is a sense that this isn't quite the end for the 37-year-old.

He admits he has "no idea" where he will move to for his final, final swansong, but you would not bet against him bringing just as much drama and theatre to proceedings - after all, he has now won the league title in his final year at Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy.

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Can you Adam and Eve it?! Beckham denied New York MLS investment

 

Well, while David Beckham may have played his last game for LA Galaxy, it has not put 'Golden Balls' off investing in an MLS side in the future, with the New York Red Bulls an obvious attraction.

However, there is a spanner in the works - or rather, a snake in the boots - in the form of Don Garber, who says Becks will not be able to take a tasty bite of the big apple anytime soon.

So, where next for Posh & Becks? Will he repay Galaxy's faith (and some of their huge wages no doubt) and invest in his former club? Or will he jack it all in and take the family to Paris for the riches of PSG?
Who knows, there is always 'Arry and QPR...

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Out of options - Hodgson calls up every man and his dog

 

International squad selections are always blighted by withdrawals through injury, and England's latest crop are no different.

Following Kieran Gibbs' thigh strain while playing for Arsenal and Frank Lampard's own inclusion being thrown into doubt, the inexperienced duo of Ryan Bertrand and Jonjo Shelvey have been called upon to reinforce the ranks.

Surely this means anyone is in with a chance of a call-up, right? Emile Heskey will be licking his lips in Australia, while sightings of Tom, Dick and Harry circling Wembley are plentiful.
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Beckham hits back on the pitch after his Team GB snub

 

Team GB will take on Brazil on Friday ahead of the Olympic Games but David Beckham will not be present despite the midfielder's key role in helping to bring the sporting showpiece to London in the first place.

Stuart Pearce has earned widespread criticism over the England international's exclusion from the squad for the Games as Team GB prepare to face Senegal on July 26.

Beckham himself, however, has let his football do the talking by scoring four goals in his past three games for MLS side LA Galaxy to remind Team GB just what they are missing...
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