David Beckham has left a lasting legacy far beyond the football pitch. After stints with Manchester United and Real Madrid, he joined LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer in 2007. During his five-year tenure, Beckham connected with Hollywood stars and icons from America’s major sports, including ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky of the Los Angeles Kings.
Gretzky’s Introduction to Soccer
Wayne Gretzky, the Canadian hockey legend, initially knew little about soccer. That changed when Beckham arrived in Los Angeles. Gretzky attended a match and was captivated by Beckham’s performance.
“When I was in LA, David Beckham came to LA,” Gretzky recalled in an interview with TNT Sports. “I did not know a lot about soccer and I said, ‘I have got to see this guy play.’ He was so incredible, it was so much fun to watch him play.”
Beckham’s kindness extended further. Gretzky’s eight-year-old son joined them in the locker room, where Beckham personally ensured every teammate signed the boy’s jersey.
“And more importantly, my son, at the time he was eight, we went down to the locker room and he took my son around and got every player in the team to sign his jersey. So I have got a great deal of respect for athletes who are really nice and perform well under pressure also.”
Beckham’s MLS Success and Legacy
Beckham made over 100 appearances for LA Galaxy, culminating in an MLS Cup victory in 2012. Post-retirement, he launched Inter Miami, which secured the MLS Cup in 2025.
Gretzky’s Growing Soccer Passion
The encounter ignited Gretzky’s interest in soccer. He later participated in the 2026 World Cup draw. Canada, under manager Jesse Marsch, landed in a group with Qatar, Switzerland, and the winner of the European playoff featuring Italy, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Wales.
England, where Beckham shone at multiple World Cups, faces Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.
