David Beckham used to play for PSG when he was a player. |
When Inter Miami take on Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, all eyes seem to be on Lionel Messi - the central figure of both teams, past and present. But off the sidelines, another face is also making PSG's heart flutter - David Beckham.
Beckham played for PSG for a short time, but left a legacy so emotional and profound that he himself admitted: "They treated me like I had been there for 16 years, not six months."
Beckham arrived in Paris in the winter of 2013 – a surprise, bizarre and symbolic signing. At that time, Qatar Sports Investments was just entering the early stages of its “PSG universe” project, with the ambition of turning the club into a global brand.
President Nasser Al Khelaïfi doesn’t need an all-round midfielder – he needs a name. Beckham, though he’s far from his best and seemingly ready to hang up his boots after his time in MLS, remains an international icon, a living brand whose appeal transcends time.
Signing Beckham was a brilliant marketing move, but what made the deal stand out from the rest was the Englishman himself. He agreed to play for free – all of his earnings (around £800,000 a month) went to charities, hospitals and children’s organisations.
PSG paid the fee through a fund in Qatar, which allowed them to bypass wage cap restrictions. It was an unprecedented move, and Beckham proved once again that he is unlike any other football star.
Today, Beckham - in his role as owner of Inter Miami - will face PSG in the Club World Cup. |
Beckham's debut for PSG couldn't have been more spectacular - the "French El Clasico" against Marseille. He only came on the field in the 76th minute to replace Javier Pastore, but every move he made was watched by international television. At that time, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was PSG's brightest name, but Beckham - at the age of 37 - still shone with his own aura.
The move that led to the 2-0 goal was proof of that. It started with Beckham's magical feet and ended with Ibra's finish.
However, Beckham’s legacy in Paris is not on the statistics. It is present in the loving eyes of the fans, in the way people talk about him with pure respect. Six months is a blink of an eye in PSG’s history, but a whole chapter of emotion for the fans.
“I feel like I belong there, like I've been part of that family for a long time,” Beckham shared – not just politely, but sincerely.
On May 18, 2013, in front of more than 45,000 spectators at the Parc des Princes, Beckham said goodbye to the football field. In the 81st minute, he left the field to thunderous applause - one of the most touching applauses the stadium had ever witnessed. Amidst tears, Beckham raised his head to salute the stands - not like a legend saying goodbye to football, but like a son leaving the roof he had not been attached to long enough.
Beckham ended his journey with the Ligue 1 championship. PSG that year almost reached the Champions League semi-finals - they were eliminated by Barcelona only because of the away goals rule. In the French Cup, PSG stopped by the tiny team Evian.
But trophies don't last in football - emotions last forever. And in that respect, Beckham's farewell was one of the greatest moments in PSG's history.
Now, in another chapter of his life – as Inter Miami owner – Beckham faces PSG in a very different context. There are no more pinpoint crosses or stunning free-kicks, but his presence still carries the memory of a brief, sparkling spring.
PSG was where Beckham ended his football career - but it is also where his football memories live on forever.
Source: https://znews.vn/ky-uc-psg-goi-ten-beckham-post1564649.html
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