A David Beckham Retrospective

David Beckham, the midfielder for AC Milan and the Los Angeles Galaxy, tore his Achilles tendon while playing a game recently and could be out for up to a year which would include this summer's World Cup. As the aging veteran contemplates his future, should he keep playing after his rehab or will he be finished as a player?

When Beckham puts on a uniform again he will be almost 36 years old this time next year and most footballers are done about this time even when they are healthy. I've only seen goalkeepers last into their 40s since the wear and tear on their bodies is less of a problem than men who run around for 90 minutes at a time.

Should David Beckham retire to greener pastures? Is he past his prime? Here is a look at Beckham's soccer playing career and his future possibilities.

The Beginning

David Beckham was born in 1975 and stared playing football (soccer to Americans) at age eight according to JockBio.com. He burst onto the scene of Manchester United during the 1995 season as a twenty year-old after spending a few years in lower leagues to get some experience.

Manchester's first game with David Beckham against Aston Villa was a loss at his home stadium. But the first goal came from almost midfield and that started a flurry of scoring and offense that has never been matched in the Premier League. From amongst other goals in his early days, try his goal from midfield against Wimbledon. It is in the midst of this video tribute at about 1:25 in. The day was sunny and modern goals still has bars supporting the backs of the nets at Old Tafford. Whether he had short hair, long hair, or no hair he could score goals with fast strikes or soft touches. Beckham's goals were, in short, magic.

Later Career

After six Premier League titles and three World Cups, Beckham has had a full life of football. He's won everything imaginable as a player except an elusive World Cup title which now he will never see. The red card against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup still haunts Beckham to this day as perhaps the best chance for England to win the title. His free kick beat Colombia to put them in the knockout stage only to see his team lose in penalty kicks after Beckham was sent off. Now his World Cup dreams as a player are gone.

He's had playing stints at Real Madrid, the Los Angeles Galaxy, and AC Milan most recently. Beckham's coming to the States was seen as a boon to Major League Soccer even though Beckham was criticized in Europe for playing in the "junior" league of MLS. He quickly put naysayers to rest as he scored in his first game in uniform.

Personal Life

Beckham's football stardom also saw him become a famous family man. In 1997 he met his future wife, Victoria Adams. They were married in 1999 and have since had three children.

Beckham has designed clothing, cologne, and been a spokesperson for Gillette, Pepsi, Motorola, and Adidas. Most famous are his underwear ads that showed Beckham in nothing but his skivvies.

Injury

I think it's time for David Beckham to retire. His magic days are done. Beckham can still be involved in football, as a coach. I think any Premier League team that is struggling would love to have him. He has loads of experience, knows what it takes to win, and makes everyone around him better.If he does coach, I hope he doesn't turn into Michael Jordan. He tried coaching and failed miserably, but not all great players make great coaches. He can own a team if he wants to and be a general manager. Perhaps Mr. Beckham needs to fulfill one other role in his life before he embraces a new journey, that of being a father. His wife Victoria makes tons of money so maybe Beckham can take it easy for a while and become like Seal and be a more active father while his wife works her magic. I'm sure one of his kids would love him to be a soccer coach....

No matter what you decide David Beckham, thanks for gracing us with your football skills. The world is better because of you.