David Beckham

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Lore & Background

Beckham's path to ownership began with a clause in his 2007 MLS contract, negotiated by his manager Simon Fuller, that gave him the option to purchase an expansion team at a discounted price. After ending his playing career in April 2013, Beckham and Fuller discussed plans to buy a team in Miami. On February 5, 2014, the league announced that Beckham had exercised his option, and that Miami Beckham United—led by Beckham, Fuller, and Marcelo Claure—would own an expansion franchise, assuming a stadium deal could be reached. It was only after Fuller introduced Beckham to Jorge and José Mas that the stadium plan was green lit. On January 29, 2018, the group was officially awarded the franchise. Beckham bought Fuller out in September 2019.

In Their Own Story

In 2013, when David Beckham was interviewed by CNN, he thanked Simon Fuller for the groundbreaking MLS deal he had negotiated back in 2007 and specifically the clause that Fuller had insisted on inserting: 'When I signed my contract six, seven years ago, my manager Simon Fuller actually got a clause in the contract that enabled me to have a franchise at the end of my playing career.' That clause set in motion a decade-long pursuit. After initial stadium proposals fell through, Commissioner Garber reiterated in August 2014 that the expansion would not be approved until a downtown stadium plan was secured. It was only after Fuller introduced Beckham to Jorge and José Mas that the plan was green lit. The club's first MLS game was played on March 1, 2020, losing 1–0 away to Los Angeles FC.

Reader's Guide

David Beckham serves as a co-owner of Inter Miami CF, part of the ownership group Miami Freedom Park LLC (formerly Miami Beckham United). His role involves high-level ownership and strategic direction for the club. His skills lie in his ability to attract global attention and high-profile players to the franchise. The club signed Lionel Messi on a free transfer in 2023, and has also signed Blaise Matuidi, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Reguilón, Germán Berterame and Casemiro. Defining moments include his initial announcement of the option in 2014, the official franchise award on January 29, 2018, and the team's first major trophy win—the 2023 Leagues Cup—following Messi's debut.

Did You Know?

• David Beckham's option to purchase an MLS expansion team was negotiated into his 2007 contract by his manager Simon Fuller; the widely cited $25 million figure was the reported discounted fee when he exercised the option
• Beckham bought Fuller out of the ownership group in September 2019.
• The club's ownership group used 'Miami Vice' and 'Miami United' as working titles before settling on Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami.
• Inter Miami's first MLS game was a 1–0 loss to Los Angeles FC on March 1, 2020.
• The club won its first major trophy, the 2023 Leagues Cup, following Lionel Messi's debut.

Early Life and Family Background

The source does not cover David Beckham's early life or family background.

The Football Journey: From Arsenal to Professional Debut

The source does not cover David Beckham's playing career.

Club Progression and Loan Spell at Brentford

The source does not cover David Beckham's club progression or loan spells.

Fashion Career and Future Ventures

The source does not cover David Beckham's fashion career or future ventures.