‘One Last Challenge’ – Where Next For David Beckham?

The former England captain David Beckham has announced he will leave the Los Angeles Galaxy after next month’s MLS Cup final against Houston Dynamo.

At 37-years-old, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star is in the twilight of his glittering career which has seen him win numerous trophies, but he wants “one last challenge”.

So, here at IntoTheTopCorner, we have a look at the possible destinations for Beckham before he decides to end his playing career.

Australian A-League

There have been reports suggesting that an offer from Melbourne Heart is on the table, and A-League chiefs have been making noise of a possible deal. The Beckham camp have denied the reports but Australia looks likely his most likely destination in future. While the standard of football is not the greatest, the attraction for the former Manchester United and Real Madrid winger would be a growing football market – similar to when he joined MLS five years ago. The weather and lifestyle would also suit Beckham and his family.

Paris Saint-Germain

The moneybags of France have the backing, the ambition and the money to afford any wages that Beckham would demand and it would also be a good move as he would be close to friends and family in London. The standard of football in Ligue 1 is also something that would appeal a man looking for his next challenge. But at the same time you have to question why PSG would want Beckham. They were interested in him almost a year ago, but have spent heavily since then, and it’s difficult to see a regular place in their starting XI for former England skipper.

England

Unlikely, but not impossible at all. Beckham has been linked with Tottenham, West Ham and Leyton Orient in past 12 months or so and as reports suggested he could be keen to end his career in England. And QPR – at the bottom of the Premier League table – are in desperate need of a saviour and Becks could well be the man to save the Hoops. Or will he come back to Manchester for one final stint and turn dreams of millions of United fans into reality?

China

There are very few footballers on the planet that are more popular in the Far East than Beckham. What more, the Chinese club owners are trying to raise the profile of the game in the country by signing some star players like Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka, but bringing Beckham would be the biggest coup of them all. The financial package would surely attract any player but whether such a major change for the player and his family at this stage in his career would appeal to the Beckhams remains to be seen.

Russia

Russia would be another appealing destination for Beckham because of the cash he could earn and the less strict tax laws. It would also mean he stays in Europe which would appeal to him for both footballing and family reasons. Samuel Eto’o is the best example to give as he has become the best paid player in the world at Anzhi Makhachkala and Beckham’s final challenge could merely be replacing the Cameroon star at the top of the pay charts.

Staying in the US

Just because Beckham is leaving LA Galaxy, that doesn’t mean that the USA has seen the last of him. Beckham is known to enjoy the lifestyle he has in the States and also has a wife and four children to take into consideration. Afrer Los Angeles, where to go? Maybe across the coast to New York? He joined LA Galaxy not only to increase the interest in the MLS, but also to carry on winning trophies. And the Red Bulls could have a real shot at winning trophies next season, with the likes of Rafael Marquez, Tim Cahill and Thierry Henry already among their number.

Top Ten Footballer Salaries

According to Marca, Cristiano Ronaldo is ranked only tenth in the world when it comes to wages paid by their clubs, with the likes of little known Dario Conca earning more than the far more illustrious Portuguese.

In our today’s Picture Special, we have a look at the top ten footballer salaries, according to Marca..

1. Samuel Eto’o – Anzhi Makhachkala (€20m-a-year)

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Paris Saint-Germain (€14.5m)

3. Wanye Rooney – Manchester United (€13.8m)

4. Yaya Toure – Manchester City (€13m)

5. Sergio Aguero – Manchester City (€12.5m)

6. Didier Drogba – Shanghai Shenhua (€12m)

7. Fernando Torres – Chelsea (€10.8m)

8. Dario Conca – Guangzho Evergrande (€10.6m)

9. Lionel Messi – Barcelona (€10.5m)

10. Cristiano Ronaldo – Real Madrid (€10m)

Top Ten Earners In World Football

The past year or so has been a massive one in the world of football sponsorships. As brands from both inside and outside the world of football bankroll top stars in the run up to Euro 2012 and the London Olympics, MegaBucks clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid and Anzhi Makhachkala are doling out deals with millions in persuit of glory.

10. Philip Lahm (Bayern Munich / Germany) £11.9m

Captain of the new-look Germany side, Philip Lham rockets into the top ten following a successful season with Bayern Munich. As well as a deal to wear adidas football boots, Lahm’s renewed Deal with his Bavarian club has had a year to mature, putting him amongst the world’s highest earners for the first time.

9. Kaka (Real Madrid / Brazil) £12.9m

As well as a healthy deal with Real Madrid, Kaka’s charm and wholesome image have helped him keep his spot in the top ten, as deals with adidas and EA Sports supplement his Los Blancos paycheque. It’s telling of his on-field performance, though, that the Brazilian midfielder is actually earning around £2m less than this time last year.

8. Fernando Torres (Spain / Chelsea) £13.9m

Despite his well-documented troubles since his move to Stamford Bridge, Spanish striker Torres’ deal with Chelsea has propelled him into the Top 10 highest-paid footballers for the first time in his career. Addition spending money comes from the likes of Pepsi and Nike, who will hope that the golden-haired forward can force his way back into the Spain squad in time for Euro 2012.

7. Yaya Toure (Man City / Ivory Coast) £14.7m

Another player to benefit from a new deal at a new club is Manchester City Powerhouse Yaya Toure. The midfielder has become a key member of the City squad since his move from La Liga, and it’s worth noting he donates his sponsorship money from his Puma boot deal to charity. Top man.

6. Sergio Aguero (Man City / Argentina) £15.7m

It’s a similar story for Toure’s team-mate and Puma sponsor-ee Sergio Aguero. The diminutive Argentine has quickly proven his worth at the Etihad Stadium – a difficult task on such a large wage – and has switched his boot supplier to Puma following a protracted move from Nike.

5. Wayne Rooney (England / Man United) £17.2m

Despite a year dogged by scandal, Manchester United hitman Wayne Rooney boosted his earnings by nearly £5m over the past 12 months to enter the top 5 highest-paid footballers for the first time in his career. Rooney’s potential lack of action during Euro 2012 will likely upset his sponsors, but the likes of Nike and EA Sports will be thrilled with his performances for the Red Devils this season.

4. Samuel Eto’o (Anzhi / Cameroon) £19.4m

No surprises as to why Samuel Eto’o is at number 4. The Cameroon international was one of the first ‘marquee’ signings from ultra-spenders Anzhi Makhachkala, and his deal sees his earnings more than double over this time last year.

3. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid / Portugal) £24.3m

Portuguese national squad captain Cristiano Ronaldo drops a place to third this year despite bolstering his earnings by over £1.5m over this time last year. As well as being officially the most expensive player in the world, the superstar’s deal to keep him in Nike Mercurial football boots is reportedly one of the biggest in sports. Throw in his ludicrously fat-free physique and his status as the most socially-networked athlete in the world, and he’s a worthwhile face for any company.

2. David Beckham (England / LA Galaxy) £26.2m

After much ‘Umm’ing and ‘Ahh’ing over the MLS off-season, Beckham turned down a potentially massive move to PSG in favour of staying with the LA Galaxy for at least one more season. The former England captain’s new deal and hugely-marketed underwear deal with highstreet fashion label H&M see GoldenBalls earning over £2m more than in the previous financial year.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina / Barcelona) £27.5m

Well, well – look who’s back on top! After a record-breaking last 12 months, the mercurial Messi’s earnings are now as superfluous as the words used to describe him. A signature clothing range with adidas and a deal to see him become the cover star for EA Sports games from this season onward has seen the Barca ace add nearly £8m to his earnings over the past 12 months. Should his history-making form continue, it’s likely that we’ll see that figure continue to rise – over the next 12 months.