5 Most famous footballers to have played in the MLS

#1 David Beckham - Los Angeles Galaxy

Los Angeles Galaxy Unveil David Beckham Statue

Never in any doubt, was it? Although not as good a player as some of the names on this list, David Beckham is a cultural icon who paved the way for superstars to come to America, and he is one of the major reasons why Major League Soccer is as popular as it is today.

Beckham's arrival to the MLS made headlines across the world and elevated the league's profile. The high-profile acquisition paid immediate financial dividends for Galaxy. On the strength of the signing and the media frenzy it created, the club was able to pull off a new five-year shirt sponsorship deal with Herbalife nutrition company worth US$20 million. LA Galaxy owners Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) also reported an immediate spike in business.

The company's CEO Tim Leiweke put it as follows:

"Suddenly, we're known as the company that owns the team that David Beckham is going to play for, so our world changed"

There were several unique contracts given to Beckham - one unique contract provision was giving him the option of buying an MLS expansion franchise in any market except New York City at the fixed price of $25 million whenever he stopped playing in the league.

Another one was the creation of the Designated Player Rule for Beckham to bypass the salary cap; the rule was later nicknamed in his honor.

The former Manchester United player made 118 appearances for the Los Angeles Galaxy, and he won the MLS Cup twice with the club. He is also a two-time winner of the MLS Player of the Year Award, and he (alongside a group of investors) now own the latest MLS team, Inter Miami FC.

It can be said without the shadow of a doubt that no single player has had more impact on the MLS than David Beckham, and his place here at the top of this list is cemented for a long time.