when it comes to who is the biggest footballer in the world, the candidates are few and far between.First, what do I mean by "biggest?"
Im not talking about the tallest footballer or Who is the best footballer on planet....
I'm talking about the most well-known, commercially viable footballers—the footballers who have taken their stardom and created a worldwide brand.
Only a handful of players have ever reached the very highest level in this field.
In some ways, this commercial success can cement a player's legacy and cause them to live long into the memory of everyone who knew about them.
David Beckham is considered a celebrity now, leading many to forget what a fantastic footballer he was and still is.
Beckham's big-name status was confirmed when he left Manchester United for Real Madrid in 2003.
The £23 million transfer fee was repaid within days from shirt sales in Asia alone.
Similarly, the exceptional reception at Cristiano Ronaldo's Real Madrid presentation on Monday seemed to confirm his joining of this elite group.
Over 70,000 fans are reported to have turned up to see his unveiling, more than Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Figo, or any of the other Galacticos.
In fact, the only player to have drawn more fans to his presentation is Diego Maradona, when he drew 75,000 after signing for Napoli.
But is he as big as Beckham was when he left Manchester United?
I don't think so!!!!!!!
Will there ever be a film making cultural references to Ronaldo that even non-football fans would understand, like there was with Bend It Like Beckham? I doubt it.
Neither Curl It Like Cristiano nor perhaps the more appropriate Cry Like Cristiano have the same ring to it.
The reason I ask this question is because of the importance it holds to Real Madrid.
Many may not see the commercial aspect as important, but for Florentino Perez's master plan, it is vital. Somehow, he has to make £80 million back from Ronaldo's transfer.
is he up to it?
Time will tell.
Does he have the same appeal as David Beckham? Not in my opinion, but their careers have taken very similar paths up to this point, and if that continues, Perez may have struck gold once again.