Beckham the biggest news in sport in 2003
Tuesday, December 23, 2003

David Beckham, the most recognisable face in the world's most popular game, was the biggest newsmaker in international sports in 2003.

The England captain's blockbuster transfer from one global soccer powerhouse to another – Manchester United to Real Madrid – was voted the top sports story of the year in a worldwide poll of Associated Press subscribers.

The Beckham saga was a comfortable winner ahead of the doping scandals rocking the sports world, Michael Schumacher's record sixth Formula One title, Lance Armstrong's fifth straight Tour de France victory and England's World Cup rugby triumph.

Beckham received 15 first-place votes and garnered a total of 321 points out of 55 ballots from sports editors and broadcasters on all continents – not counting the United States, which has its own survey.

Beckham already gets huge attention for his hairstyles, fashion statements, sponsorship ads and celebrity marriage to a former Spice Girl – not to mention his trademark free kicks and brilliant long-range passes.

But Beckham mania grew to a frenzy when news broke in June of his transfer from Manchester United, his home for 13 years, to glamorous nine-time European champion Madrid.

The club first announced a deal to send Beckham to FC Barcelona, but he vetoed that and said he would only settle for a move to the Bernabeu.

Finally, the deal went through sending him to Madrid for STG25 million. He joined a lineup of "Galacticos" including Ronaldo, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos and Raul Gonzalez. And Beckham hasn't disappointed. He's won rave reviews in Spain, where he's a fan favorite and is playing what many believe is the best soccer of his career in central midfield.

"If I have become a better player it's because these players around me have made me step up to another level," he said. "I would say coming to Real Madrid was one of the best decisions I have ever made."

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