Which Man Utd Legend Did Roberto Carlos Call Better Than Zidane?

In a surprising revelation, Brazilian football legend Roberto Carlos has named David Beckham as the best footballer he ever played with, surpassing even the likes of Zinedine Zidane. Carlos praised Beckham's consistency, work ethic, and contributions on the pitch, highlighting their shared experiences at Real Madrid after Beckham's illustrious career at Manchester United. This choice underscores Beckham's significant impact on the game and his teammates, cementing his legacy as one of football's greats.

Last updated: 25 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Roberto Carlos's endorsement of David Beckham as the best player he has played alongside comes amid ongoing discussions about football legends and their legacies. This statement has reignited interest in Beckham's contributions to both Manchester United and Real Madrid. Given Beckham's iconic status in football, Carlos's comments provide fresh context for his career achievements and his influence on teammates, particularly during the era of the Galácticos at Real Madrid.

Key takeaways

• Roberto Carlos ranks David Beckham as the best player he played with, above Zidane.
• Beckham's tenure at Manchester United included six Premier League titles and a historic treble.
• During his time at Real Madrid, Beckham was noted for his work ethic and consistent performances.

Timeline: how we got here

Roberto Carlos and David Beckham's football journeys are intertwined through their time at Real Madrid. Here’s a brief timeline of significant events:

• 1992: David Beckham debuts for Manchester United, beginning an illustrious career.
• 1999: Beckham helps Manchester United achieve a historic treble, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
• 2003: Beckham transfers to Real Madrid, joining Carlos and other stars in the Galácticos era.
• 2006-07: Beckham aids Real Madrid in securing the La Liga title in his final season at the club.
• 2013: Beckham retires from professional football after a season with Paris Saint-Germain.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Roberto Carlos's recent comments on The Obi One Podcast have brought renewed attention to David Beckham's influence as a player. Carlos's assertion that Beckham was the most consistent player during their time together challenges the narrative that often places Zidane above Beckham in discussions about the greatest players of their era.

What was already established

Beckham's legacy as a world-class player was already well recognised, especially during his successful stint at Manchester United. His accolades and contributions to both club and country have been well documented, yet Carlos's endorsement may lead to a reassessment of Beckham's standing among the football elite.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For football fans in the UK, Carlos's remarks may reignite nostalgia surrounding Beckham's time at Manchester United, potentially influencing merchandise sales and viewership for classic matches. Beckham's iconic status contributes to the fabric of football culture in the UK, making his legacy a point of pride for fans.

Businesses and jobs

Beckham's influence goes beyond the pitch, as he has been a significant figure in sports marketing and endorsements. His status as a global icon has created numerous business opportunities, from fashion to charity work, providing jobs and boosting the economy, particularly in sectors linked to sports and leisure.

Policy and regulation

As discussions about the legacies of football stars like Beckham continue, there may be future initiatives aimed at promoting youth engagement in football, inspired by the success stories of former players. This could also influence policies related to sports funding and youth training programmes across the UK.

Numbers that matter

• 394: The number of appearances Beckham made for Manchester United, scoring 85 goals and providing 121 assists.
• 6: The Premier League titles won by Beckham with Manchester United.
• 20: Goals scored and 52 assists registered by Beckham during his 159 appearances for Real Madrid.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Galácticos: A term used to describe Real Madrid's policy of signing star players during the early 2000s.
• Ballon d'Or: An annual football award presented by France Football, recognising the best male football player in the world.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect discussions about Beckham's impact on contemporary football and comparisons with current players to gain traction, particularly as the football season progresses.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the football world reflects on its legends, there might be renewed interest in documentaries, books, and articles focused on Beckham’s career, potentially leading to retrospectives on the era of the Galácticos.

Signals to watch

• Media coverage of Beckham's legacy, particularly leading up to significant football anniversaries.
• Public interest in retrospective events or exhibitions celebrating Beckham's contributions to football.

Practical guidance

Do

• Engage with football communities discussing historical players and their impacts.
• Watch classic matches featuring Beckham to appreciate his playing style and contributions.

Don’t

• Dismiss the achievements of players like Beckham based solely on awards won.
• Ignore the off-pitch contributions of footballers to society and culture.

Checklist

• Research Beckham's career highlights and records.
• Watch interviews or documentaries featuring Roberto Carlos and David Beckham.
• Follow discussions on social media regarding football legends.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Roberto Carlos's endorsement of Beckham adds to the narrative of their shared history, it's important to acknowledge that opinions on football greatness can be subjective and influenced by various factors, including personal experiences, team dynamics, and the evolution of the game over time. As such, comparisons between players should consider the context in which they played and the roles they fulfilled within their teams.

Bottom line

Roberto Carlos’s praise for David Beckham as the best player he ever played with highlights Beckham’s enduring legacy and impact on the game. As discussions about football legends continue, fans and analysts alike will likely revisit Beckham's contributions, both on and off the pitch, solidifying his place among the greatest footballers in history.

FAQs

Why did Roberto Carlos choose Beckham over Zidane?

Roberto Carlos highlighted Beckham's consistency, work ethic, and contributions to the team as reasons for his choice, stating that Beckham was more than just a star player.

What were Beckham's major achievements at Manchester United?

Beckham won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League title, among other honours during his time at Manchester United.

How did Beckham perform at Real Madrid?

During his four years at Real Madrid, Beckham made 159 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing 52 assists, helping the club secure several titles.