Brand Beckham: retired star in multi-million-dollar windfall

The world's richest footballer may have announced his impending retirement yesterday, but his vast commercial endorsements have transcended his career on the pitch and are predicted to continue to even greater heights.

“From a brand perspective he is unique. He has an appeal that will go on for the next 15 to 20 years" Steve Martin, chief executive of M&C Saatchi Sport and Entertainment, told The Drum magazine.

"He is on a totally different planet to other players in terms of commercial value and long-term ambassadorial roles.”

With multi-year sponsors including Adidas, Samsung, Sainsbury's, H&M, Marks and Spencer and Armani; as well as ambassadorial deals with Sky and the Chinese Super League, Beckham's global appeal - even beyond Manchester United and Real Madrid - is set to reach new levels.

Arise, Sir David, indeed!