‘David Beckham in danger of diluting his fame with foray into punditry,’ writes Thom Gibbs

by TheTelegraph

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  1. ***Telegraph Sport’s Thom Gibbs writes:***

    Emmy award win on Sunday, a [visit to St Andrew’s](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/09/16/birmingham-city-vs-wrexham-live-score-latest-league-one/) on Monday, Champions League pundit on Tuesday, then a seat next to Anna Wintour for Hugo Boss in Milan on Wednesday. It is an odd re-write of Craig David’s 7 Days but it is an odd life, being David Beckham.

    His level of fame makes his every act seem inevitable. Even 20 years ago the idea of [Beckham](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/david-beckham/) winning a TV award or sitting front row at fashion week would have been plausible, the only real surprise is he remains tethered to football matches like Birmingham City vs Wrexham. Even then, his presence there is merely because some wealthy celebrities have made leftfield investment choices.

    Coming soon(ish) is the latest brand Becks extension, Beckham and Friends, an adjunct to CBS’ Champions League coverage. The show is categorised as an “altcast”, a format popularised by the NFL’s Manning brothers, Peyton and Eli. They have provided something between commentary and a podcast for ESPN since 2021, an alternative to the traditional coverage of Monday Night Football. You still watch the game but with the Mannings’ faces alongside it. The sound of the sport is turned right down, the voices of the stars to the fore.

    This is presumably the idea for Beckham’s latest wheeze, aping the Mannings’ mix of Louisiana charm, teasing megastar guests and freewheeling live analysis. During breaks in play they sometimes jump up to illustrate the intricacies of quarterback play. Beckham may struggle here, other than for demonstrations of dead balls or how to trip over irritating Argentinian midfielders.

    What else could he offer as a broadcaster? He was deferential to CBS regulars Jamie Carragher, Thierry Henry and Micah Richards when announcing the new show, suggesting he lacked their punditry chops. So Beckham and Friends will likely be a personality play, with the Friends doing much of the heavy lifting. And what a cast Beckham will have to call upon: His Inter Miami FC employee Lionel Messi, [his wife Victoria](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/09/17/david-beckham-victoria-spice-girl-fashion-designer-netflix/) and between one and four further Spice Girls, or Tom Brady, the man hosting him in Birmingham for a League One game on Tuesday, although judging by Brady’s start as an NFL co-commentator he will need to get some practice in.

    **Read more:** [**https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/09/19/david-beckham-pundit-cbs-champions-league-micah-richards/**](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/09/19/david-beckham-pundit-cbs-champions-league-micah-richards/)

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