Surely with a half way line goal, the title of 2nd most capped England footballer ever as well as 6 Premier League titles, a La Liga title and a Champions League winners medal, David Beckham must be the greatest footballer ever?

Not only has he achieved footballing success but he is also the perfect role model to every child, or in fact, every current young footballer as well. By the term ‘young’ I am including the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The three players I just mentioned are the current crop of World stars. They will go on to achieve success and a status in the history books. They may also have more talent than Mr.Beckham, but in terms of global respect, none of them even come close.

No player in the history of football has had the media coverage that Becks has had to deal with. He has done so admirably and gone on to prove doubters wrong on a number of occasions throughout his career. He may earn millions of dollars but he is still equally committed to charity work and helping those who have been less fortunate than him.

Despite a ‘pop star’ or should we just class her as a ‘celebrity’ wife, a number of ridiculously expensive cars, and houses all over the World, England’s former captain has remained very down to earth and thankful of what he has. Every manager and team-mate of Beckham’s has been complimentary of his work-rate and attitude on the field and the training pitch. It is yet another aspect that has helped him gain the respect of journalists, coaches and fans.

Maradona and Pele may be regarded as the best two footballers ever, but they are still surrounded by controversy. No more so than when it comes to comparisons between each other. Pele and Maradona have had a rivalry that has soured their achievements as players. Whether it is the Brazilian - Argentinean hatred inside or simply and arrogance that makes them believe they are better than the other, I don’t know.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Johan Cryuff and even John Terry have all been accused of it. It seems arrogance is becoming a down-fall for many modern footballers. That is something that Beckham has avoided. While he may have made mistakes in his younger years, the man has gone on to become an ambassador for football and charity work. He is just as happy wearing the no.7 shirt or the no.17 as long as England win and that is precisely why he will go to the World Cup this summer.

Through all the toils and troubles, Beckham has proven himself as a leader, father, role model and gentleman. Those who don’t believe me will realise when he becomes Sir David Beckham. An accolade that may come sooner than later if England are to return home with the big prize. Whenever it comes, it will be worth the wait.