Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson: The Role of Two Legends in David Beckham’s Career

The greats have always influenced athletes from different sports. Both Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson have continued to be a source of inspiration for players. Soccer player David Beckham is also one of them. Just like the NBA legends, he was also able to become one of the most cherished and marketable players. In a recent interview, Beckham discussed how the hoopers impacted his career and, notably, his choice of jersey numbers.

Certainly, everything associated with the soccer player is fascinating, including the circumstances surrounding his shirts.

How did Michael Jordan inspire David Beckham’s jersey change?

The English soccer player admiring the Chicago Bulls legend Jordan is not a secret. On numerous occasions, the star expressed his respect and admiration for His Airness. So, it’s not surprising that, years after donning number 7, Beckham chose MJ’s jersey number 23. 

The situation presented the perfect opportunity for him In 2003, he was transferred to Real Madrid. However, he could not ask for his usual number since Raúl González Blanco had already been wearing ‘7’ for over five years.

As he had to drop the idea of wearing the same number again, the soccer star decided to embrace the same number 23 that Jordan wore during his time with the Bulls. Speaking of the Bulls legend, David Beckham said, “I‘m a huge fan of Jordan. I’ve always loved him. I’ve always been a big admirer of him and I said, ‘Can I have 23?’…And that was that’s how it all started.”

Surprisingly, the two shared a great friendship as well. In an ESPN interview, Beckham revealed that he once reached out to the 6-time NBA champion to ask him about the best Italian restaurant in Washington.

Next time Beckham visits the capital though, there’s another basketball idol that he can visit. The newest co-owner of the Washington Commanders, Magic Johnson, also had a significant influence on David Beckham’s career.

David Beckham graced the same number as Magic Johnson

Again in 2009-2010, the soccer star encountered the same issue. During his time with AC Milan, he had to choose another shirt number. This time neither 23 nor 7 was available for him. That’s when he thought of a certain Los Angeles Lakers legend.

Speaking of the odd situation, Beckham recalled, “When I went to Milan, 23 wasn’t available number; seven wasn’t available so I was like why I also love Magic Johnson who was 32 so I took the number 32.”

READ MORE: “NBA Analyst Thrashes LeBron James’ Agent Rich Paul’s Comments on Pressure of ‘Following’ Michael Jordan: “He Had to Follow Magic (Johnson)”

He had the same number in Milan then for Paris Saint-Germain as well. Interestingly, he got himself promoted from 23 to 32. Have you seen the interview? What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section below.