David Beckham’s famous #23 jersey, which he wore to represent his respect and appreciation for sports icons outside of football, was inspired by his time spent at Real Madrid and the LA Galaxy.

When Beckham arrived at Real Madrid in 2003, he could not wear his fabled #7 from Manchester United because Raul, a fan favorite at the Bernabeu, had already claimed the number. When Beckham came, Pedro Munitis was wearing #23; however, Beckham requested the number because he was a huge fan of basketball legend Michael Jordan. “I’ve always been a major admirer of Jordan and a huge fan of his. That’s how it all began when I asked for 23,” Beckham recalled.

Spain was not the end of the story. In 2007, Beckham introduced the #23 legacy to the Los Angeles Galaxy. His connection to the number was deeper than a passing reference to Jordan’s legacy; it stood for something more significant. “I loved the thought of wearing 23 in America, the connection with Jordan, and how important the 23 was,” Beckham said.

Furthermore, Chris Klein, who wore the #7 jersey at the Galaxy, was someone Beckham respected, which is why he decided to maintain the #23 jersey in Los Angeles. “I always feel bad taking people’s numbers off of them, and I’ve never really done it, so I wasn’t going to start on my first day at the Galaxy,” Beckham remarked, demonstrating his team spirit and humility.

Beckham’s decision to wear #23 from Real Madrid to the LA Galaxy symbolized his admiration for greatness outside of sports, demonstrating his reverence for icons and his careful assessment of team dynamics.