LA Galaxy: Can Zlatan Ibrahimovic be a bigger star than David Beckham?

All signs are pointing to the LA Galaxy landing Manchester United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic: drawing a similar feeling to when the Galaxy lured in an English superstar over 10 years ago.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the biggest superstars in the game of soccer (or football, depending on your location) in the world. Although he is no longer on that elite status, Ibrahimovic has become somewhat of a cult icon. Now, Ibrahimovic and his massive stardom are more than likely heading to the LA Galaxy.

An impending move to the MLS has been in the cards for Ibrahimovic for quite some time now. He has said in countless interviews that he wanted to play in the MLS before he hangs them up; what better place to play than in the beautiful warm summers of LA?

Now, after a serious ACL injury that rendered Ibrahimovic out for seven months, that move to the Galaxy may become a reality.

Jeff Carlisle of ESPN FC reports that sources have confirmed that Ibrahimovic is nearing a move to the LA Galaxy; with one source even going as far to say this is “the furthest along it has ever been.”

This, of course, would be the biggest transfer for the LA Galaxy in quite some time. As great as Giovani Dos Santos, Ashley Cole and Romain Alessandrini have been, none are as big of a superstar as Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The only transfer that mirrors the magnitude is arguably the biggest transfer of MLS history: David Beckham to the LA Galaxy in 2007. While the Galaxy did win one MLS Cup with Beckham in 2011, his super-stardom had a bigger impact fiscally. Beckham, who was coming from arguably the most popular club in the world, Real Madrid, was the face of English soccer.

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Which brings up the question: can Zlatan Ibrahimovic be as big of a superstar in Los Angeles as David Beckham?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

David Beckham is Hollywood. Everything about him shouts Hollywood; he has the looks and finances of a movie star. More importantly, though, Beckham is mainstream. I remember the transfer distinctly despite being just eight years old. I knew nothing about soccer. Once the Ibrahimovic transfer is complete, the same mainstream coverage is not going to happen.

Beckham was only 31 at the time of the transfer, Ibrahimovic is 36. Beckham was coming off of a league title with Real Madrid. Ibrahimovic is coming off of a serious ACL injury that initially saw the Swedish striker released.

As much of a cult icon as Ibrahimovic is, he has nowhere close to the star power that Beckham has. Will he perform better? Possibly; his height and finishing ability will translate well to the MLS. His reduced speed will fare better against slower MLS defenders.

Next: Who is LA's best fanbase?

At the end of the day, though, the common LA sports fan (with no knowledge of European soccer) likely has no idea who Zlatan Ibrahimovic is. If they do, I doubt they can say much about him. On the other hand, though, everyone knew who David Beckham was.

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