CREDIT: REUTERS
David Beckham gives himself an ovation, which only reaffirms our suspicion of his narcissistic tendencies.

Speculation of David Beckham leaving the L.A. Galaxy has finally become a reality as Beckham has announced that his career in U.S Major League Soccer will end with the December 1 MSL Cup against Houston.

He has been around since 2007 (completing six seasons), and was a groundbreaking signing for the league. His wealth, fame and talent has won the hearts of men and women (but especially women) across this continent, and helped put the U.S. League on the map. It doesn't hurt that he's married to former Spice Girl and supermodel Victoria Beckham, either.

When he joined in 2007, the league had 13 teams and was beginning to grow. Teams were starting to build on local fan bases and becoming increasingly stable. It was the right time for the league to implement the 'Designated Player Rule' — a rule that would soon be called the 'Beckham Rule' because it allows teams to sign players that are outside of their salary cap.

Becks landed in the league with a few other popular players, giving the league some star power and pushing it into the mainstream. Meanwhile, the league started to gain an online presence. In North America, the sport needed the Internet to thrive, as traditional forms of media were not giving the league any recognition. The MLS originally thrived by content made available online by fans, the league and teams. What Beckham did was give these fans a voice through his exposure; he uncovered a group of talented athletes that are now often accounted for in sportscasts and newspapers across the globe.

And finally, he was still an amazing player when he arrived on North American turf. He made Los Angeles an absolute powerhouse in the league. L.A. has made three out of the last four playoff finals, and won the regular season championships twice. For three years straight they were first in the Western Conference (that ended this year).

Beckham's popularity may put him at a disadvantage as everyone pays close attention to how he plays the game, but his unstoppable skills just seem to get better with age. As a foreign and experienced midfielder in the MLS, he brings creativity to the game that no one else has. He's a smart teammate and amazing playmaker, setting up players for prime opportunities throughout the years. He finished second in assists last season and proved to still have great free kick sensibility.

Beckham says he'd like to pursue another 'challenge,' as he put it. Wherever he goes, Golden Balls won't have a greater effect than he has had on this previously barren wasteland of North American soccer.