Orlando City Envisions a “Brazilian Beckham”

When David Beckham signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy there was fervor of excitement from everyone. Beckham was the first major international signing for Major League Soccer and while he was known by fans for his ability on the field, he was also an icon off. The “Beckham effect” led to an increased awareness of soccer in the United States and a growth of MLS. Since the signing of Beckham the MLS has added 7 teams and built numerous soccer specific stadiums. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said last week the league will add four new teams by 2020. With league revenue growing many minor league teams vie for one of these four spots. While clubs reputations will be considered in the process, the ability to draw top talent has become a major factor in deciding who will be accepted into the league.

Owners of Orlando City Soccer Club are making a pitch for a funding plan to build a soccer specific stadium in Orlando. The minor league team is trying to build a soccer specific stadium as part of a quest for a major league soccer franchise. In local government presentations on Tuesday, Orlando City S.C. said that they truly invision themselves signing a “Brazilian Beckham” when they plan to enter Major League Soccer in 2020. Orlando is thought to be a front-runner in being added to the league. "MLS is waiting for us to say we have a funding plan for a stadium, and then they will give us a franchise," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. "It's as simple as that."

Orlando F.C.’s vision of being able to sign a “Brazilian Beckham” leaves me to wonder who they could target from Brazil that would make a splash in the United States. Kaká could be a perfect fit if Orlando moves to the MLS. The fact that the 31-year-old midfielder is friends with Orlando City's billionaire owner Flávio Augusto da Silva makes a case that Orlando could be able to sign the former FIFA World Player of the Year. Kaká would be the perfect Designated Player for the club, should they join MLS in the near future. He provides a recognized name, top talent, and should sell a lot of jerseys to provide Orlando with a strong ROI on their investment. It makes all the sense in the world when saying they will sign a "Brazilian Beckham."

The Central Florida club is currently in the process of a bid to secure a small amount of government funding. They are seeking around $20 million, in order to build a new soccer-specific stadium in downtown Orlando, which would move the club one step closer to earning an MLS franchise expansion bid. Would Kaká be the "Brazilian Beckham" for the MLS?

 Written By Thomas Breslin