'You single-handedly changed it' - Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise believes David Beckham changed the face of football in America

Tom Cruise made a surprise appearance during CBS Sports' prematch coverage of the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, joining host Kate Abdo and analyst David Beckham. Cruise went on to praise Beckham and believes that the former English international changed the face of football in America with his groundbreaking move to join MLS as a player with the LA Galaxy in 2007. He also admitted how inspiring the former Real Madrid star has been, thriving both on the field and now off the field with Inter Miami.

“You changed the face of the sport in America and for the world, all for the better,” Cruise told CBS Sports. “You single-handedly changed it and enabled others, and the success of that league and where it is today, it started with you, it absolutely did. Your jersey was selling, all the players got more awareness, everybody did, and a rising tide raises all boats, and look where you are now."

He added, “Once David went and he made it OK, and you also won two Championships there, and everywhere you went, you won, everywhere! That was amazing, it was a great time for the sport and how it’s evolved. And now you’re taking it as an owner, with [Lionel] Messi playing for Miami, what you’ve done there with you guys, again taking it to that next level, and that is inspiring. What you’ve done on the field, you’re doing in business.”

The Mission: Impossible superstar further revealed the origins of his friendship with Beckham, explaining that they first met while the footballer was still representing Manchester United. He mentioned their friendship developed when the actor was filming in England.

“I’ve always watched him play. Manchester United, when he [Beckham] got there in 92 and I was a fan when he was there, and Beckham, that kick you made, the 30-yard one from the halfway line. And I was like ‘this guy has got some skill’ and it was amazing."

Celebrity friendships like the one between Cruise and Beckham illustrate the increasing intersection between sports, entertainment, and global popular culture. As soccer has grown in international appeal, particularly in the United States, such cross-industry relationships have become more common, but rarely with figures of such stature.

With the Champions League and the 2024-25 European season now over, Beckham’s focus will turn towards his Inter Miami side, which is preparing for its debut appearance in the Club World Cup. The Herons will kick off their tournament with a contest against Al Ahly on June 14, before they face FC Porto on June 19 and then Palmeiras on June 23.