Rodrigo De Paul breaks silence on David Beckham comparisons and reveals what he really thinks

In soccer, comparisons between clubs and players are inevitable. Some aim to determine who is better, while others look for similarities — whether in appearance or style of play. It’s in the latter where Rodrigo De Paul enters the conversation.

The 31-year-old midfielder is the new star at Inter Miami, a club with David Beckham among its owners. Beckham left his mark on the sport not only for what he did on the pitch but also for his influence in fashion off it — much like the Argentine does today.

Both play the same position, De Paul wears the No. 7 jersey famously associated with Beckham during his Manchester United days, they have eye-catching tattoos, and they frequently appear on magazine covers and style-focused media.

That’s why journalist Bruno Vain asked Messi’s teammate about the comparisons. De Paul responded: “I know people compare us a lot. The truth is I admire him a lot, that’s why I wear the number (7) I wear,” he said. “For me, it’s about looking at him not only for what he did on the pitch but also for his way of living.”

A journey with parallels to Beckham’s

Like Beckham, De Paul played in La Liga and for a team based in the Spanish capital — though in his case, it was Atlético Madrid, not Real Madrid. Still, he left a significant mark in Europe before moving to South Florida to become the face of a club looking to build a lasting legacy in MLS — just as Beckham did when he joined LA Galaxy in 2007.

“He was always confident in what he did, when he did it, and he knew how to perfectly balance his soccer side with his fashion side,” said De Paul, who is known for his love of fashion and his distinctive personal style.