Beckham's LA Galaxy move sees commercial value soar

David Beckham's decision to quit Europe to move to LA Galaxy saw his commercial value soar, it has been revealed.

The England midfielder's latest accounts show that his marketability was unaffected by his move from Real Madrid to the United States, where football is a minority sport.

Newly released figures from the official British company registry show that Beckham's income from his Footwork Productions company in the year ending Dec. 31, 2008, soared by 91 percent from the previous year to $16.5 million.

The company's gross profit of $20 million, which rose about 15 percent, includes income from endorsements. That figure is believed to account for two-thirds of the 34-year-old Beckham's sponsorship income.

A separate company, Brand Beckham, receives his $5.5 million basic salary from the Galaxy, the share of the merchandising he generates for the Major League Soccer team and joint endorsements with wife Victoria, including their range of fragrances.