David Beckham said Thursday that he is leaving Real Madrid soccer club to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy of the Major League Soccer league in a deal that could be worth as much as $250 million with endorsements.

Beckham is by far the most famous player to play in the American soccer league and joins a handful of past international stars including Pele and Franz Beckenbauer who also decided to play in the U.S. in the twilight of their careers. Pele and Beckenbauer played in the now-defunct North American Soccer League in the 1970s and early 1980s.

Beckham already runs a football academy at the Home Depot Center, the home of the Galaxy, and reportedly has close links to the Anschutz Entertainment Group, the owner of the club.

“David Beckham coming to MLS might be viewed by some as one of the most important moments for soccer in this country and perhaps the history of professional sport,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement.

Los Angeles opens its season in Houston on April 8.