Real Madrid just bought David Beckham from Manchester United for $41 million. Real Madrid already counts among its roster Ronaldo (he needs no last name), Zinedine Zidane, and Luis Figo. All were at one point or another considered the best player in the world, so it's the best club money can buy. While I was on sabbatical in South America, every Real Madrid game during the Champion's League playoffs monopolized televisions in every restaurant and hotel lobby. Surprisingly, with their payroll of over $200 million and their unmatched pool of talent, they lost in the semis.