the 2007 season witnessed the mls debut of david beckham, whose signing had been seen as a coup for american soccer. beckham's contract with the los angeles galaxy was made possible by the designated player rule. players such as cuauhtémoc blanco of club américa signed for the chicago fire, and juan pablo ángel, who moved from aston villa to the new york red bulls, are some of the first designated players who have made major contributions to their clubs.