The TIME 100

I have many reasons to be thankful to Simon Fuller, but one in particular springs to mind. He provided me with an introduction to a young lady called Victoria Adams, who went on to become Mrs. Beckham. As I said, I have a lot to thank him for.

What many people don't realize is that Simon—the same Simon who created American Idol and shows like it around the world and who once managed the Spice Girls—is a passionate fan of sport and of soccer especially. We met at a game in the '90s, and I could see straight away that he was a genuine sports fan. I think soccer appeals to his competitive spirit—he loves watching games and talking about them—but, more importantly, he and I share a firm belief that sport has the power to bring people together and improve their lives.

As I got to know Simon better, I found that we shared some of the same ideas. We're both committed to being the very best at what we do. He's very hard working and knows you rarely get an easy win in life. He enjoys dealing with unexpected challenges. It's no surprise that he's as successful as he is because, despite being a nice guy and a modest character, he's also a real fighter for what he believes in. I admire him for that.

Victoria and I started a business partnership with Simon a few years back because we wanted someone we could trust to advise us on our careers and financial interests, and his help has been invaluable. Most recently, Simon was integral to making my move to L.A. Galaxy happen. His advice and input were vital to driving through the deal with Major League Soccer. He deserves this recognition; only 46, Simon has been at the forefront of his industry for many years. But knowing him as I do, I'm certain he will be restless to achieve more.

Beckham, one of the world's most accomplished soccer players, recently signed with the Los Angeles Galaxy