There’s no doubt that, for some, the retirement of David Beckham will be one of those signposts of getting old. He’s a distinct symbol of a pop-cultural era, forever to be associated with a certain time, one of the select few sportsmen who transcended his field to impact the wider consciousness.

The effect that he had, crossing the streams of star athlete and star celebrity at the outset of the Internet Age, that has coloured much of the reaction to his departure. It’s been intriguing to note that many observers have had to point out that, yes, he actually was a pretty good footballer. Strip away the advertisements and the hairstyles, and just account for the trophies and caps – this was a significant career, one that might be more appreciated as time goes on.

It is intriguing that Beckham’s retirement will be framed against that of his Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s kind of like when two famous yet unrelated people die at the same time – there’s a tendency to draw a bow to ridiculous lengths, but at least Beckham and Ferguson shared something in common. Consider, however: whose career/legacy is more significant? Was it Ferguson, who represents the last of an old breed, or Beckham, the avatar of a new one?

The question inspired some lively morning debate in the magazine’s office, with common sentiment tending to favour the Scot. The answer does depend on context – fundamentally an argument of sports section vs fashion magazine – but maybe the answer is that we’re altogether too quick to render historical judgments these days. History, after all, needs time.