The alternative broadcast for the UEFA Champions League final, titled `Beckham and Friends Live,` will feature NFL wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. joining host David Beckham and actor Tom Cruise. The show is scheduled for Saturday, May 31st at 3 p.m. ET on Paramount+, covering the final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter. The trio will broadcast live from the Allianz Arena in Munich, watching the game unfold and offering their reactions as the two prominent European clubs compete.
This program first aired during the thrilling UCL semifinal matches, where Inter played Barcelona and PSG faced Arsenal. For those broadcasts, David Beckham was joined by guests including Stanley Tucci, Guy Ritchie, James Corden, and Joseph Fiennes. The final broadcast has a tough act to follow, given the total of 17 goals scored across the semifinal ties. However, with dangerous attacking players like Ousmane Dembele leading the line for PSG and Lautaro Martinez for Inter, opportunities for goals are expected to be plentiful.
Odell Beckham Jr.`s NFL career began with considerable momentum, living up to expectations after being drafted from LSU. He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2014. He later won Super Bowl LVI as a member of the Los Angeles Rams. Throughout his career, he has been a two-time second-team NFL All-Pro selection and a three-time Pro Bowl participant. Last season, he played for the Miami Dolphins, adding to his previous teams which include the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, and Cleveland Browns.
OBJ has significant ties to the world of soccer. He is a minority owner of Mexican Club Necaxa and has long been a devoted fan of Bayern Munich. His attendance at the final in Allianz Arena, Bayern`s home ground, is thus a fitting choice. OBJ also played soccer during his childhood and has mentioned receiving an invitation to join the U.S. National team program around the age of 13. Known for bringing excitement to the NFL with his flashy catches and celebrations, OBJ is certain to contribute memorable moments to the broadcast.
How to watch `Beckham and Friends Live`
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Live stream: Paramount+
How to watch the Champions League final, odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
Adrian Whitmore