David Beckham Will Be Out 5-6 Months, Career Now In Jeopardy

It is official: David Beckham ruptured his left Achilles' tendon on Sunday while playing for AC Milan. Team officials have confirmed he will miss 5-6 months after his surgery, which is scheduled for Monday, ruling the English star out of the 2010 World Cup.

"David realized straightaway what had happened," Milan Coach Leonardo said. "He understood that it was a serious problem and he said so immediately. It's such a great shame. He's a great lad who makes a huge contribution to the team."

The injury, which happened seemingly harmlessly, as Beckham was simply shifting weight while possessing the ball,could mean the end to the superstar's career. He is set to return to the L.A. Galaxy this summer, for his fourth season, but even that is now in doubt.