David Beckham OBE is an English former professional footballer who played as a right-winger. He is best known for his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid where he was considered to be one of the greatest midfielders of all time. He was renowned for his passing, crossing, and bending free kicks.
He is currently the president and co-owner of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami CF and co-owner of League 2 side Salford City.
Early Life
David Beckham was born on May 2, 1975, in Leytonstone, London, England. He inherited his parents’ passion for the game and started showing markings of a promising career from an early age. He started playing for local club Ridgeway Rovers at the age of 10 before being scouted by Tottenham in 1987, with whom he trained for a two-year period. Manchester United came calling in 1991, with whom he signed a youth contract at the age of 16, and carried the team to a victory in the FA Youth Cup.
Club Career
Beckham made his professional debut for Manchester United in 1994 at the age of 19, in a league match against Port Vale. He was then sent out on loan to Preston North End for the remainder of the season, where he scored 2 goals in 5 appearances, one of which came in the form of an outstanding corner kick.
Following his return to Manchester United, Beckham swiftly rose up the ranks and secured a spot for himself in the first team. The 1995-96 season saw him carrying his team to a victory in both FA Cup and the Premier League title.
On the first day of the League in the next season, Beckham scored an unbelievable goal from the half line against Wimbledon which made him a household name and began an unparalleled journey of greatness. United retained its title that season and Beckham was awarded the PFA Player of the year.
In the 1998-1999 season, Beckham helped his side win the treble of the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, with Beckham playing vital roles in each of them. United won the League in the next two seasons as well to become the fourth club to achieve this feat.
While performing wonders for United, Beckham’s international presence was no less prolific. Following a disappointing 1998 World Cup, Beckham emerged as a national hero in 2001 when he hammered his trademark curler into the net against Greece to qualify for the World Cup. Beckham was voted as the BBC Sports Personality for the year 2001 and finished as the runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the year award.
Beckham decided to leave Manchester United in 2003 as the second longest-serving player to join La Liga giants Real Madrid. His controversy-laden association with Madrid lasted four years during which Madrid won the League in the 2006-07 season and the Supercopa de Espania in 2003.
Beckham joined LA Galaxy in 2007 for a deal reported to be a whopping 250 million dollars. The high-profile acquisition marked the beginning of Beckham’s much-publicized association with the club. Staying with the club for 5 years, Beckham was awarded the MLS players of the year twice and carried his side to League titles in 2011 as well as 2012.
2013 saw him moving to PSG where he made 10 goalless appearances before announcing his retirement
International Career
Beckham made his debut for the England national team in 1996 in the World Cup qualifier against Moldova at the age of 21. He then went on the play the subsequent qualifiers and also represented the team in the 1998 World Cup.
In the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, Beckham captained the England team and scored the crucial penalty in the round of 16 match against Argentina, which England won 1-0. However, England lost to eventual finalists Brazil in the quarter-finals.
Beckham continued to represent England in the subsequent years, and he was named captain of the team in 2006. He played in the 2006 World Cup in Germany but suffered a metatarsal injury in the quarter-finals, which ended his tournament prematurely.
He announced his retirement from international football in 2009, having earned 115 caps for England and scored 17 goals.
Records
Beckham is the only player to win league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.
Holds the record for the highest transfer fee paid for a player by an MLS team, with LA Galaxy paying a reported $32.5 million to sign him from Real Madrid in 2007.
First English player to score in three FIFA World Cup tournaments (1998, 2002, 2006).
Awards and Achievements
Personal Life
Beckham is known for his impeccable fashion sense and has been featured in several campaigns for major fashion brands, including H&M and Armani. He also launched his own line of clothing and fragrance, called David Beckham Fragrances, which has been successful worldwide.
Off the field, Beckham is actively involved in charitable work, and he has been a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2005. He has also launched several initiatives to support various causes, including helping children affected by HIV/AIDS, malaria, and malnutrition, as well as promoting access to education and sports.
Net Worth
As of 2023, his net worth is estimated to be around $450 million.
Family
Beckham is also close to his parents, Ted and Sandra, who have been supportive of his career from the beginning. His sister Joanne is also involved in the entertainment industry, having worked as a talent manager and a TV producer.
Wife
He is married to Victoria Beckham, a former Spice Girl, and they have four children together: Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.
Houses
The couple owns a luxurious penthouse apartment in Miami, which they purchased in 2018 for $20 million. The property features five bedrooms, a gym, a cinema room, and a private pool.
The couple owns a sprawling estate in the Cotswolds, which they purchased in 2016 for £6.15 million. The property features several barns and outbuildings, as well as a 17th-century farmhouse. They have renovated the property extensively and use it as a country retreat for their family.
