David Beckham

At 48 years old, David Beckham has this physical status:

David Robert Joseph Beckham (born 2 May 1975) is an English former professional footballer, the current president of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City.

He played for Manchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, Los Angeles Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and the England national team, for whom he held the appearance record for an outfield player until 2016.

He is the first English player to win league titles in four nations: England, Spain, the United States, and France.

He retired in May 2013 after a 20-year career, during which he earned 19 major championships, including Manchester United, where he made his first-team debut in 1992 at the age of 17.

He has won the Premier League six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.

He then spent four seasons with Real Madrid, winning the La Liga championship in his last season with the club.

Beckham has been a member of Major League Soccer team Los Angeles since 2007.

He spent two loan spells with Milan in Italy between 2009 and 2010.

He was the first British footballer to play 100 UEFA Champions League games.

Beckham made his England debut on September 1, 1996 at the age of 21.

He was captain for six years, receiving 58 caps during his tenure.

He made 115 appearances in total, including three FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1998, 2002, and 2006, as well as two UEFA European Championship tournaments in 2000 and 2004. Beckham has been dubbed one of the finest and most recognisable midfielders of his generation, as well as one of the top set-piece specialists of all time, thanks to his range of passing, crossing skills, and bent free-kicks as a right winger.

In 1999, he was runner-up for the Ballon d'Or twice, twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year, and Pelé named him in the FIFA 100 list of the world's top living celebrities.

In 2008, he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.

Beckham has consistently been ranked as the highest-paid player in football, with over $50 million in the last 12 months.

He has been married to Victoria Beckham since 1999, and they have four children.

Since 2005, he has been a UNICEF UK ambassador, and he launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund in 2015.

MLS revealed in 2014 that Beckham and a group of investors would buy an Inter Miami CF, which will debut in 2020.

Early life

Beckham was born at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone, England. He is the son of Sandra Georgina (née West), who was born in London; b. (1949) a hairdresser and David Edward "Ted" Beckham (b. Edmonton, London, 1948), a kitchen fitter; the pair married in 1969 in Hackney, London. In honor of Bobby Charlton, his father's favorite footballer, he was given the middle name Robert. Lynne Georgina Georgina Georgina's older sister and Joanne Louise's younger sister. He attended Chingford High School in Chingford. "At school, when the students asked, what do you do when you're older," Beckham answered. I'd say, 'I want to be a footballer.' 'No, what do you really want to do for a career,' they'd say.' "But it was the only thing I ever wanted to do." Beckham's maternal grandfather was Jewish, and he wrote in his autobiography, "I've probably had more contact with Judaism than in any other faith." Beckham wrote Both Feet on the Ground that Beckham said that growing up with his parents, he went to church every week because that was the only way he could play football for their team.

His parents, who often rode 200 miles (320 km) to Old Trafford from London to watch the team's home matches, were ardent Manchester United supporters. David inherited his parents' love of Manchester United, and his biggest sporting passion was football. He attended one of Bobby Charlton's Soccer Schools in Manchester and gained the opportunity to participate in a training session with Barcelona as part of a talent competition. He competed for Ridgeway Rovers, a local youth team coached by his father, Stuart Underwood, and Steve Kirby. In 1986, Beckham was a Manchester United mascot for a match against West Ham United. Young Beckham attended Leyton Orient, Norwich City, and Manchester Hotspur's academy of excellence, but never represented the club in a match. Beckham was named Under-15 Player of the Year in 1990, during a two-year career with Brimsdown Rovers' youth team. He also attended Bradenton Preparatory Academy, but on his 14th birthday, he began training at Manchester United, but on his 14th birthday, he signed a Youth Training Scheme contract and later signed a Youth Training Scheme contract on July 8, 1991. Beckham was a late developer and not chosen to represent the England Schoolboys team mainly due to his small size.

Personal life

After attending a Manchester United match in 1997, Beckham began dating Victoria Adams. She was best known as "Posh Spice" of the pop music group Spice Girls, one of the world's best pop groups at the time, and his team was also enjoying a strong run of success. As a result, their relationship attracted a lot of media attention right away. The couple were dubbed "Posh and Becks" by the media. He proposed to her in a Cheshunt restaurant on January 24, 1998. They were born fourteen months earlier.

They married at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland on July 4, 1999. Gary Neville, Beckham's son, and the couple's four-month-old son, Brooklyn, was the ring bearer. The journalists were turned away from the ceremony as the Beckhams had an exclusive agreement with OK! The magazine, but newspapers were still able to buy pictures of them on golden thrones. The wedding reception, which was expected to cost £500,000, was estimated to have involved 437 people.

David and Victoria Beckham have four children: Brooklyn Joseph (born 4 March 1999 at Portland Hospital, London) and Romeo James (born 1 September 2002 at Ruber International Hospital, London), Cruz David (born 20 February 2005 at Robert Woods), and Harper Seven (born 10 July 2011 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles). Elton John is the godfather to Brooklyn and Romeo Beckham; Elton John is the children's godmother; Elizabeth Hurley is their godmother. All three of Beckham's three sons have played football in the Arsenal Academy. Brooklyn and Romeo, as their father, have both worked modeling and been named as one of GQ's top-dressed British men. Brooklyn used to play football for Arsenal U16, but was suspended at the end of the 2014–15 season.

Beckham purchased a four-bedroom house in Worsley as a 20-year-old boy in his early Manchester United career. In 1999, just after his wedding, he and Victoria purchased a country house in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, which the media referred to as "Beckingham Palace."

Beckham, who appeared on national television in 2008, took the name from Victoria, who revealed it on national television in 2008, while still lauding him for his success following the 1998 World Cup.

Beckham suffers from obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), which he claims makes him "have everything in a straight line or everything has to be in pairs." "If you open our fridge, it's all coordinated down either way." Victoria Beckham says. We have three fridges, with food in one, salad in another, and drinks in the third. Everything is symmetrical in the drinks case. If there are three cans, he'll toss one away because it must be a large number."

Source

Club career

Beckham, who joined Manchester United as a student on July 8, 1991, was part of a group of youth players, including Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, and Paul Scholes, who were coached by Eric Harrison and helped the club win the FA Youth Cup in May 1992. In the 30th minute of Manchester United's 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace on April 14, 1992, Beckham scored his second goal in the final's 3–1 first-leg victory. Beckham played a full 90 minutes of the game, ending 3–2 in favour of Manchester United and 6–3 on aggregate, with a score of 6–3. In a League Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion, Beckham's appearance led to his first-team debut on September 23, 1992, as a replacement for Andrei Kanchelskis. Beckham began as a student on January 23, 1993.

Manchester United defeated Leeds United in the FA Youth Cup final, where they met Leeds United. Beckham played in Manchester United's 2–0 home loss on May 10, 1993, but Robbie Savage was brought on to replace Beckham in Manchester United's 2–0 home loss, but was relegated by replacement Robbie Savage. Beckham played the full 90 minutes of Manchester United's 2–1 loss on May 13, 1993, giving Leeds United a 4–1 aggregate score. When Beckham's reserve team won the league in 1994, he was also recognized with trophies. Beckham made his first full appearance in the club's first squad against Port Vale in a League Cup match against them in September 1994. Beckham won 4–0 at home over Galatasaray in the group's final game on December 7, 1994, on his UEFA Champions League debut, scoring a goal. Despite the victory, they came in third place in their class, behind Barcelona.

Beckham spent time on loan in Preston North End from 1994-1995 to get some first team experience. He impressed, scoring two goals in five appearances, most notable from a corner kick.

Beckham returned to Manchester on April 2nd, 1995, after a goalless draw against Leeds United. He appeared four times for United in the league this season, finishing second behind Blackburn Rovers in second place, missing out on their third straight Premier League title by a single point. He was not in the squad for the FA Cup final with Everton on May 20th, where the team lost 1–0, leaving the club without a major trophy for the first time since 1989.

Sir Alex Ferguson, United's manager, had a great deal of faith in the club's youth players. Beckham was one of a group of young talent that Ferguson brought together in the 1990s (known as "Fergie's Fledglings"), which included Nicky Butt and Gary Neville and Phil Neville. When veteran players Paul Ince, Mark Hughes, and Andrei Kanchelskis left the team after the 1994–95 season, he suggested that youth team players replace them rather than buying star players from other clubs (United had been linked to moves for players including Darren Anderton, Marc Overmars, and Roberto Baggio, but no major signings were made that summer). United's woeful when they open the season with a 3-1 loss at Aston Villa, with Beckham scoring United's only goal of the game. United has recovered from this early season setback, however, and the young players were also strong.

Beckham soon established himself as United's right-sided midfielder (rather than a right-winger in the style of his predecessor Andrei Kanchelskis) and helped them win the Premier League and FA Cup double this season, as well as providing the corner from which Eric Cantona scored in the FA Cup Final. Beckham's first title medal had a long time, but the Tynesiders had been rebuilt at the top of the league by mid March, and they remained top until the end of the season. Beckham did not make the England squad until 1996, despite playing regularly and to a high standard for Manchester United.

Beckham was given the number 10 shirt at the start of the 1996–97 season, which had not been worn by Mark Hughes in that period. Beckham scored a spectacular goal in a match against Wimbledon on August 17, 1996 (the first day of the Premier League season), making him something of a household name. Beckham spotted that Wimbledon's goalkeeper Neil Sullivan was standing a long way out of his goal and fired a shot from the halfway line, 57 yards away, bouncing over the goalkeeper and into the net as United lead 2–0.

He paused and walked away smiling rather than running as he often did at his goal celebrations. The British people elected No.18 in the Top 100 Greatest Sporting Moments in a Channel 4 poll conducted in 2002. According to a 2016 Sky Sports poll, it was ranked as the best opening day goal in Premier League history. Beckham was named PFA Young Player of the Year by his peers during the 1996–97 season, making them retain their Premier League crown. Beckham inherited the number 7 shirt, a number that had been worn by such United States legends as George Best and Eric Cantona. Manchester United's season was off to a promising start, but United's second half of the season saw them finish second, behind Arsenal. Beckham had the most assists in the league with 13, while his nine Premier League goals included a free kick from the edge of the 18-yard box against Manchester United's archrivals Liverpool at Anfield.

He was a member of the United Kingdom team that lifted the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in 1998–99, a rare feat in English football. There had been rumors that after being sent off in the World Cup, Beckham would leave England, but Beckham stayed at Manchester United.

United needed to win their final league match of the season at home to Tottenham Hotspur to ensure that they qualify for the Premier League Championship. According to rumors, the opposition will allow themselves to be defeated in order to keep their local rivals Arsenal from winning the title, but Tottenham took the lead early in the game. After receiving the ball on the right side of the penalty area and throwing the ball into the top left corner of the goal, Beckham earned the equalizer with a curling strike from 12 yards out; United went on to win the match 2–1 and the league.

United's victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final was played in central midfield, with Paul Scholes and Roy Keane suspended for the match. At normal time, United was losing the game 1–0, but after that, the trophy was won by scoring two goals in injury time. Both of the goals were born from Beckham's corners. He finished runner up to Rivaldo and FIFA World Player of the Year awards in 1999 for his crucial contributions, as well as his outstanding results over the remainder of the year.

Despite Beckham's success in the 1998-1999 season, he was still unpopular among some opposition followers and journalists, and he was chastised after being banned from playing deliberately foul in Manchester United's World Club Championship match against Necaxa. In the press, it was suggested that his wife had a negative influence on him and that it might be in United's best interests to sell him, but his manager backed him and he stayed at the club. During the 1999–2000 season, there was a rumour of a transfer to Juventus in Italy, but that never happened. After being pushed by Arsenal and Leeds United for a large part of the season, Beckham helped United keep the Premier League title in 1999-2000 by an 18-point margin. United defeated their last 11 league games of the season, with Beckham scoring five goals during this stretch, with his last goal coming from a swerving shot from the edge of the penalty area in their last home game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Ferguson and Beckham's relationship had begun to decline early in the 2000s, possibly as a result of Beckham's fame and commitments away from football. Beckham was allowed to postpone training after his son Brooklyn, who had gastroenteritis, but Ferguson was outraged when Victoria Beckham was photographed at a London Fashion Week function the next night, claiming that Beckham would have been able to train if Victoria Beckham had arrived after Brooklyn. Beckham was fined the maximum amount that was allowed (two weeks' wages, then £50,000) and he was banned from playing against United's Leeds United. Beckham chastised him for this later in his autobiography, saying he had not been "fair to his players" earlier in his career, but he later led United to victory by a wide margin.

He was a key figure in United's third consecutive league title in 2000–01, just the fourth time that any club had won three league titles in a row. He scored nine Premier League goals and had the most assists in the league with 12.

Beckham was injured during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Corua on April 10, 2002, breaking his second metatarsal bone in his left foot. There was rumors in the British media that the injury may have been caused deliberately, as Beckham's replacement, Argentine Aldo Duscher, was due to meet in the World Cup in that year. Beckham did not play for United for the remainder of the season, and the club lost out on the Premier League title to Arsenal due to extra compensation for his image rights. At the time, his new deal, as well as numerous endorsement deals, made him the highest-paid player in the country. Despite the season being marred by injury, 2001–02 was one of Beckham's best seasons as a player; he scored 16 goals in all leagues, the best of his career.

Beckham was unable to return to the Manchester United team after an injury in the 2002–03 season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjr replacing him on the right side of midfield. Following Chelsea's loss of the FA Cup to Arsenal, a tense Alex Ferguson threw or kicked a boot that struck Beckham over the eye, resulting in a cut that needed stitches. Beckham's transfer rumors led to a lot of transfer rumors, with bookmakers offering odds on whether he or Ferguson will be the first to leave the club. Despite the fact that the team started the season poorly, they's results improved dramatically from December to May, winning the league, with Beckham racking a total of 11 goals. He was still a first-choice player for England, but he was still an OBE for services to football on June 13, 2003, according to the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Beckham had played for United in 265 Premier League appearances and scored 61 goals. He made 81 Champions league appearances while scoring 15 goals. Beckham has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one European Cup, one European Cup, one Intercontinental Cup, and one FA Youth Cup in a span of 12 years. He was Ryan Giggs' second longest serving player behind him (having worked with Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, and Paul Scholes at the same time).

Manchester United manager David Beckham reportedly agreed to a three-year contract as the summer 2003 transfer window began, but instead he joined Real Madrid, the reigning Spanish champions, for €37 million on a four-year contract. Beckham was the first international celebrity to be signed by club president Florentino Pérez every summer in the Galácticos. The news came as a sting blow to newly elected Barcelona mayor Joan Laporta, who largely based his presidential campaign on signing Beckham. Despite being announced in mid-June, the transfer was completed on July 1, making him the third Englishman to play for the club after Laurie Cunningham and Steve McManaman. Beckham was unveiled in front of 500 accredited journalists from 25 countries at Real's basketball facility, where he was given the iconic white shirt by club legend Alfredo Di Stéfano. Although Beckham had worn the number seven shirt for Manchester United and England, he was unable to wear it at Madrid because it was assigned to club captain Ral. Instead, he opted for number 23, citing his admiration of basketball player Michael Jordan, who also wore the number 23 shirt as the reason for his pick. Following Beckham's arrival at Real an Adidas spokesman, "Put Beckham's name on any product was not removed, and Real Madrid didn't stop selling" after his arrival in Real.

Real announced Carlos Queiroz as their new head coach in the week leading up to Beckham's return to Madrid, meaning the former Ferguson assistant was back with a familiar face on his arrival. The club went on a tour of the Far East in late July 2003 as part of pre-season preparation, but also to cash in on Beckham's huge marketing success in Asia, where he enjoyed a burgeoning fanbase. Marca ran the phrase "Beckham-mania in China" at his arrival at Kunming Airport in south China to Beatlemania. The tour included games in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok after the first game in Beijing. Real's brand in that region was already well-established when the club made financially profitable trips to Asia in previous off-seasons. Nevertheless, the presence of a worldwide marketing legend, such as Beckham, made this tour a financial blast for los Merengues.

Beckham also ended his relationship with SFX Europe's agent Tony Stephens, who had accompanied him throughout his career, including helping with engineer Beckham's transfer from Manchester to Madrid. Beckham has joined Simon Fuller and his company 19 Entertainment, which also handled Victoria's career. Terry Byrne, Beckham's close friend, has also been appointed as his personal manager.

Real Madrid defeated RCD Mallorca by two legs over two legs in late August 2003, setting the tone for the league's season to begin. In comparison to Roberto Carlos, Ral, and Iker Casillas, Beckham did not take long to settle in, scoring five times in his first 16 matches (including a goal less than three minutes into his La Liga debut). Queiroz' versatile 5–3–2 team was most popular, with two fullbacks M.chel Salgado and Roberto Carlos often leading the attack down the wings, while Beckham appeared on the right of the three-man midfield alongside Zidane and Figo.

Real Madrid, runners-up in the Copa del Rey, were disqualified from the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage and ended the season in fourth place, meaning that the team, which had been hoping to win either the Spanish league or the Champions League each season, did not live up to expectations. An attacker scaled a wall at the Beckham home in July 2004, when Beckham was in pre-season training in Spain. Victoria and her children were in the house at the time, but security guards apprehended the man before he entered the house.

Jose Antonio Camacho, the league's current head coach, began the season with a new facet, but after losing Real to eighth place in the La Liga standings, he resigned for only three matches. Mariano Garca Remón, Camacho's secretary, was given a prorogued job as Real's leadership scrambled to find a permanent replacement. Beckham made more news on October 9, 2004, when he confessed intentionally insulting Ben Thatcher in an England match against Wales to get himself banned. Beckham was supposed to receive a one-match suspension for his next match, but he had suffered an injury that might have kept him out of England's next match, so he intentionally fouled Thatcher to serve his suspension in a match that he would have to miss anyway. Beckham was asked for an explanation of his behaviour by the Football Association, and he apologised and said he had "made a mistake." He was dismissed immediately after, this time during a Real Madrid league match against Valencia. He was found to have screamed at the referee and was given his second yellow card, triggering automatic dismissal, but the suspension was suspended on appeal.

Garca Remón was fired as a result of the team's second place in the league by Christmas 2004, and Vanderlei Luxemburgo became the new head coach. However, the well-travelled Brazilian failed to inspire the team to the championship as Real Madrid finished the season in second place. Beckham was suspended for the third time this season in a league match against Getafe CF on December 3, 2005. Luxemburgo was fired and Juan Ramón López Caro took their place a day later. Beckham was third in La Liga in number of assists by the end of that season.

Beckham also founded football academies in Los Angeles and east London during the 2006 British Book Awards. Real Madrid came in second second in the 2005-06 La Liga, despite a huge 12-point difference and only last 16 in the Champions League after losing to Arsenal. Pérez resigned his post as president in January 2006, bringing Vicente Boluda as a replacement on an interim basis until the season's end.

The off-season of 2006 marked a turbulent period for the club's presidential elections. Ramón Calderón was the new Real president. None of the club's employees who served under previous president was fired, including head coach López Caro, as expected. Beckham was initially out of favour with new head coach Fabio Capello, but the quicker José Antonio Reyes was only allowed on the right wing. Beckham got off to a winning seven in the first nine matches, while Real lost seven. Real Madrid's sports director Predrag Mijatovia confirmed on January 10 that Beckham would not continue at Real Madrid after the season's conclusion. However, he later claimed that he had been mistranslated and that Beckham's deal had not been renewed.

Beckham revealed on January 11, 2007 that he had signed a five-year contract to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy, which began on July 1, 2007. Beckham had played his last game for Real Madrid on January 13, 2007, according to Fabio Capello, although the team continued to train. Beckham is "going to Hollywood to be half a film actor," Calderón said a few days later, when speaking with the students at Villanueva University Center in Madrid, and that "our academic employees are right not to extend his employment," adding that no other technical employees in the country wanted him but Los Angeles."

Capello reaffirmed his earlier remark, inviting Beckham to rejoin the team against Real Sociedad on February 10, 2007. Real Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 after the player repaid his head coach's confidence by scoring the equalizing goal from a 27-yard free kick. Real Madrid was disqualified from the competition by Bayern Munich at the round-of-16 stage on March 7, 2007, according to the away goals rule. Beckham played a crucial role in all three Madrid goals in the home game, with Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Kahn describing his appearance as "world class."

Beckham played in his last match for the club on June 17th, as they clinch the title from Barcelona. Beckham limped off the field and was replaced by José Antonio Reyes, who scored two goals, helping the team win their first match since Beckham signed with them and 30th overall in the club's history. Although Real and Barçelona both finished on points, Madrid claimed the title due to their unbeaten head-to-head record, caping a remarkable six-month turnaround for Beckham. Beckham's second piece of silverware since he joined the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, alongside celebrity friends Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Real Madrid announced that they will try to untie his transfer to Los Angeles Galaxy as Beckham returned to Capello's good books after losing his way back to the first team, but were ultimately unsuccessful. Real's board contacted LA Galaxy's ownership group several weeks before Beckham's expected arrival in the United States, but the team was turned down shortly.

Forbes magazine announced that he was primarily responsible for the team's rise in merchandise sales during Beckham's four-year tenure, a figure that had been down to top US$600 million.

Beckham's participation with Major League Soccer (MLS) began while he was still a Real Madrid player when it was announced on January 11 that he would leave Madrid in six months to join MLS side LA Galaxy. The rumors surrounding his latest Madrid contract came to an end, and Beckham's official press conference was held the next day in conjunction with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.

The news broke international news and raised the league's profile, and helped to raise the league's profile. Despite many global media outlets' predicting the transaction to be worth US$250 million, Beckham's media handlers swiftly revealed it to be something like a PR stunt (British representative agency 19 Entertainment). In the press release, Beckham's potential earnings potential would have been displayed in the press release, in addition to his Galaxy paycheck, which would also include his personal endorsements. Beckham's original deal with the Galaxy was worth US$32.5 million, or $6.5 million per year.

Galaxy's high-profile buy paid immediate financial dividends to the team long before Beckham joined the team. The club was able to broker a new five-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Herbalife nutrition firm worth US$20 million as a result of the signing and the media buzz it generated. The gate sales soared as well, with 11,000 new season ticket holders and sold-out luxury suites (each one of the 42 teams' home stadium, the Home Depot Center). Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the parent company of the LA Galaxy, also reported an immediate increase in sales. AEG had already begun leveraging its Beckham link in Shanghai and Beijing, where the group had been battling persistently for years to get permission to build arenas and stadiums. "We're now known as the business that manages David Beckham's players," the company's CEO said.

Beckham's new deal became public knowledge in the months leading up to the announcement. One unique contract clause was giving him the opportunity to buy an MLS expansion franchise in any market other than New York City at a discounted price of $25 million a player had never been offered to a player before. After the 2009 season, there was also an opt-out clause, implying that if Beckham chooses so, he will leave the club after completing year three of his five-year deal. The league had a salary cap in place, requiring the development of the Designated Player Rule for Beckham to bypass the cap; the statute was later designated in his honor. He and his wife Victoria bought a $1.8 million house on San Ysidro Drive in Beverly Hills in April 2007.

Beckham's deal with LA Galaxy came into place on July 11, and the Englishman was officially announced as a Galaxy player at the Home Depot Center in front of over 5,000 fans and 700 accredited media users on July 13th. Beckham opted for number 23 to wear. Before this formal launch, Galaxy jersey sales had already hit a record of over 250,000.

Beckham's handlers at 19 Entertainment also succeeded in putting together an historic US media rollout that would extend his carefully planned personal brand in America. He appeared on Sports Illustrated a few weeks before Adidas unveiled the extensive 13-part advert campaign "Ftbol meets Football" starring Beckham and NFL running back Reggie Bush, and W magazine published a racy photo spread featuring David and wife Victoria photographed by Steven Klein. Meanwhile, ESPN sports network was running a marketing campaign and it also agreed to air David Beckham: New Beginnings, a 19 Entertainment documentary that was supposed to be Beckham's American debut, ahead of his friendly match against Chelsea. Beckham's arrival in addition to popularizing soccer, was used as a platform for entertainment industry endeavours. Since 19 Entertainment, which is owned by Simon Fuller, is one of Hollywood's most influential talent agencies, makes the Beckhams make as good a difference as possible upon their arrival in the United States. CAA's new eight-storey, $400 million headquarters in Century City had a welcoming bash for David on July 16th. CAA workers had been directed by CAA staff to line the staircase and clap for Beckham upon his arrival. Victoria Beckham's reality show prime time special on NBC aired on night, attracting negative press coverage in the media and poor viewership ratings.

Despite recovering the injured left ankle he picked up a month earlier in La Liga's season's last match, Beckham played for Chelsea in the 78th minute of a 0–1 friendly loss to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon. The match was broadcast live on ESPN's main network, with a capacity crowd, along with a long Hollywood celebrity list including Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Eva Longoria, Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Drew Carey among others. Nevertheless, the proceedings on the field of play took a back seat to Beckham's appearance, and despite the presence of international football stars such as Andriy Shevchenko, Didier Drogba, Michael Ballack, and Frank Lampard, the majority of the game was largely focused on Beckham, who spent the majority of the match on the bench. As Beckham was tackled by Steve Sidwell, whose cleats struck Beckham's right foot, the match's added time gave him a scare before he crumpled hard to the ground. Even if the current injury was not aggravated too much, Beckham's recovery process was delayed by a week. ESPN's review of Beckham's debut garnering a 1.0 TV rating, implying that it was seen in an average of 947,000 television households in the United States – a disappointing figure considering the national media buzz and two weeks of steady advertising. As far as sporting events were shown on television in the United States, Beckham's much publicised debut drew fewer TV viewers than the British Open golf tournament, a regular-season Major League Baseball game, and even the Indy Racing League's Honda 200 motor race.

Although the day after the made-for-TV debut was reserved for the Beckhams at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Will Smith, and Jada Pinkett Smith were among the ceremonies, it was actually a CAA-sponsored event. The lavish affair, which was attended by several Hollywood A-listers, was well covered in the US celebrity tabloid media, including daily entertainment TV magazines such as Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood.

Beckham missed the next four LA Galaxy games, three in the North American SuperLiga and an MLS game away from Toronto FC, but he nevertheless made the trip with his teammates and sat on the bench in street clothes. With Beckham on the roster, the team got a first glance at life on the road in Toronto on August 5th. It was the first time the team used a charter for a road match rather than flying commercial (MLS often forbids charter flights for away matches, citing a competitive advantage), but in this case, the team made an exception due to the commotion surrounding Beckham and subsequent security issues). Also, instead of the traditional MLS-mandated modest hotels, the LA Galaxy stayed at Le Méridien King Edward in downtown Toronto (an expense paid for by the local Toronto promoter), while the glitz and glamour continued with the velvet rope, leo Burt's red carpet party with Beckham as the centerpiece guest.

Beckham made his league debut as a replacement against Chelsea on September 9th at the RFK Stadium in front of a sold out audience of 46,686 (nearly three times the average D.C. home crowd), beating Quavas Kirk in the 71st minute) two weeks after his 12-minute appearance against Chelsea. Beckham left a mark during the remaining 20-plus minutes as he entered a nationally televised match on ESPN with his team down a man and down a goal. Carlos Pavón failed to finish on for the equalizer, and then Beckham played a weighted through ball into Landon Donovan's direction, which the Galaxy lost 1–0. Beckham decided to postpone his ankle injury on the Gillette Stadium's artificial surface in the next match on the road trip, fearing even more.

Beckham returned to the field the following week, again against Washington, D.C. United in the SuperLiga semi-finals on August 15. During this game, he had many firsts with the Galaxy, his first yellow card, and his first game as team captain. Landon Donovan's second half, he notched his first goal for the team from a free kick and also provided his first assist. The team won by 2–0 and a spot in the North American SuperLiga final against Pachuca on August 29th, thanks to these goals.

Beckham suffered his right knee during the SuperLiga final against Pachuca, with an MRI scan revealing that he had strained his medial collateral ligaments and would be out for six weeks. He has returned to play in the season's final home match. In the final MLS match of the season, the Galaxy were disqualified from playoff contention on October 21st, losing 1–0 to the Chicago Fire. Beckham played as a replacement in the match, raising his season totals to eight matches played (5 league); one goal scored (0 league); and three assists (2 league).

Beckham trained with Arsenal from January 4th, 2008, until he returned to the Galaxy for pre-season training. In the ninth minute, Beckham scored his first league goal with the Galaxy against the San Jose Earthquakes on April 3rd. The Galaxy beat the Kansas City Wizards 3–1, their first victory in two years and moving the Galaxy to first place in the Western Conference on May 24. Beckham scored an empty-net goal from 70 yards out in the match. Beckham's second time in his career that he had scored from his own half, the other being a 1996-goal against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park. Overall, the Galaxy had a disappointing year, failing to qualify for the end-of-season play-offs.

Beckham's work in England under Fabio Capello's guidance in 2008 fueled rumors that he could return to Europe to keep match fitness for the World Cup qualifying matches. AC Milan announced on October 30, 2008, that Beckham would join them on loan starting on January 7. Despite this and other rumors, Beckham made it clear that his move in no way indicated his intention to leave MLS and confirmed his intention to return to the Galaxy in March, just in time for the 2009 season. Many people at Milan, both within and outside of the club, had reservations about the transfer, with some players referring to it as more than a marketing move.

Beckham's chief executive Adriano Galliani unveiled Beckham at Milan's training center on December 20, 2008. Since both the number 7 and 23 shirts were already used by Alexandre Pato and club vice captain Massimo Ambrosini, respectively, the player selected the number 32 shirt that had not worn by Christian Vieri. Beckham was taken to San Siro the day after his unveiling, where he was welcomed to home fans by walking out on the pitch before the league match against Udinese and declaring "Forza Milan" over the public address system. Milan defeated 5–1 after his husband Victoria and his wife Victoria watched from a luxury box.

Beckham made his competitive debut for the rossoneri in Serie A on January 11, 2009, playing 89 minutes of the 2–2 draw in front of 53,444 people. Throughout his career, the 26-year-old superstar Kaká's with many other world-class players at or near the peak of their careers – 28-year-old Ronaldinho, 29-year-old Andrea Pirlo, Philippo Fagnagna, Ferrence Seedorf, Clarence Seedorf, Beckham starred in his first competitive match in almost three months alongside Pirlo, putting in a solid showing in right midfield. Beckham played him from the start, despite obviously lacking match fitness and occasionally failing to keep up in a high-speed match. Beckham's home debut against Fiorentina a week later turned in another understated effort on the right side of midfield before progressing to a more central role in the second half, effectively taking over Seedorf's role after the Dutchman was fired off. Milan defeated 1–0 thanks to Pato, but the 65,000+ San Siro crowd mainly concentrated on Kaká, urging him to stay.

Ancelotti-coached Milan, a noticeably older group, was a good match for the 33-year-old Englishman. In a 4–1 win over Bologna on January 25, he scored his first goal in Serie A for Milan, his third appearance for the club. Though Beckham had been due to return to Los Angeles in March after impressing at the Italian club and assisting with multiple others, rumors began to swirl that Beckham will remain in Milan, with the Italian club seemingly promising to pay a multimillion-dollar fee. The rumors were confirmed on February 4th, as Beckham said he was looking for a permanent transfer to Milan in an attempt to keep his England career alive until the 2010 World Cup. In the US$10–15 million range, Milan, on the other hand, was unable to compete with Galaxy's estimation of Beckham.

Nonetheless, talks continued during a month of skepticism. Beckham's loan had been extended through mid-July, according to the Los Angeles Times, who announced it on March 2nd. Beckham later confirmed the arrangement, which included what was described as a unique "timeshare" contract, in which Beckham would play with L.A. from mid-July to the 2009 MLS season.

Many LA fans expressed dissatisfaction with his return from Milan, as well as others who missed the first half of the season, with some expressing "Go home fraud" and "Part-time player." During Beckham's time with the Galaxy, the Galaxy had a much more fruitful season than in previous years, from third to first in the Western Conference. Since beating the Houston Dynamo in overtime, he remained a key part of the team that saw Galaxy win the 2009 Western Conference final. After a 1–1 draw, the Galaxy lost by 5–4 in the final on November 22, 2009. In the shootout, Beckham also scored.

Beckham is expected to return to Milan for a second loan term beginning in January 2010. Beckham made a winning return in a Milan shirt on January 6, 2010, playing 75 minutes of a 5–2 win over Genoa. Beckham was playing against Manchester United on February 16, 2010, for the first time since he left the club in 2003. He played 76 minutes of the San Siro game, which ended 3–2 to Manchester United, before being substituted for Clarence Seedorf.

Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the second leg of the tie on March 10, 2010; he did not start the game, but the Manchester United fans applauded him in the 64th minute. At that point, United's score was 3–0, and the tie was all but decided. Beckham's first game against Manchester United at Old Trafford saw him score several scoring opportunities via crosses and corner kicks, but Manchester United defeated Milan 4–2, losing the tie 7–2. Following the final whistle, he caused a little drama by draping the green-and-gold scarf around his neck, which was given to him by Manchester United supporters protesting club owner Malcolm Glazer. As the fan protests against Glazer by the people behind Manchester United Supporters' Trust gathered in 2010, the green-and-gold scarf had been widely recognized as an anti-Glazer symbol, and by extension, many saw Beckham's decision to publicly display it as a mark of support. When asked about it later, Beckham said that demonstrations are not his company.

Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in Milan's next game against Chievo, causing him to miss the World Cup and the MLS season as a result of the injury, which kept him out of action for the next five months. In Turku, Finland, doctor Sakari Orava administered surgery on Beckham's tendon. Orava recalled that the operation went well, and that "it was just fine." The prognosis is that he will require surgery in the next few months, and that the plaster cast will be available from six to eight weeks. I'd say that [it will be] about four months before he's running but six months before he's jumping and screaming."

Beckham returned to action as a replacement in the Galaxy's 3–1 victory over Columbus Crew on September 11, 2010, after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury. Beckham scored a trademark free kick in a 2–1 victory over Chivas USA on October 4th, marking his first goal since 2010. In the Galaxy's 2–1 victory over FC Dallas, Beckham scored his second goal of the season and first MLS Supporters' Shield since 2002.

Beckham trained with Tottenham Hotspur during January and February 2011, ahead of the 2011 MLS season. According to rumors in the media, the club was in talks with the Galaxy to sign the player on loan, but Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said the move was denied by Galaxy, who wanted a complete season from their number 23. As a result, he spent his time with the club as he had done three years with Arsenal. The Galaxy won the 2011 MLS Cup with Beckham playing in the middle of midfield.

In a 4–1 victory over Sporting Kansas City on May 15, Beckham scored his first goal of the season from a 30-yard free kick. Beckham won by 2–1 over Chicago Fire on September 9, repeating what he did not achieve when playing for Preston North End.

Beckham had his best season with the Galaxy to date and finishing second in the league in assists, finishing second in the league in assists, finishing second in the league in assists. Los Angeles defeated the Houston Dynamo 12-0 on a goal by captain Landon Donovan, while others named players Robbie Keane and another named player Robbie Keane led Los Angeles to their third MLS Cup victory in three countries on Sunday, winning 1–0 on a goal by Captain Landon Donovan.

Beckham's five-year deal with the Galaxy ended on December 31 in 2011, following the 2011 season, in which the Galaxy won their second straight Supporters' Shield, their second consecutive Supporters' Shield, and the second most points in MLS history. Despite being 36, the emperor did not mean to retire. Beckham was heavily associated with Paris Saint-Germain, but Galaxy revealed on January 18th, 2012, that Beckham had signed a new two-year contract to remain in Los Angeles. President of the United States Barack Obama recognized Beckham and his empathetic colleagues at the White House in May 2012.

Beckham scored seven goals and gave the Galaxy a fourth-place finish in the MLS Western Conference 2012 regular season, with Beckham scoring seven goals and adding nine assists. On their way to the MLS Cup final, the Galaxy defeated Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the San Jose Earthquakes, and Seattle Sounders FC, where they defeated the Houston Dynamo 3–1 to keep the trophy. Marcelo Sarvas's time in the 89th minute was subbed off in the 89th minute and the audience erupted with a standing ovation at their home base. Despite having another year on his deal, Beckham had already announced that the 2012 MLS Cup Final would be his last game with the Galaxy.

Beckham will be in undergoing a medical with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a potential transfer to Ligue 1's France. Beckham agreed to a five-month contract with the club later that afternoon, and announced that his entire salary from his time in Paris will be donated to a local children's charity. In a Ligue 1 home match against Marseille on February 24, 2013, his PSG debut came in the 76th minute. This made him the 400th player to play for the club in history. Beckham claimed the Ligue 1 trophy on May 12th after PSG defeated Lyon 1–0 to capture the Ligue 1 title.

Beckham revealed on May 16th that he would retire from professional football at the end of the French football season. Beckham was given specially printed boots in the Union Jack's colors at the end of the 2012–2013 season, in his last game. The names of his wife and children were stitched on to his boots. In his last home game against Brest on May 18, Beckham was named captain. Beckham assisted with a goal by Matuidi from a corner in this game. Beckham was dismissed after 80 minutes, greeting his teammates and boss, as well as a standing ovation from fans. PSG advanced to victory in the game 3–1.

International career

Beckham made his first appearance for the England national team on September 1, 1996, in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova. He appeared in the Tournoi de France in June 1997, the friendly international football tournament held in France as a warm-up to the 1998 FIFA World Cup.

Beckham appeared in all of England's qualifying matches for the 1998 World Cup and was part of the England squad at the World Cup finals in France, but team boss Glenn Hoddle denied him of not concentrating on the tournament, and he did not appear in any of England's first two games. He was picked for the third game against Colombia and scored with a bending 30-yard free kick in a 2–0 victory, his first goal for England.

In England's match against Argentina, he received a red card in the second round (last 16) of the tournament. Beckham was kicked by Diego Simeone while lying on the ground, striking him on the calf muscle. Sports Illustrated was critical of the Argentinians' theatrics in the Madrid affair, claiming that Simeone first mounted a "heavy attack" on Beckham and then "fell like a ton of bricks" as Beckham retaliated. Simeone admitted to trying to get Beckham off the field by overreacting to the play, and then, along with other members of his team, begged the referee to dismiss Beckham. England was disqualified in a penalty shootout after the match ended in a draw and England was eliminated in a penalty shootout. Many followers and journalists blamed him for England's demise, and he became the object of criticism and abuse, including the hanging of an effigy outside a London pub and the Daily Mirror's printing of a dartboard with a photograph of him centred on the bullseye. Since the World Cup, Beckham has also been subjected to death threats.

Beckham's abuse from English supporters peaked during England's 3–2 loss to Portugal in Euro 2000, a match where Beckham set up two goals when a group of England supporters taunted him throughout the game. Beckham responded by raising his middle finger and, although the gesture drew some flak, several of the newspapers that had earlier pleaded for his vilification begged their readers to refrain from referring him.

Beckham was promoted to team captain by Peter Taylor following Kevin Keegan's departure as England manager in October, and then retained the role under new manager Sven-Göran Eriksson on November 15, 2000.

Beckham was instrumental in assisting England in qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, winning by a 5–1 victory over Germany in Munich. In England's last qualifying game against Greece on October 6, 2001, the final step in Beckham's transformation from villain to national hero occurred. To qualify outright for the World Cup, England must win or draw the match, but they were losing 2–1 with little time remaining. England were awarded a free kick and Beckham was sure England would qualify with a curling strike of the sort that had become his signature when Teddy Sheringham was fouled eight yards outside the Greek penalty area. Beckham was named the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2001, and he came second runner-up to Lu's Figo of Portugal for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

Beckham was partially fit by the time of the 2002 World Cup, held in Japan and South Korea, and he played in the first match against Sweden against Sweden. Beckham showed some measure of revenge against Argentina by scoring the winning goal with a penalty, causing Argentina to fail to qualify for the knockout stage after the events of four years ago. In a 3–0 win, England defeated Denmark in the second round, with Beckham contributing an assist. After Ronaldinho scored the winner, England was disqualified in the quarter-finals by eventual winners Brazil.

Following month, Beckham escorted Kirsty Howard as she presented the Jubile Baton to the Queen at the opening ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. At Euro 2004, Beckham appeared in all of England's matches. In England's 2–1 loss to France, he had a penalty saved him, but another was missing in a penalty shootout in the quarter-final match against Portugal. England lost the shootout and went out of the tournament.

Beckham became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in January 2005 and was instrumental in London's triumphant bid for the 2012 Olympic Games. Beckham's sending off against Austria in October 2005 made him the first England captain to be dismissed twice, and the first England captain to be banned twice while playing for England. In a friendly international against Argentina the next month, he captained England for the 50th time.

England defeated Paraguay 11-0 in England's first game at the 2006 World Cup, with Beckham's free kick resulting in Carlos Gamarra's own goal. Beckham's cross in the 83rd minute, which put England up 1–0 in England's upcoming match against Trinidad and Tobago, prompted a Peter Crouch goal in the 83rd minute, putting England up 1–0. Steven Gerrard needed another helping hand. They beat them 2–0 in the end. Budweiser, a tournament sponsor, voted Man of the Match.

Beckham scored on a free kick in the 59th minute, becoming the first English player to score in three separate World Cups, as well as England's 1–0 victory and a spot in the quarter-finals. He was sick before the game and spit up several times as a result of dehydration and sickness that he suffered after scoring the winning goal for England. Beckham was forced to miss the match on penalties shortly after halftime, but the England team continued to lose the match on penalties (3–1) after extra time. Beckham was visibly shaken and emotional for not being able to play after his injury, as he was in tears at one point.

"It has been an honour and privilege to lead my country," an emotional Beckham said in a news conference the day after England was booted out of the World Cup, but "It has been an honor and privilege to captain my country." As we enter a new age under Steve McClaren, an emotional reminder of his 95 games. (Beckham had won 94 caps up to that point.) He was replaced by Chelsea captain John Terry after he was promoted by Chelsea captain John Terry.

Beckham was dropped entirely from England's national team picked by new coach Steve McClaren on August 11, 2006, having stepped down as captain after the World Cup. McClaren said he was "looking to go in a different direction" with the team, and that Beckham was "not included within" that list. Beckham could be called back in the future, according to McClaren. Shaun Wright-Phillips, Kieran Richardson, and Aaron Lennon, the World Cup alternative to Beckham, were among those included, but McClaren later decided to use Steven Gerrard in the role.

Beckham will be called to the England squad for the first time after stepping down as their captain on May 26, 2007, according to McClaren. Beckham played well against Brazil in England's first match at Wembley Stadium, where he put on a good showing. He converted England's goal by captain John Terry in the second half. It looked as though England had won over Brazil, but newcomer Diego equalized in the dying seconds. Beckham delivered two trademark assists for Michael Owen and Peter Crouch, England's next match, a Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia, assisting England in beating Estonia 3–0. Beckham played in three of England's four total goals in those two games, and he's expressed his desire to play for England after his transfer to Major League Soccer.

Beckham played for England against Germany on August 22, 2007, becoming the first to play for England while with a non-European club squad. Beckham played his 99th cap against Croatia on November 21, 2007, bringing up a goal for Peter Crouch to tie the game at 2–2. Following England's humiliating loss of 2–3, England failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 finals. Despite this, Beckham said he had no plans to leave international football and wanted to continue playing for the national team. Beckham said he was not fit for shape at the time after being passed over by new England coach and Beckham's former manager at Real Madrid, Fabio Capello, for a friendly against Switzerland that would have given him his 100th cap; he had not played a competitive match in three months.

Beckham was recalled by Capello for the friendly against France in Paris on March 20th. Beckham became the fifth Englishman to win 100 caps. Capello had speculated on March 25th, 2008, that Beckham had a long-term future in his team ahead of crucial qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.

Capello's 31-man England squad will face the United States at Wembley Stadium on May 28th, just over a month before the away match with Trinidad and Tobago on June 1st. Beckham, who wore a pair of golden boots to commemorate his 100th cap for Bobby Charlton, was honoured ahead of the match by receiving an honorary gold cap. The audience erupted. He played well and assisted John Terry on the match-winning goal. When David Bentley was recalled at halftime, the pro-Beckham crowd booed the decision. Capello appointed Beckham captaincy for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on June 1, 2008. Beckham was the first time since the 2006 World Cup that he had skipped England, triggering a dramatic change for Beckham. He had been stripped entirely from the England squad to being recalled (albeit temporarily) as England captain in two years.

Beckham earned his 107th cap against Belarus in Minsk, beating Bobby Charlton in the process. Beckham drew 108 caps for an English outfield player in a friendly match against Spain on February 11, 2009, when he came on as a backup for Stewart Downing. Beckham surpassed Moore in a friendly against Slovakia on March 28, 2009, giving him the benefit of a goal from Wayne Rooney in the process. Beckham made 16 appearances out of a possible 20 for England under Capello until his Achilles tendon tear in March 2010 barred him from being eligible for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. In England's last World Cup qualifying game, which ended England 3–0 Belarus, his last game for England before suffering injury was October 14th, 2009.

Capello remained as boss after England's poor showing at the World Cup, but he was under pressure to restructure the England squad for the forthcoming UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier campaign. Beckham is still unavailable for selection but looking for a return to MLS by the following month, with a new squad at the next England match, a home friendly game against Hungary on August 11, 2010. Capello expressed disappointment with the prospect that the now 35-year-old Beckham would play in any future competitive matches for England that "I need to change it." David is a fantastic player, but "I think we need new players for the future," Beckham's right midfield position, including Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson, says, "This is the future of the team under Fabio Capello or another boss." Beckham could be called into one last friendly game, according to him, "I hope we will play one more game at Wembley so the fans can say goodbye." Beckham's agent released a statement reiterating Beckham's position that he had no desire to leave international football and would always be available for selection for England if necessary. He fell 10 caps short of goalkeeper Peter Shilton's record of 125 caps for a player of any position. Beckham was selected in the provisional squad to represent the Great Britain Olympic football team at the 2012 Olympics. He was not included in the final pick by boss Stuart Pearce, but Andy Hunt, the British Olympic Association's chief, contacted Beckham's representative to be more involved with Team GB.

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