Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Beckham
Discover the career path of David Beckham, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
David Beckham is a retired English professional footballer celebrated for his exceptional passing, crossing, and set-piece skills. He is the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Beckham is recognized as one of the best players of his generation and a set-piece specialist. He won 19 major trophies throughout his career, achieving the distinction of being the first English player to secure league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.
1986: Manchester United Mascot
In 1986, David Beckham served as a Manchester United mascot for a match against West Ham United.
July 1991: Signs Youth Training Scheme Contract
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed a Youth Training Scheme contract with Manchester United, marking a significant step in his youth career.
July 1991: Signs as Manchester United Trainee
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed for Manchester United as a trainee, joining a group of young players coached by Eric Harrison.
April 1992: FA Youth Cup Final Goal
On April 14, 1992, David Beckham scored Manchester United's second goal in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final against Crystal Palace.
May 1992: FA Youth Cup Win
In May 1992, David Beckham helped Manchester United win the FA Youth Cup as part of a group of young players coached by Eric Harrison.
September 1992: First-Team Debut
On September 23, 1992, David Beckham made his first-team debut for Manchester United as a substitute in a League Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
1992: Manchester United First-Team Debut
In 1992, at the age of 17, David Beckham made his first-team debut with Manchester United, marking the start of his professional club career.
January 1993: Signs as a Professional
On January 23, 1993, David Beckham signed as a professional with Manchester United, further cementing his place in the club.
May 1993: FA Youth Cup Final Defeat
In May 1993, David Beckham played in both legs of the FA Youth Cup final against Leeds United, where Manchester United ultimately lost 4-1 on aggregate.
September 1994: First Full Appearance
In September 1994, David Beckham made his first full appearance in Manchester United's first team against Port Vale in a League Cup fixture.
December 1994: UEFA Champions League Debut
On December 7, 1994, David Beckham made his UEFA Champions League debut, scoring a goal in a 4–0 victory at home to Galatasaray.
1994: Loan to Preston North End
In 1994, David Beckham was loaned to Preston North End to gain first-team experience, marking a temporary move to develop his skills.
1994: Fergie's Fledglings
In 1994, Sir Alex Ferguson brought young talents into Manchester United, including David Beckham, which were dubbed "Fergie's Fledglings".
April 1995: Premier League Debut for Manchester United
On April 2, 1995, David Beckham made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in a goalless draw against Leeds United.
August 1996: Spectacular Goal Against Wimbledon
On August 17, 1996, during the first day of the Premier League season, David Beckham scored a spectacular goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon, catapulting him to household name status.
September 1996: England National Team Debut
On September 1, 1996, David Beckham made his debut for the England national football team at the age of 21, marking the beginning of his international career.
1996: Automatic First-Choice Player
In 1996, David Beckham became an automatic first-choice player at Manchester United and he helped them retain the Premier League title.
1996: Premier League Title and FA Cup Double
In 1996, David Beckham established himself as Manchester United's right-sided midfielder, helping the team win the Premier League title and FA Cup double.
1997: Brylcreem Endorsement
In 1997, David Beckham's early endorsements included the British hair styling brand Brylcreem for £4 million, which saw him appear in UK commercials.
1997: Inherits Number 7 Shirt
Prior to the 1997-98 season, David Beckham inherited the number 7 shirt at Manchester United, previously worn by legends such as George Best and Eric Cantona.
1998: Red card during the 1998 World Cup
During the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham received a red card after kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone, who had fouled him.
1998: Participated in 1998 FIFA World Cup
In 1998, David Beckham participated in the 1998 FIFA World Cup.
1999: UEFA Champions League Final Win
In 1999, David Beckham played in central midfield in Manchester United's win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final, assisting both goals from corners in injury time.
1999: Champions League Title with Manchester United
In 1999, David Beckham won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United. That year, United won the Premier League title, the FA Cup twice, the FA Charity Shield twice and the Intercontinental Cup.
1999: Talk of transfer to Juventus
In 1999, there was discussion about David Beckham potentially transferring to Juventus in Italy, but the transfer ultimately did not occur.
January 2000: Red card in the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship
On 6 January 2000, David Beckham received a red card while playing for Manchester United in the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship against Necaxa.
November 2000: Beckham promoted to England team captain
On November 15, 2000, David Beckham was promoted to team captain of England, following Kevin Keegan's resignation.
2000: Ferguson-Beckham Relationship Deteriorates
In 2000, Alex Ferguson fined David Beckham and dropped him from a crucial match after Beckham missed training to care for his son, while Victoria Beckham attended a London Fashion Week event. Despite this, Beckham performed well and helped United win the Premier League.
2000: Premier League Title Retained
In 2000, David Beckham helped Manchester United secure the Premier League title with an 18-point lead. The team achieved this after winning their final 11 league games, during which Beckham scored five goals.
2000: Key Player in League Title Win
In 2000, David Beckham was a key player in Manchester United's third successive league title. He scored nine Premier League goals and provided 12 assists, leading the league in that category.
2001: Beckham's best season as a United Player
Despite the season being curtailed with injury, 2001 was one of Beckham's best seasons as a United player; he scored 16 goals in all competitions, the best of his career.
April 2002: Beckham Suffers Metatarsal Injury
On April 10, 2002, David Beckham broke his metatarsal bone during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Coruña. This injury sidelined him for the rest of the season, leading Manchester United to miss out on the Premier League title and Champions League.
2002: Unable to regain his place on the Manchester United team
Following an injury early in the 2002 season, Beckham was unable to regain his place on the Manchester United team, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær having replaced him on the right side of midfield.
July 2003: Real Madrid Tour of the Far East
In late July 2003, Real Madrid, with new signing Beckham, embarked on a financially successful tour of the Far East, capitalizing on Beckham's popularity in Asia, playing games in Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok.
July 2003: Beckham Formally Joins Real Madrid
On July 1, 2003, the transfer to Real Madrid was completed, making David Beckham the third Englishman to play for the club. On July 2, he was unveiled at the club's basketball facility and handed the number 23 shirt, in honor of Michael Jordan.
August 2003: Real Madrid Wins Spanish Super Cup
In August 2003, Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca, with David Beckham scoring the final goal in the return leg. He quickly settled into the team, scoring five times in his first 16 matches.
2003: Adidas Lifetime Contract
In 2003, David Beckham signed a US$160 million lifetime contract with Adidas, earning nearly half the money upfront, and would continue to earn percentages of profits on all of his branded Adidas products.
2003: Beckham Transfers to Real Madrid
In the summer of 2003, despite Manchester United's apparent eagerness to sell him to Barcelona, David Beckham joined Real Madrid for €37 million on a four-year contract, becoming part of the Galácticos era.
January 2004: Red card in Copa del Rey match
On 21 January 2004, David Beckham received a red card in a Copa del Rey match while playing for Real Madrid against Valencia in Madrid.
October 2004: Beckham Admits Intentional Foul
On October 9, 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match against Wales to get himself booked, in order to serve a suspension during a match he would miss due to injury. He was also sent off in a Real Madrid match against Valencia, though the suspension was later cancelled on appeal.
2004: "Kicking it" Commercial
In 2004, David Beckham's Adidas television commercial "Kicking it", in which he appeared with Jonny Wilkinson, was voted among the best British commercials of the year, and featured as one of the Great Ads of the 21st Century in Channel 4's update of The 100 Greatest TV Ads.
2004: Real Madrid finished the season in second position
In 2004, Real Madrid finished the season in second position.
December 2005: Beckham Sent Off for Third Time
On December 3, 2005, David Beckham was sent off for the third time that season in a league match against Getafe. The following day, Vanderlei Luxemburgo was sacked as Real Madrid's head coach.
2005: Beckham established football academies in Los Angeles and east London
During the 2005 season, Beckham established football academies in Los Angeles and east London and was named a judge for the 2006 British Book Awards.
2005: Appointed UNICEF Ambassador
In 2005, David Beckham became a UNICEF ambassador, using his platform to advocate for children's rights and well-being.
2005: Foundation of the David Beckham Academy
In 2005, David Beckham founded the David Beckham Academy football school, with locations in London and Los Angeles, aiming to provide football training and education.
January 2006: Pérez Resigns as Real Madrid President
In January 2006, Florentino Pérez resigned as president of Real Madrid, with Vicente Boluda replacing him on an interim basis until the end of the season.
June 2006: Beckham at the 2006 World Cup
In June 2006, during England's opening game at the 2006 World Cup against Paraguay, David Beckham's free kick led to an own-goal. In the next match against Trinidad and Tobago, he provided two assists and was named Man of the Match by Budweiser.
August 2006: Beckham dropped from England squad
On August 11, 2006, David Beckham was dropped from the England national team by new coach Steve McClaren.
2006: Holding the record for the most red cards for England
In 2006, David Beckham held the record for the most red cards for England at international level, along with Wayne Rooney.
2006: New Real Madrid President Elected
In the summer of 2006, Ramón Calderón became the new president of Real Madrid. Fabio Capello was appointed as the head coach. Initially out of favor with the new coach, Beckham started only a few games at the beginning of the season.
2006: Beckham was dropped from England squad to being reinstated
In two years, Beckham had gone from being dropped completely from the England squad to being reinstated as England captain.
January 2007: Announcement of Beckham joining LA Galaxy
In January 2007, it was confirmed that David Beckham would leave Real Madrid in six months to join the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS). On 11 January 2007, the speculation surrounding his new contract in Madrid ended, and the following day, Beckham held his official press conference in conjunction with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
January 2007: Real Madrid States Beckham Will Not Remain After Season
On January 10, 2007, Real Madrid's sporting director announced that David Beckham would not remain at the club after the end of the season. However, he later claimed he was mistranslated.
January 2007: Beckham Signs Deal with LA Galaxy
On January 11, 2007, David Beckham announced he had signed a five-year deal to play for the LA Galaxy, beginning July 1, 2007. On January 13, Fabio Capello stated that Beckham had played his last game for Real Madrid.
February 2007: Beckham Rejoins Real Madrid Team
In February 2007, Fabio Capello allowed David Beckham to rejoin the Real Madrid team. Beckham scored the equalizing goal in the match against Real Sociedad, which they won 2-1.
March 2007: Beckham's Final Champions League Appearance
On March 7, 2007, David Beckham played his final UEFA Champions League match for Real Madrid, where they were knocked out by Bayern Munich. Beckham played a key role in Madrid's goals, earning praise from Bayern's goalkeeper.
May 2007: Beckham recalled to England squad
On May 26, 2007, David Beckham was recalled to the England squad for the first time since stepping down as captain.
June 2007: Final match for Real Madrid
On 17 June 2007, in his final match for Real Madrid, Beckham played in a 3–1 victory against Mallorca, helping the team secure the La Liga title, their first since he joined. Despite limping off the field, his team ultimately won the match.
July 2007: Beckham will begin his journey with LA Galaxy
In July 2007, David Beckham began his journey with the LA Galaxy
July 2007: Signs with LA Galaxy
In July 2007, David Beckham signed a five-year contract with Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy, a move widely seen as a historic transfer for football in America.
November 2007: Beckham earns his 99th cap against Croatia
On November 21, 2007, David Beckham earned his 99th cap against Croatia, setting up a goal for Peter Crouch.
2007: Ferguson's speculation on Beckham's celebrity status
In 2007, Alex Ferguson speculated that David Beckham's increasing celebrity status, particularly after his relationship with Victoria, negatively impacted his playing career.
2007: Contract with LA Galaxy
In 2007, David Beckham signed the contract with the LA Galaxy that stipulated his option to buy a MLS expansion team for US$25 million.
2007: Maintaining Professionalism at Real Madrid
In early 2007, despite a strained relationship with the management at Real Madrid, both president Ramón Calderón and manager Fabio Capello praised David Beckham for maintaining his professionalism and commitment to the club.
January 2008: Training with Arsenal
In January 2008, Beckham trained with Arsenal for three weeks, starting from 4 January, before returning to the Galaxy for pre-season training.
March 2008: Beckham wins his 100th cap for England
On March 20, 2008, David Beckham was recalled to the England squad and on March 26, he became only the fifth Englishman to win 100 caps.
May 2008: Beckham honored for 100th cap
On May 11, 2008, David Beckham was honored before the match against the United States by receiving an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap. He assisted John Terry on the match-winning goal.
June 2008: Beckham captains England against Trinidad and Tobago
On June 1, 2008, David Beckham captained England's friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago, marking a dramatic turnaround in his England career.
October 2008: AC Milan loan announcement
On 30 October 2008, AC Milan announced that Beckham would join them on loan from 7 January 2009, raising speculation about his return to Europe to maintain match fitness for World Cup qualifying.
December 2008: Unveiling at Milan and introduction to fans
On 20 December 2008, Beckham was unveiled at Milan's training facility and chose the number 32 shirt. The next day, he was introduced to the home fans at the San Siro, proclaiming "Forza Milan" before the league match versus Udinese on 21 December 2008.
2008: Beckham expresses his desire to play for England
In 2008, David Beckham stated his desire to continue to play for England after his move to Major League Soccer.
February 2009: Beckham drew level with Bobby Moore's record
On 11 February 2009, Beckham drew level with Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps for an English outfield player, coming on as a substitute for Stewart Downing in a friendly match against Spain.
March 2009: Beckham surpassed Moore to hold the record outright
On 28 March 2009, Beckham surpassed Moore to hold the record outright when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Slovakia, providing the assist for a goal from Wayne Rooney in the process.
October 2009: Beckham Last game for England before injury
On 14 October 2009, Beckham played his last game for England before injury.
November 2009: MLS Cup final loss
On 22 November 2009, the LA Galaxy, with Beckham, lost the MLS Cup final to Real Salt Lake by 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw. Beckham scored in the shootout.
2009: Malaria No More Launch
David Beckham is a founding member of the Malaria No More UK Leadership Council and helped launch the charity in 2009 with Andy Murray at Wembley Stadium.
2009: Extended Loan
In 2009, Beckham's loan to Milan was extended through mid-July, after which he would return to LA Galaxy for the remainder of the 2009 MLS season.
2009: PepsiCo Collaboration End
In 2009, David Beckham's 10-year collaboration with PepsiCo expired.
2009: Closure of the David Beckham Academy
In late 2009, it was announced that both the London and Los Angeles locations of the David Beckham Academy football school would close down.
January 2010: Second Loan Period with Milan
In January 2010, after the end of 2009 MLS season, Beckham began his second loan period with Milan, making a winning return on 6 January 2010 in a 5–2 victory over Genoa.
February 2010: First game against Manchester United
On 16 February 2010, Beckham played against Manchester United for the first time since leaving the club in 2003, playing 76 minutes in the match at the San Siro, which ended 3–2 to Manchester United.
March 2010: Beckham Ruled out of 2010 FIFA World Cup
In March 2010, David Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon, ruling him out of selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
March 2010: Return to Old Trafford
On 10 March 2010, Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the second leg of the match against Manchester United. He came on as a substitute in the 64th minute and received a positive reception from the fans. Following the match, he aroused controversy by wearing a green-and-gold scarf, a symbol of protest against club owner Malcolm Glazer.
August 2010: Capello unveils new team at the next England match
On 11 August 2010, After a poor performance from England at the World Cup, Capello unveiled a new team at the next England match, a home friendly match against Hungary.
September 2010: Return from injury
On 11 September 2010, after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury, Beckham returned to the game as a substitute in the Galaxy's 3–1 win over Columbus Crew.
2010: Beckham hinted to have a long-term future in England team
In March 2008, ahead of crucial qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, Capello hinted that Beckham had a long-term future in his side.
November 2011: MLS Cup win
On 20 November 2011, Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy won their third MLS Cup against the Houston Dynamo, winning 1–0. Beckham provided an assist during the match.
2011: MLS Cup Win with LA Galaxy
In 2011, David Beckham returned to LA Galaxy and won the MLS Cup, adding another trophy to his career achievements.
January 2012: New two-year contract with Galaxy
On 18 January 2012, the LA Galaxy announced that Beckham had signed a new two-year contract to remain in Los Angeles, despite being linked with Paris Saint-Germain.
2012: England unveil new team
Beckham agent released a statement reiterating Beckham's position that he had no desire to retire from international football, and would always make himself available for selection for England if fit and if needed in 2012.
2012: Beckham in the Great Britain Olympic football team
In 2012, Beckham was named in the provisional squad to represent the Great Britain Olympic football team at the 2012 Olympics, but was not included in the final selection.
2012: Second MLS Cup Win with LA Galaxy
In 2012, David Beckham won the MLS Cup again with LA Galaxy, marking his second consecutive title with the club.
2012: Beckham announces retirement
In 2012–13 season, Beckham was given specially designed boots in the colours of the Union Jack to wear in his final game. These boots had the names of his wife and children stitched on them.
January 2013: Beckham to undergo medical with Paris Saint-Germain
In January 2013, it was announced that David Beckham would undergo a medical with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a potential move to the Ligue 1 side.
February 2013: Beckham debuts for PSG
On February 24, 2013, David Beckham made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain, coming off the bench in a Ligue 1 match against Marseille, making him the 400th player in the club's history.
March 2013: Chinese Football Ambassador
In March 2013, Chinese authorities appointed David Beckham as global ambassador for Chinese football to help improve the image of the game and raise its profile.
April 2013: Red card against Evian
On 28 April 2013, David Beckham received a red card while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a match against Evian.
May 2013: End of Playing Career
David Beckham's playing career ended in May 2013. During his playing career, he generated an estimated £1 billion in shirt and boot sales.
May 2013: Retirement from Professional Football
In May 2013, David Beckham retired from professional football after a 20-year career, following a stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
May 2013: Beckham reflects on his legacy
In May 2013, when asked how he wanted to be remembered in retirement, David Beckham stated he wanted to be seen as a hardworking and passionate footballer who gave everything he had on the pitch.
May 2013: Beckham wins Ligue 1 title with PSG
On May 12, 2013, David Beckham won a fourth different top flight winners' medal after Paris Saint-Germain beat Lyon 1-0 to claim the Ligue 1 title.
May 2013: Beckham announces retirement
On May 16, 2013, David Beckham announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the French football season. He wore specially designed boots in his final game and captained his final home game on May 18, assisting a goal before being subbed off to a standing ovation.
July 2013: BSkyB Adverts
From 14 July 2013, David Beckham appeared in adverts for BSkyB, advertising their Sky Sports coverage via the Sky Go app.
February 2014: Exercising option to buy MLS expansion team
On 5 February 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham had exercised his option to buy a MLS expansion team for US$25 million, as part of his contract with the LA Galaxy signed in 2007.
November 2014: Paddington Bear Statue
In November 2014, David Beckham designed a Paddington Bear statue, one of fifty created by various celebrities which were located around London prior to the release of the film Paddington. The statues were auctioned to raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
2014: MLS Announces Beckham's Ownership of Inter Miami
In 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham and a group of investors would own Inter Miami, marking his transition into team ownership.
2014: Assessment of Beckham's crossing ability
In 2014, Rob Smyth of The Guardian described David Beckham as a great crosser and perhaps the greatest of all time.
2015: Ferguson's comment on world-class players
In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed he had only coached four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding David Beckham from the list.
2015: Launches 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund
In 2015, David Beckham launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund, furthering his commitment to supporting children in need.
2016: Outfield Appearance Record
In 2016, David Beckham held the England appearance record for an outfield player until that year, marking a significant achievement in his international career.
2016: Hopes of Miami-based team beginning play
In 2016, the ownership group led by Beckham hoped that the Miami-based team would begin play in 2016 or 2017, but was delayed due to stadium issues.
2017: Hopes of Miami-based team beginning play
In 2017, the ownership group led by Beckham hoped that the Miami-based team would begin play in 2016 or 2017, but was delayed due to stadium issues.
January 2018: Approval of Miami-based team
In January 2018, after stadium deal delays, MLS announced that David Beckham's Miami-based team had been approved and would likely begin play in 2020.
May 2018: British Fashion Council President
On 11 May 2018, David Beckham was announced as the new Ambassadorial president of the British Fashion Council.
January 2019: Joining Salford City as part owner
In January 2019, it was announced that David Beckham was set to join his Class of '92 teammates as part owner of English non-league club Salford City, taking 10% of the club previously held by Peter Lim. On 31 January, the Football Association approved him to become a director of the club.
March 2020: Inter Miami's MLS debut
On 1 March 2020, Club Internacional de Futbol Miami (Inter Miami), owned by David Beckham, made its MLS debut with a 1–0 away loss to Los Angeles.
June 2020: Guild Esports Owner
In June 2020, David Beckham became a minority owner of the London-based esports organisation Guild Esports.
November 2020: FIFA 21 Agreement
In November 2020, EA Sports had an agreement with David Beckham to feature him in FIFA 21, in which he would earn £40m from a three-year deal.
2020: Inter Miami Begins Playing
In 2020, Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, began playing, realizing his long-term vision for the club.
April 2021: Maserati Global Ambassador
In April 2021, David Beckham became a global ambassador for Maserati.
June 2021: Lunaz Stake
In June 2021, David Beckham bought a 10% stake of vehicle electrification firm, Lunaz.
2022: Manchester City's Treble
In the 1998-99 season, Beckham was part of the United team that won the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, a unique feat in English football until Manchester City's 2022–23 season.
September 2023: Ranking in goals scored from free kicks
As of September 2023, David Beckham ranked joint-5th all-time (alongside Lionel Messi) in goals scored from direct free kicks, with a total of 65 goals.
2023: Fuoriserie Essentials Collection Unveiled
In 2023, as part of Maserati's new personalisation program, "Fuoriserie Essentials", the brand unveiled its first collection with David Beckham.
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