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 range, crossing ability, and free-kick expertise. Widely regarded as one of his generation's top midfielders and a premier free-kick specialist, he secured 19 major trophies throughout his career. Beckham stands out as the first English player to claim league titles across four nations: England, Spain, the United States, and France. He is currently the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City.
July 1991: Signed Youth Training Scheme Contract
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed a Youth Training Scheme contract at Manchester United.
July 1991: Signed as Manchester United Trainee
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed for Manchester United as a trainee.
April 1992: Scored in FA Youth Cup
On April 14, 1992, David Beckham scored Manchester United's second goal in their 3–1 first-leg win of the FA Youth Cup final against Crystal Palace.
May 1992: FA Youth Cup Win
In May 1992, David Beckham and other young players helped Manchester United win the FA Youth Cup.
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 Debut
In 1992, David Beckham made his first-team debut for Manchester United at age 17.
January 1993: Signed as a Professional
Shortly after his debut, on January 23, 1993, David Beckham signed as a professional player for Manchester United.
May 1993: FA Youth Cup Final Defeat
In May 1993, David Beckham started for Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup final against Leeds United, but they lost 4-1 on aggregate.
September 1994: First Full Appearance
In September 1994, David Beckham made his first full appearance in the club'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: Ferguson's Faith in Youth Players
After the 1994-95 season, Manager Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to trust in young players like Beckham over buying star players drew criticism but ultimately proved successful.
1994: Loan to Preston North End
During the 1994–95 season, David Beckham went to Preston North End on loan to gain first-team experience.
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: Halfway Line Goal Against Wimbledon
On August 17, 1996, David Beckham scored a spectacular goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon, elevating 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.
1996: Automatic First-Choice Player
During the 1996–97 season, David Beckham became an automatic first-choice player at Manchester United.
1996: Goal from the half-way line against Wimbledon
In 1996, David Beckham scored a goal from the half-way line against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.
1997: Brylcreem Endorsement
In 1997, David Beckham began his early endorsement deals, including a £4 million deal with Brylcreem.
1997: Inherited Number 7 Shirt
Prior to the 1997–98 season, David Beckham inherited the number 7 shirt at Manchester United.
1998: Notorious Red Card During 1998 World Cup
During the 1998 World Cup, Beckham received a notorious red card after kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone, who had fouled him. This moment became a significant controversy in his career.
1998: FIFA World Cup Appearance
In 1998, David Beckham appeared at the FIFA World Cup.
1998: Rebuilding Reputation after 1998 World Cup
In 2008, Victoria Beckham praised David for rebuilding his reputation after the 1998 World Cup, where he received a red card. This marked a period of redemption in his career.
1998: World Cup Red Card Fallout
In the aftermath of receiving criticism for his red card during the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham opted to remain at Manchester United despite speculations about leaving England.
1999: Champions League Final Win
In 1999, David Beckham played in central midfield during Manchester United's win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final, and his performance led to finishing runner-up for European Footballer of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
1999: UEFA Champions League Victory
In 1999, David Beckham won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United.
January 2000: Red Card in FIFA Club World Championship
On 6 January 2000, Beckham received his only 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 for England by caretaker manager Peter Taylor, following Kevin Keegan's resignation as England manager in October. Beckham then kept the role under new manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.
2000: UEFA European Championship Appearance
In 2000, David Beckham appeared at the UEFA European Championship.
2000: Retaining the Premier League Title
In 2000, David Beckham played a key role in helping Manchester United retain the Premier League title by an 18-point margin. The team won their final 11 league games, during which Beckham scored five goals, including a notable goal against Tottenham Hotspur.
2000: Key Player in League Title
In 2000, David Beckham was a key player in Manchester United's third successive league title. He scored nine Premier League goals and had 12 assists, the most in the league.
October 2001: Beckham helps England qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
In October 2001, David Beckham played a major role in helping England qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, starring in an impressive 5–1 victory over Germany in Munich. In England's final qualifying game against Greece on October 6, 2001, Beckham ensured England's qualification with a trademark free-kick.
2001: One of Beckham's Best Seasons
In 2001, David Beckham had one of the best seasons as a Manchester United player scoring 16 goals in all competitions, the best of his career.
2002: Second FIFA World Cup Appearance
In 2002, David Beckham made his second appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
July 2003: Completed Transfer to Real Madrid
In July 2003, David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid was completed and he was unveiled to the press. He chose to wear the number 23 shirt in honor of Michael Jordan. Sales of Beckham-related merchandise sky-rocketed.
July 2003: Far East Tour with Real Madrid
In late July 2003, Real Madrid went on a tour of the Far East for pre-season training, capitalizing on David Beckham's marketing appeal in Asia. The tour included games in Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok, proving to be a financial success for the club.
August 2003: Spanish Super Cup Win
In August 2003, Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca, with David Beckham scoring the final goal. He quickly settled into the team, scoring five times in his first 16 matches.
2003: Transfer to Real Madrid
In 2003, David Beckham joined Real Madrid for €37 million on a four-year contract. Manchester United had seemed willing to sell Beckham to Barcelona, but he instead signed with Real Madrid.
2003: Lifetime Contract with Adidas
In 2003, David Beckham signed a US$160 million lifetime contract with Adidas.
January 2004: Red Card in Copa del Rey Match
On 21 January 2004, during his time at Real Madrid, Beckham received a red card in a Copa del Rey match against Valencia in Madrid.
2004: Second UEFA European Championship Appearance
In 2004, David Beckham participated in his second UEFA European Championship.
2005: Football Academies Established
During the 2005 season, David Beckham established football academies in Los Angeles and east London and was named a judge for the 2006 British Book Awards.
2005: Founding 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 training and development opportunities for young players.
2005: Olympics Bid
In 2005, David Beckham played a role in bringing the Olympics to London, traveling to Singapore with the British delegation for the host city selection.
2005: UNICEF Ambassador
Since 2005, David Beckham has been a UNICEF ambassador.
June 2006: Beckham plays in the 2006 World Cup
In June 2006, during England's opening game at the 2006 World Cup, David Beckham's free kick led to an own-goal by Carlos Gamarra as England won 1–0. He was named Man of the Match by tournament sponsor Budweiser.
August 2006: Beckham dropped from England national team
On August 11, 2006, David Beckham was dropped completely from the England national team selected by new coach Steve McClaren, who said he was "looking to go in a different direction" with the team.
2006: Third FIFA World Cup Appearance
In 2006, David Beckham played in his third FIFA World Cup.
2006: Legs Insured
In 2006, David Beckham's legs were insured for £100 million by Lloyd's of London.
2006: World Cup 2006
On June 1, 2008, Fabio Capello handed David Beckham the captaincy for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. The match was the first time since the 2006 World Cup that Beckham had skippered England.
January 2007: Confirmation of Move to LA Galaxy
In January 2007, it was confirmed that David Beckham would leave Real Madrid after six months to join LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS), ending speculation about his contract in Madrid. An official press conference was held in conjunction with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
January 2007: Signing with LA Galaxy Announced
On January 11, 2007, David Beckham announced that he had signed a five-year deal to play for the LA Galaxy, beginning July 1, 2007. The manager of Real Madrid said that Beckham had played his last game for them.
February 2007: Return to Real Madrid Team
In February 2007, David Beckham rejoined the Real Madrid team for a match against Real Sociedad, scoring the equalizing goal. This marked a change from the manager's earlier statement that Beckham had played his last game for Real Madrid.
March 2007: Champions League Appearance
On March 7, 2007, David Beckham made his final UEFA Champions League appearance for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich. Real Madrid were knocked out of the competition in the round-of-16 stage. Beckham played a pivotal role in all three Madrid goals in the home game.
May 2007: Beckham recalled to England squad
On May 26, 2007, Steve McClaren announced that David Beckham would be recalled to the England squad for the first time since stepping down as their captain. Beckham started against Brazil in England's first match at the new Wembley Stadium and put in a positive performance.
June 2007: Final match for Real Madrid and La Liga title
On 17 June 2007, Beckham played his final match for Real Madrid, contributing to a 3–1 victory over Mallorca that secured the La Liga title. Despite limping off the field, his team clinched the title, marking their first La Liga win since Beckham joined and their 30th overall.
July 2007: Signed with LA Galaxy
In July 2007, David Beckham signed a five-year contract with Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy.
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 to tie the game at 2–2.
2007: Ferguson Speculates on Beckham's Celebrity Status
In 2007, Alex Ferguson speculated that Beckham's increasing celebrity status, especially after his relationship with Victoria, negatively impacted his playing career.
2007: Option To Buy MLS Expansion Team
In 2007, Beckham signed a contract with the LA Galaxy that included an option to buy an MLS expansion team, a right which he would later exercise in 2014.
2007: Praised for Professionalism at Real Madrid
In early 2007, despite a strained relationship with the management at Real Madrid, Beckham was praised by president Ramón Calderón and manager Fabio Capello for maintaining his professionalism and commitment to the club.
January 2008: Training with Arsenal
From 4 January 2008, David Beckham trained with Arsenal for three weeks before returning to the Galaxy for pre-season training.
May 2008: Beckham included in England squad and honored for 100th cap
On May 11, 2008, Fabio Capello included David Beckham in his 31-man England squad to face the United States at Wembley on May 28. Beckham was honored before the match by receiving an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap from Bobby Charlton.
June 2008: Capello hands Beckham the captaincy
On June 1, 2008, Fabio Capello handed David Beckham the captaincy for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. The match was the first time since the 2006 World Cup that Beckham had skippered England.
October 2008: AC Milan loan announcement
On 30 October 2008, AC Milan announced that Beckham was to join them on loan from 7 January 2009, leading to speculation about his return to Europe.
December 2008: Unveiling at Milan's training facility
On 20 December 2008, David Beckham was unveiled at Milan's training facility. He chose the number 32 shirt. The day after, Beckham was introduced to the home fans at the San Siro before the league match versus Udinese.
2008: Beckham wants to continue playing for England after move to Major League Soccer
Following the 2–3 loss against Croatia, England failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 Finals. Despite this, in 2007, David Beckham said that he had no plans to retire from international football and wanted to continue playing for the national team after his move to Major League Soccer.
February 2009: Beckham equals Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps
On February 11, 2009, David 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 surpasses Bobby Moore's record
On March 28, 2009, David Beckham surpassed Bobby 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.
November 2009: Confirmed Return to Milan
In November 2009, it was confirmed that David Beckham would return to AC Milan for a second loan period, beginning in January 2010.
November 2009: MLS Cup Final Loss
On 22 November 2009, David Beckham's LA Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final by 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw, even though Beckham scored in the shootout.
2009: Launch of Malaria No More UK
In 2009, David Beckham helped launch the Malaria No More UK Leadership Council with Andy Murray at Wembley Stadium.
2009: PepsiCo Collaboration Expiration
In 2009, David Beckham's 10-year collaboration with PepsiCo expired.
2009: Closure of David Beckham Academy
In late 2009, it was announced that both the London and Los Angeles locations of the David Beckham Academy would be closing.
January 2010: Winning return for Milan
On 6 January 2010, David Beckham made a winning return in a Milan shirt, playing 75 minutes of a 5–2 victory over Genoa.
February 2010: First game against Manchester United since 2003
On 16 February 2010, David Beckham played against Manchester United for the first time since he left the club in 2003. He played 76 minutes of the match at the San Siro, which ended 3–2 to Manchester United.
March 2010: Beckham ruled out of 2010 FIFA World Cup
David Beckham's ruptured Achilles tendon of March 2010 ruled him out of selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
March 2010: Return to Old Trafford
On 10 March 2010, David Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the second leg of the match against Manchester United. Beckham was brought on as a substitute, receiving a positive reception from fans. After the match, he wore a green-and-gold scarf, a symbol of protest against the club owner, Malcolm Glazer, sparking controversy.
September 2010: Return from Achilles Tendon Injury
On 11 September 2010, David Beckham returned to the game as a substitute in the Galaxy's 3–1 win over Columbus Crew, after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury.
2010: Qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup
In March 2008, ahead of crucial qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, Fabio Capello hinted that David Beckham had a long-term future in his side.
2011: MLS Cup Win
In 2011, David Beckham won the MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy.
January 2012: New contract with LA Galaxy
On 18 January 2012, LA Galaxy announced David Beckham signed a new two-year contract to remain in Los Angeles.
2012: Decision to retire at the end of the 2012-13 season
Following David Beckham's decision to retire at the end of the 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.
2012: Second MLS Cup Win
In 2012, David Beckham secured his second MLS Cup title with the LA Galaxy.
2012: Beckham named in provisional squad for 2012 Olympics
In 2012, David 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.
January 2013: Beckham to undergo medical with Paris Saint-Germain
In January 2013, David Beckham was set to undergo a medical with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a potential move to the Ligue 1 side. Beckham later signed a five-month deal with the club and confirmed his entire salary would be donated to a local children's charity.
February 2013: Beckham's PSG debut
On February 24, 2013, David Beckham made his debut for PSG, coming off the bench in the 76th minute in a Ligue 1 home match against Marseille, becoming the 400th player in the club's history.
March 2013: Appointed Global Ambassador for Chinese Football
In March 2013, David Beckham was appointed global ambassador for Chinese football to improve its image and raise its profile after match-fixing scandals.
April 2013: Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain
On 28 April 2013, Beckham received one red card while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a match against Evian.
May 2013: End of Playing Career
In May 2013, David Beckham's playing career ended. Throughout his career, he generated an estimated £1 billion in shirt and boot sales.
May 2013: Retirement from Professional Football
In May 2013, after a 20-year career, David Beckham retired from professional football after a stint with Paris Saint-Germain.
May 2013: Beckham's Reflections on His Legacy
In May 2013, shortly before his retirement, Beckham expressed his hope to be remembered as a hardworking and passionate footballer who always gave his all on the pitch.
May 2013: Beckham wins Ligue 1 title with PSG
On May 12, 2013, David Beckham won a fourth different top-flight winner's medal after PSG beat Lyon 1–0 to claim the Ligue 1 title.
May 2013: Beckham announces his retirement
On May 16, 2013, David Beckham announced that he would retire from professional football at the end of that year's French football season. For his final game, he received specially designed boots in the colours of the Union Jack, with the names of his wife and children stitched on them. On May 18, 2013, Beckham captained his final home game against Brest, assisting a goal and receiving a standing ovation when he was subbed off.
February 2014: Beckham Exercises Option to Buy MLS Expansion Team
On 5 February 2014, MLS announced that Beckham had exercised his option to buy an MLS expansion team for US$25 million, which was part of his contract with the LA Galaxy.
November 2014: Paddington Bear Statue Design
In November 2014, David Beckham designed a Paddington Bear statue for charity, which was auctioned to raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
2014: MLS Announced Beckham as Inter Miami Owner
In 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham and a group of investors would own Inter Miami.
2014: The Guardian on Beckham's Crossing Ability
In 2014, Rob Smyth of The Guardian described Beckham as a great crosser and perhaps the greatest of all time, highlighting his technique and ability to create opportunities from dead balls.
2015: Ferguson Excludes Beckham from World-Class Player List
In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed to have coached only four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding Beckham from the list, which included Cantona, Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Scholes.
2015: Launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund
In 2015, David Beckham launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund.
2016: Opposition to Brexit
During the 2016 EU referendum, David Beckham voiced his opposition to Brexit.
January 2018: MLS Approves Beckham's Miami Team
In January 2018, MLS announced that Beckham's Miami-based team had been approved and would likely begin play in 2020, following delays in finalizing a stadium deal.
May 2018: Ambassadorial president of the British Fashion Council
On May 11, 2018, David Beckham was announced as the new Ambassadorial president of the British Fashion Council.
June 2018: Endorsement of North American Bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Prior to the June 2018 vote by FIFA member nations for selecting the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, David Beckham endorsed the North American bid (Canada, Mexico and the United States).
January 2019: Beckham Becomes Part Owner of Salford City
In January 2019, it was announced that Beckham was set to join his Class of '92 teammates as part owner of English non-league club Salford City, acquiring 10% of the club, pending Football Association approval.
March 2020: Inter Miami Makes MLS Debut
On 1 March 2020, Club Internacional de Futbol Miami (Inter Miami) made its MLS debut, losing 1–0 away to Los Angeles.
June 2020: Minority Owner of Guild Esports
In June 2020, David Beckham became a minority owner of the London-based esports organisation Guild Esports.
November 2020: EA Sports FIFA 21 Deal
In November 2020, EA Sports reached an agreement with David Beckham to feature him in FIFA 21, earning him £40 million.
2020: Inter Miami Began Playing
In 2020, Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, began playing.
April 2021: Global Ambassador for Maserati
In April 2021, David Beckham became a global ambassador for Maserati.
June 2021: Stake in Lunaz
In June 2021, David Beckham bought a 10% stake in vehicle electrification firm, Lunaz.
September 2023: Beckham's Ranking in Free-Kick Goals
In September 2023, David Beckham was 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 with Maserati
In 2023, David Beckham unveiled his first collection with Maserati as part of their new personalisation program, "Fuoriserie Essentials".
2023: Release of Netflix Documentary "Beckham"
In 2023, the documentary "Beckham" was released on Netflix, reflecting on his career and the challenges, including the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos 20 years prior. Beckham acknowledged the difficulty of that period on his marriage.
May 2024: Call for Ceasefire
In May 2024, during Israel's Rafah offensive in the Gaza Strip, David Beckham called for an immediate ceasefire.
2026: Endorsement of North American Bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup
David Beckham endorsed the North American bid (Canada, Mexico and the United States) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June 2018.
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