Challenges Faced by David Beckham: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped David Beckham's life and career.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

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.

1998: Opposition and Criticism

Despite David Beckham's achievements in the 1998–99 season, some opposition fans and journalists criticised him, including after his red card in the World Club Championship match against Necaxa.

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: 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.

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.

2000: Falling Out with Ferguson

In 2000, Alex Ferguson fined David Beckham and dropped him from a crucial match against Leeds United after Victoria Beckham was photographed at a London Fashion Week event when Brooklyn had gastroenteritis. Ferguson believed Victoria should have been at home looking after Brooklyn instead of David missing practice.

2000: Abuse from English supporters peaks during Euro 2000

In 2000, during England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, the abuse that David Beckham was receiving from English supporters peaked, when a group of England supporters taunted him throughout the match. Beckham responded by raising his middle finger.

April 2002: Injury During Champions League Match

On April 10, 2002, David Beckham broke the second metatarsal bone in his left foot during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Coruña. The injury prevented him from playing for Manchester United for the rest of the season. It was speculated that the injury may have been caused deliberately by Argentine Aldo Duscher, as England and Argentina were scheduled to play each other in the World Cup that year.

2002: Unable to Regain Place on Manchester United Team

In 2002, following an injury, David 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.

February 2003: Ferguson Kicks Boot at Beckham

On February 15, 2003, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot in the changing room following an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, which struck David Beckham over the eye, causing a cut that required stitches. This incident further strained their relationship and led to transfer speculation.

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.

July 2004: Intruder at Beckham Home

In July 2004, while David Beckham was in pre-season training, an intruder carrying a can of petrol scaled a wall at his home. Victoria and their children were present, but security apprehended the man before he reached the house.

2004: Affair Allegations

In 2004, Beckham faced allegations of extramarital affairs from his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos and model Sarah Marbeck, which he dismissed as "ludicrous."

2004: Beckham plays in Euro 2004

In 2004, David Beckham played in all of England's matches at Euro 2004. He had a penalty saved in England's opening 2–1 defeat to France and missed another in a penalty shootout in the quarter-final match against hosts Portugal, following a 2–2 draw.

October 2005: Beckham sent off against Austria

In October 2005, David Beckham's sending off against Austria made him the first England captain to be sent off and the first player to be sent off twice while playing for England.

October 2005: Beckham Receives Second Red Card for England

On 8 October 2005, Beckham received his second red card for England during a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Austria in Manchester.

December 2005: Third Sending-Off of the Season

On December 3, 2005, David Beckham was sent off for the third time that season in a league match against Getafe. The next day Vanderlei Luxemburgo was sacked.

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: 2006 World Cup Qualifier

In October 2005, Beckham was sent off in a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Austria in Manchester, marking his second red card for England.

January 2007: Uncertain Future at Real Madrid

On January 10, 2007, Real Madrid's sporting director announced that David Beckham would not remain at Real Madrid after the end of the season. After that he later claimed that he was mistranslated and that he actually said that Beckham's contract had not yet been renewed.

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.

August 2009: Red Card with LA Galaxy

On 15 August 2009, Beckham received his only red card while playing for LA Galaxy in a 2–0 home defeat to the Seattle Sounders in MLS.

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: 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.

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: Achilles Tendon Injury

In a game against Chievo in March 2010, David Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, causing him to miss the World Cup and the MLS season. He underwent surgery on 15 March 2010, in Turku, Finland.

August 2010: Capello unveils new England team

In August 2010, after a poor performance from England at the World Cup, Fabio Capello unveiled a new England team for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualification campaign. David Beckham was still unavailable for selection.

September 2010: Court Application Against In Touch Magazine

In September 2010, David Beckham announced a court application against Irma Nici and others over claims in In Touch magazine that he had sex with her. The application was later dismissed under US freedom of speech laws, and the magazine acknowledged the allegations were untrue.

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.

2012: Qualification campaign for the UEFA Euro 2012

In August 2010, Fabio Capello unveiled a new England team for the imminent UEFA Euro 2012 qualification campaign.

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.

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.

November 2018: Using Mobile Phone While Driving

On 21 November 2018, David Beckham was photographed using a mobile phone while driving, which led to a driving ban in May 2019.

May 2019: Driving Ban for Mobile Phone Use

On 9 May 2019, David Beckham was banned from driving for six months at Bromley Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to using a mobile phone while driving on 21 November 2018. He also received six points on his license and was fined.