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, now president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Renowned for his exceptional passing range, crossing accuracy, and set-piece expertise, he is widely regarded as one of the best players of his era and a set-piece specialist. Beckham notably secured 19 major trophies during his career, achieving the unique distinction of being the only English player to win league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.

Sections (6)

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

May 1993: FA Youth Cup Final Loss

In May 1993, Beckham played in the FA Youth Cup final against Leeds United, where Manchester United lost 4–1 on aggregate.

1998: Unpopularity among opposition fans

Despite his achievements in the 1998-99 season, David Beckham was still unpopular among some opposition fans and journalists, and he was criticised after being sent off for a deliberate foul in Manchester United's World Club Championship match against Necaxa.

1998: Red Card in 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: World Cup Sending Off

In the 1998-99 season, there was speculation that criticism after being sent off in the World Cup would lead to David Beckham leaving England.

January 2000: Red Card in FIFA Club World Championship

On 6 January 2000, David Beckham received his only red card with Manchester United in the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship against Necaxa.

2000: Abuse from English supporters during Euro 2000

During England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, Beckham faced abuse from English supporters despite setting up two goals. He responded by raising his middle finger, drawing both criticism and support from newspapers.

2000: Deterioration of relationship with Ferguson

In 2000, Alex Ferguson fined David Beckham for missing training to care for his son Brooklyn after Victoria Beckham attended a London Fashion Week event on the same night, leading to a strained relationship and Beckham being dropped for a match against Leeds United.

April 2002: Injury During Champions League Match

On April 10, 2002, David Beckham suffered a broken metatarsal in his left foot during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Coruña, sparking media speculation about foul play due to the upcoming England-Argentina World Cup match.

2002: Loss of place in Manchester United team

In 2002, following an early season injury, David Beckham was unable to regain his place in the Manchester United team, due to the rise of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

February 2003: Boot-throwing incident

On February 15, 2003, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot in the changing room after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, which struck Beckham over the eye, causing a cut and leading to transfer speculation.

January 2004: Red Card in Copa del Rey Match

On 21 January 2004, while playing for Real Madrid, David 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 petrol scaled a wall at the Beckham home in Spain while Victoria and their children were present, but security apprehended the man before he reached the house.

October 2004: Intentional Foul and Sending Off

In October 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match to get booked and serve a suspension during a match he would miss due to injury. He was later sent off in a Real Madrid match against Valencia, though the suspension was cancelled on appeal.

2004: Beckham at Euro 2004

During Euro 2004, Beckham played in all of England's matches. He missed penalties against France and Portugal, contributing to England's quarter-final exit.

October 2005: Beckham sent off against Austria

In October 2005, Beckham was sent off during a match against Austria, making him the first England captain to be sent off and the first player to be sent off twice for England.

October 2005: Second Red Card for England

On 8 October 2005, David Beckham received his second red card for England in 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 following day, Luxemburgo was sacked and replaced by Juan Ramón López Caro.

2005: Real Madrid finished second to Barcelona

Real Madrid finished second to Barcelona in the 2005 La Liga.

August 2006: Beckham dropped from England squad

On August 11, 2006, Beckham was dropped from the England national team by new coach Steve McClaren, who cited a desire to go in a 'different direction' with the team.

2006: World Cup Qualifier

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

January 2007: Announcement of Beckham's departure

On January 10, 2007, Real Madrid's sporting director Predrag Mijatović announced that Beckham would not remain at Real Madrid after the end of the season.

2008: England fails to qualify for Euro 2008 Finals

In 2008, England failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 Finals. Despite this, Beckham expressed his desire to continue playing for the national team.

August 2009: Red Card with LA Galaxy

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

November 2009: MLS Cup Final Loss

On 22 November 2009, the LA Galaxy, with Beckham as a key player, lost the MLS Cup final to Real Salt Lake in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw. Beckham scored in the shootout.

March 2010: Beckham ruled out of 2010 FIFA World Cup

In March 2010, Beckham suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, ruling him out of selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

March 2010: Achilles Tendon Injury

In March 2010, during a game against Chievo, Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, ruling him out of the World Cup and the MLS season. Surgery was performed on 15 March 2010, by Doctor Sakari Orava in Turku, Finland.

August 2010: Capello unveils new England team, Beckham's future uncertain

In August 2010, after England's poor performance at the World Cup, Fabio Capello unveiled a new team. Beckham was unavailable for selection and Capello indicated that he needed new players for the future, suggesting Beckham might be selected for one last friendly game.

September 2010: Court Application Against Irma Nici Dismissed

In September 2010, David Beckham's court application against Irma Nici over claims in the magazine In Touch was dismissed under US freedom of speech laws, but the magazine later accepted the allegations were untrue.

2012: Beckham named in Olympic provisional squad, not selected for final 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 by manager Stuart Pearce.

2012: Beckham's agent reiterates position

In August 2010, Beckham's 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, with euro 2012 coming.

April 2013: Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain

On 28 April 2013, David Beckham received one red card while at Paris Saint-Germain in a match against Evian.

2013: Acting Skills Criticism

In 2013, British magazine Marketing Week criticized David Beckham's "somewhat limited acting skills".

2013: Knighthood Controversy

In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not being granted a knighthood. The Honours Committee had concerns about his tax affairs following input from the UK government department HMRC.

2015: Email Hack and Controversy

In 2015, a Portuguese company associated with Beckham's spokesman had their server hacked. Personal emails from Beckham were leaked, revealing his anger at not being granted a knighthood in 2013. Some of the published emails were confirmed to be genuine, while others were claimed to be doctored.