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 celebrated former English professional footballer, currently the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Renowned for his exceptional passing range, crossing ability, and free-kick expertise as a right winger, he's considered among the greatest midfielders of his era and a top free-kick specialist. Beckham notably won 19 major trophies and stands as the first English player to secure league titles across four countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.
1989: United Without a Major Trophy
In 1989, Manchester United failed to win a major trophy for the first time since 1989.
1998: Aftermath of the 1998 World Cup
After the 1998 World Cup, Beckham faced immense criticism following his red card incident, but in the years that followed, he worked to rebuild his reputation both on and off the field, showcasing resilience and determination.
1998: Unpopularity Among Opposition Fans
Despite his achievements in the 1998 season, Beckham was still unpopular among some opposition fans and journalists.
1998: Beckham's Red Card Incident in 1998 World Cup
During the 1998 World Cup, Beckham received a notorious red card after kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone after being fouled, leading to significant media scrutiny and criticism. This event in 1998 marked a low point in his early career.
1998: Speculation About Leaving England
In 1998, there was speculation that Beckham would leave England after being sent off in the World Cup.
January 2000: Beckham's Red Card with Manchester United
On January 6, 2000, Beckham received his only red card while playing for Manchester United during the FIFA Club World Championship match against Necaxa, adding to his disciplinary record.
2000: Disagreement with Ferguson and fine
In 2000, David Beckham was fined and dropped from a crucial match after Alex Ferguson was angered by Victoria Beckham's attendance at a London Fashion Week event, despite David being given permission to miss training to care for his sick son. Ferguson felt David should have been able to train if Victoria had taken care of their son that day.
April 2002: Injury during Champions League match
In April 2002, David Beckham suffered a broken metatarsal bone in his left foot during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Coruña, leading to speculation and preventing him from playing for Manchester United for the rest of the season. There was speculation that the injury might have been caused deliberately.
2002: Loss of place on Manchester United Team
After an early injury in 2002, David Beckham was unable to regain his place on the Manchester United team.
February 2003: Alex Ferguson boot incident
In February 2003, tensions between David Beckham and Alex Ferguson escalated after Ferguson kicked a boot that struck Beckham in the face, causing a cut that required stitches, following an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal.
January 2004: Beckham's Red Card in Copa del Rey
On January 21, 2004, while playing for Real Madrid, Beckham received a red card in a Copa del Rey match against Valencia in Madrid, contributing to his disciplinary record with the club.
July 2004: Intruder at Beckham home
In July 2004, while David Beckham was in pre-season training, an intruder carrying petrol scaled the wall at his family home in Spain while Victoria and their children were present. Security apprehended the intruder before he reached the house.
October 2004: Admission of Intentional Foul
In October 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match against Wales to get himself booked, serving a suspension in a match he was already set to miss due to injury. He also received a red card in a league match.
2004: Extramarital Affair Allegations
In 2004, Beckham faced allegations of an extramarital affair with his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos, and later with model Sarah Marbeck, both of which he dismissed as "ludicrous."
December 2005: Third Sending Off of the Season
In December 2005, David Beckham received his third red card of the season during a league match against Getafe. A day later, Vanderlei Luxemburgo was sacked as head coach.
August 2006: Dropped from England Squad
In August 2006, after the World Cup, 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: Turbulent time for Real Madrid
The summer of 2006 marked a turbulent time for Real Madrid with presidential elections held and Ramón Calderón becoming the new president.
January 2007: Real Madrid announces Beckham will not remain at Real Madrid
In January 2007, Real Madrid's sporting director announced that David Beckham would not remain at Real Madrid after the end of the season. He later claimed that he was mistranslated and that he actually said that Beckham's contract had not yet been renewed.
2007: Ferguson Speculated on Beckham's Celebrity Status Impact
In 2007, Alex Ferguson speculated that Beckham's increasing celebrity status, particularly due to his relationship with Victoria, had a negative impact on his playing career, questioning the balance between fame and performance.
November 2009: Galaxy lose to Real Salt Lake in MLS Cup Final
In November 2009, the LA Galaxy, with David Beckham, lost to Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final after a penalty shoot-out following a 1–1 draw. Beckham scored in the shootout.
2009: Closure Announcement of David Beckham Academy
In late 2009, it was announced that both the London and Los Angeles locations of the David Beckham Academy would close, ending Beckham's venture into football education and training.
March 2010: Achilles Tendon Rupture
In March 2010, a ruptured Achilles tendon ruled Beckham out of selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
March 2010: Beckham suffers torn Achilles tendon
In March 2010, during a game against Chievo, David Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, causing him to miss the World Cup and the MLS season. Surgery was performed on March 15, 2010, in Turku, Finland.
August 2010: Capello's Decision to Exclude Beckham
In August 2010, after England's performance at the World Cup, manager Fabio Capello indicated that Beckham was not part of his plans for the future of the England team, suggesting he needed new players in Beckham's position.
September 2010: Beckham's Court Application Against Irma Nici
In September 2010, Beckham announced a court application against prostitute Irma Nici and others over claims he had sex with her. While his application was dismissed initially, the magazine later admitted the allegations were false, clarifying Beckham's reputation.
2012: Exclusion from Great Britain Olympic Team
In 2012, Beckham was named in the provisional squad for the Great Britain Olympic football team but was not included in the final selection.
April 2013: Beckham's Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain
On April 28, 2013, Beckham received a red card while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a match against Evian, marking one of the few disciplinary incidents during his time with the club.
2013: Beckham Not Granted Knighthood
In 2013, Beckham was not granted a knighthood, leading to frustration and discussions about his tax affairs, as revealed in leaked emails from 2015.
2015: Ferguson Excludes Beckham from World Class Players List
In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed he had only coached four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding Beckham from the list and sparking debate about Beckham's standing among football legends.
2015: Hack and Leak of Beckham's Personal Emails
In 2015, a Portuguese company associated with Beckham's spokesman had their server hacked, leading to the publication of Beckham's personal emails which revealed his anger at not receiving a knighthood in 2013 and concerns about his tax affairs.
November 2018: Beckham Used Mobile Phone While Driving
On November 21, 2018, Beckham was caught using a mobile phone while driving in "slowly moving" traffic, leading to legal consequences including a driving ban and a fine in May 2019.
May 2019: Beckham Banned from Driving
In May 2019, Beckham was banned from driving for six months at Bromley Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to using a mobile phone while driving in November 2018, resulting in six points on his license and a fine.
2023: Release of 'Beckham' Documentary on Netflix
In 2023, a documentary called Beckham was released on Netflix, revisiting the 2004 allegations of an affair with Rebecca Loos and showing how that period affected his marriage with Victoria.
