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, 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 expertise in set-pieces, he's considered among the best of his generation. Beckham notably won 19 major trophies and remains the only English player to have secured league titles across 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

1998: Notorious Red Card Incident

During the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham received a red card after kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone, following a foul. This incident became one of the most controversial moments in his career.

January 2000: Red Card in 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.

2000: Beckham abused by supporters at Euro 2000

During England's 3-2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, David Beckham was taunted by a group of England supporters, leading him to respond with a middle finger gesture. The abuse was widely criticized, and many newspapers urged readers to stop abusing him.

2000: Deterioration of Relationship with Ferguson

In 2000, the relationship between Alex Ferguson and David Beckham worsened. Ferguson fined Beckham for missing training to care for his son Brooklyn, after Victoria Beckham was seen at a fashion event. Beckham's good season was able to help Manchester United to win the Premier League title.

April 2002: Injury During Champions League Match

On April 10, 2002, David Beckham fractured the second metatarsal bone in his left foot during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Coruña. This injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season, preventing him from playing for United.

2002: Loss of place on Manchester United team

Following an injury early in the 2002-2003 season, Beckham was unable to regain his place on the Manchester United team.

February 2003: Ferguson throws boot at Beckham

On February 15, 2003, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot that struck Beckham over the eye, causing a cut that required stitches, after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal. This worsened their already deteriorated relationship.

January 2004: Red Card in Copa del Rey

On 21 January 2004, David Beckham received a red card while playing for Real Madrid 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 with a can of petrol was apprehended at his home while Victoria and their children were present.

2004: Beckham plays in Euro 2004

In 2004, David Beckham played in all of England's matches at Euro 2004. He missed a penalty in the quarter-final shootout against Portugal, which England lost.

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: Second Red Card for England

On 8 October 2005, David Beckham received his second red card for England during a 2006 World Cup qualifier match against Austria in Manchester. This event contributed to his record of being the first England player to receive two red cards.

December 2005: Third Sending Off and Coaching Changes

On December 3, 2005, David Beckham was sent off for the third time that season in a league match against Getafe. Luxemburgo was sacked and was replaced by Juan Ramón López Caro.

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, who cited a desire to go in a different direction with the team.

2006: Beckham dropped from the England squad

In 2006, Beckham had gone from being dropped completely from the England squad to being reinstated (though temporarily) as England captain.

2007: Ferguson Speculates on Beckham's Celebrity Impact

In 2007, Alex Ferguson speculated that David Beckham's increasing celebrity status, particularly after his relationship with Victoria, negatively impacted his playing career.

2008: England fails to qualify for Euro 2008

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 a red card while playing for LA Galaxy in a 2–0 home defeat to the Seattle Sounders in MLS.

November 2009: Loss at the MLS Cup Final

On November 22, 2009, the Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake by 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw in the MLS Cup final. Beckham scored in the shootout.

March 2010: Achilles tendon injury

In March 2010, Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, causing him to miss the World Cup and the MLS season. He underwent surgery on March 15, 2010.

August 2010: Capello unveils a new team for England

In August 2010, Fabio Capello unveiled a new team for England, indicating that David Beckham, now 35, may not have a future in competitive matches for England. Capello suggested Beckham might be selected for one last friendly game at Wembley.

September 2010: Court Application Against Irma Nici

In September 2010, David Beckham initiated a court application against Irma Nici and others regarding claims in In Touch magazine that he had engaged in sexual activity with her. The court application was later dismissed, and the magazine retracted the allegations.

2012: Beckham not selected for 2012 Olympics

In 2012, David Beckham was not included in the final selection for the Great Britain Olympic football team, despite being named in the provisional squad. He was ten caps short of the record number of 125 caps by goalkeeper Peter Shilton.

April 2013: Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain

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

2013: Acting Skills

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

2015: Ferguson's World-Class Player Assessment

In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed he had only coached four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding David Beckham from the list. The players he included were Cantona, Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo and Scholes.

2015: Email Hack and Controversy

In 2015, a Portuguese company associated with David Beckham's spokesman had their server hacked, leading to the publication of personal emails by Der Spiegel and L'Equipe. The reports indicated Beckham's anger at not receiving a knighthood in 2013 and concerns about his tax affairs.

November 2018: Guilty of Using Mobile Phone While Driving

On 21 November 2018, David Beckham used a mobile phone while driving and was photographed by a member of the public.

May 2019: Driving Ban Imposed

In May 2019, David Beckham was banned from driving for six months by 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.