Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to David Beckham

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving David Beckham.

David Beckham, a celebrated English former professional footballer, is currently the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Renowned for his exceptional passing range, crossing skills, and free-kick expertise, Beckham is recognized as one of his generation's best players and a Premier League icon. His distinguished career includes 19 major trophies, highlighted by being the first English player to secure league titles in four different nations: England, Spain, the United States, and France. His career solidified him as an all-time great.

Sections (6)

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

January 2000: Red card against Necaxa

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: Abuse and Response in Euro 2000

During England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, Beckham was taunted by a group of England supporters. Beckham responded by raising his middle finger.

February 2003: Alex Ferguson Kicks Boot at Beckham

On February 15, 2003, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot at David Beckham in the changing room after an FA Cup defeat, causing a cut that required stitches. This incident led to transfer speculation.

January 2004: Red card against Valencia

On 21 January 2004, David Beckham received a red card in a Copa del Rey match against Valencia while playing for Real Madrid.

October 2004: Admission of Intentional Foul and Sending Off

On October 9, 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match to get himself booked. He was later sent off in a league match for Real Madrid against Valencia, though the suspension was cancelled on appeal.

2004: Extramarital affair allegations

In 2004, David Beckham faced allegations of extramarital affairs from Rebecca Loos and Sarah Marbeck, which he dismissed as "ludicrous".

October 2005: Sending Off Against Austria

In October 2005, 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 in a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Austria in Manchester.

December 2005: Third Sending Off and Luxemburgo's Sacking

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

2006: 2006 World Cup Qualifier

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

August 2009: Red card against Seattle Sounders

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.

March 2010: Return to Old Trafford

On 10 March 2010, David Beckham returned to Old Trafford, playing against Manchester United. He came on as a substitute and received a positive reception. After the match, he wore a green-and-gold scarf, seen as a symbol against club owner Malcolm Glazer, but Beckham stated that protests are not his business.

September 2010: Filed court application against In Touch magazine

In September 2010, David Beckham announced that he was making a court application against prostitute Irma Nici and several others over claims in the magazine In Touch that he had sex with her.

April 2013: Red card against Evian

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

2013: Knighthood Rejection and Tax Concerns

In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not being granted a knighthood, with the Honours Committee expressing concerns about his tax affairs following input from HMRC.

2015: Ferguson excluded Beckham from list of world-class players

In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed he had only coached four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding David Beckham from the list.

2015: Email Hack and Knighthood Controversy

In 2015, personal emails from David Beckham were hacked from a Portuguese company's server. Der Spiegel and L'Equipe published details revealing Beckham's anger at not receiving a knighthood in 2013 and concerns from the Honours Committee about his tax affairs.

November 2018: Used mobile phone while driving

On 21 November 2018, David Beckham was caught using a mobile phone while driving.

May 2019: Banned from driving

On 9 May 2019, David Beckham was banned from driving for six months for using a mobile phone while driving in November 2018.

2022: Brand Ambassador for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

In 2022, David Beckham faced controversy for becoming a brand ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a country known for persecuting LGBT people. Beckham stated that the World Cup would be a platform for progress, inclusivity, and tolerance.

2023: Beckham documentary released on Netflix

In 2023, a documentary called 'Beckham' was released on Netflix, 20 years after the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos took place. In it, Beckham stated how hard that general period was on his marriage.

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