Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to David Beckham

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

David Beckham is a retired English professional footballer, celebrated for his exceptional passing range, crossing skills, and free-kick expertise. Recognized as one of the best players of his era and in Premier League history, he secured 19 major trophies and distinguished himself as the first English player to clinch league titles in four nations: England, Spain, the United States, and France. Currently, he is 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

1998: Unpopularity among Opposition Fans

Despite his achievements in the 1998–99 season, David Beckham was still unpopular among some opposition fans and journalists.

1998: Red Card Incident in 1998 World Cup

During the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham received a red card after kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone, following a foul. This was one of Beckham's most notorious moments of indiscipline.

January 2000: Red Card in FIFA Club World Championship

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

2000: Feud with Alex Ferguson

In 2000, Alex Ferguson fined David Beckham for missing training to care for his son Brooklyn, who had gastroenteritis, after Victoria Beckham was photographed at a London Fashion Week event on the same night. Ferguson dropped Beckham for a crucial match against Leeds United and criticised him in his autobiography. Despite this, Beckham had a good season, helping United win the Premier League.

2000: Abuse towards Beckham during Euro 2000

In 2000, During England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, Beckham responded to abuse from English supporters by raising his middle finger. While the gesture attracted criticism, newspapers asked their readers to stop abusing him.

February 2003: Argument with Alex Ferguson

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

January 2004: Red Card in Copa del Rey

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.

October 2004: Admission of Intentional Fouling

In October 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match against Wales to get himself booked, aiming to serve a suspension during a match he would have missed due to injury. He also received a red card in a league match for sarcastically applauding the referee, though the suspension was later cancelled on appeal.

2004: Extramarital Affair Allegations

In 2004, various newspapers published claims by David Beckham's former personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, that they had engaged in an extramarital affair. Sarah Marbeck also claimed to have slept with Beckham on two occasions, both of which Beckham dismissed as "ludicrous".

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 against Austria in Manchester. This contributed to a perception of indiscipline at times during his career.

2006: World Cup Qualifier

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

August 2009: Red Card with LA Galaxy

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

September 2010: 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. His court application was dismissed, and the magazine later accepted that the allegations were untrue.

April 2013: Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain

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

2013: Knighthood Controversy

In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not being granted a knighthood. The Honours Committee was allegedly concerned about his tax affairs based on input from HMRC, a UK government department.

2015: Ferguson Excludes Beckham from World-Class Player List

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

2015: Email Hack and Publication

In 2015, a Portuguese company associated with David Beckham's spokesman was hacked, resulting in the publication of his personal emails by Germany's Der Spiegel and France's L'Equipe. The reports detailed his anger at not receiving a knighthood in 2013 and concerns over his tax affairs. Beckham's team confirmed some emails were genuine but claimed others were doctored.

November 2018: Guilty Plea for Mobile Phone Use While Driving

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

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 previously pleading guilty to using a mobile phone while driving on 21 November 2018. He also received six points on his license and was fined £750.

2022: Brand Ambassador for 2022 FIFA World Cup

In 2022, David Beckham faced controversy for signing a deal with Qatar (which persecutes LGBT people) to become a brand ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Beckham stated that the World Cup would be "[a platform for] progress, inclusivity and tolerance".

2023: Release of Beckham Documentary

In 2023, a documentary called "Beckham" was released on Netflix, 20 years after the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos. David Beckham did not deny the affair but acknowledged the period's difficulty on his marriage.

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