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, crossing, and set-piece skills. He is the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Beckham is recognized as one of the best players of his generation and a set-piece specialist. He won 19 major trophies throughout his career, achieving the distinction of being the first English player to secure 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

1998: Criticism after World Club Championship

Despite Beckham's achievements in the 1998–99 season, he 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 during the 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: Criticism After World Cup Red Card

In 1998, after being sent off in the World Cup, David Beckham received criticism that led to speculation about his departure from England, but he ultimately decided to stay at Manchester United.

January 2000: Red card in the 2000 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: Abuse from English supporters peaks during Euro 2000

In 2000, during England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, David Beckham was taunted by England supporters, leading him to respond with a middle finger gesture.

February 2003: Ferguson Kicks Boot at Beckham

On February 15, 2003, following a defeat to Arsenal, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot in the changing room that struck David Beckham over the eye, causing a cut that required stitches. This incident further strained their relationship and fueled transfer rumors.

January 2004: Red card in Copa del Rey match

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

October 2004: Beckham Admits Intentional Foul

On October 9, 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match against Wales to get himself booked, in order to serve a suspension during a match he would miss due to injury. He was also sent off in a Real Madrid match against Valencia, though the suspension was later cancelled on appeal.

2004: Allegations of extramarital affair

In 2004, Rebecca Loos and Sarah Marbeck claimed they had affairs with David Beckham, who dismissed the claims as ludicrous.

October 2005: Beckham sent off against Austria

In October 2005, David Beckham was sent off against Austria, making 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 match against Austria in Manchester.

2006: Holding the record for the most red cards for England

In 2006, David Beckham held the record for the most red cards for England at international level, along with Wayne Rooney.

2007: Ferguson's speculation on Beckham's celebrity status

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

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.

March 2010: Return to Old Trafford

On 10 March 2010, Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the second leg of the match against Manchester United. He came on as a substitute in the 64th minute and received a positive reception from the fans. Following the match, he aroused controversy by wearing a green-and-gold scarf, a symbol of protest against club owner Malcolm Glazer.

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 under US freedom of speech laws, and the magazine later accepted that the allegations against Beckham were untrue.

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: Acting Skills Critique

In 2013, British magazine Marketing Week wrote of 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 was also concerned about his tax affairs based on input from the UK government department HMRC.

2015: Ferguson's comment on 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.

November 2018: Using mobile phone while driving

On 21 November 2018, David Beckham used a mobile phone while driving, which led to a driving ban in May 2019.

May 2019: Driving ban for using mobile phone

In May 2019, David Beckham was banned from driving for six months at Bromley Magistrates Court for using a mobile phone while driving. He was also fined £750 and ordered to pay additional costs.

2023: Release of Netflix documentary "Beckham"

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

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