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, 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.

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.

October 2004: Deliberate Foul and Suspension

On October 9, 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match against Wales to get himself booked and serve a suspension during an already missed match due to injury. He was later sent off in a Real Madrid match.

2004: Affair Allegations Surface

In 2004, newspapers published claims by David Beckham's former personal assistant, Rebecca Loos, alleging an extramarital affair between her and Beckham. Sarah Marbeck also claimed to have slept with Beckham. Beckham dismissed both claims 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 match against Austria in Manchester. This event contributed to his record of being the first England player to receive two red cards.

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.

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 March 10, 2010, Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the second leg of the tie. He was brought on as a substitute in the 64th minute, receiving a positive reception from the fans. After the match, he wore a green-and-gold scarf, an anti-Glazer symbol.

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.

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: Knighthood Rejection

In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not being granted a knighthood. The Honours Committee was concerned about his tax affairs, according to reports in 2015.

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.

2022: Brand Ambassador for 2022 FIFA World Cup

In 2022, David Beckham faced controversy for signing a deal with Qatar to become a brand ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, despite Qatar's persecution of LGBT people. Beckham stated the World Cup would be a platform for progress, inclusivity, and tolerance.

2023: Beckham Documentary Release

A documentary called "Beckham" was released in 2023 on Netflix, 20 years after the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos took place. Beckham addresses the difficulty of that period on his marriage.

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