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, now president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Renowned for his exceptional passing range, crossing accuracy, and set-piece expertise, he is widely regarded as one of the best players of his era and a set-piece specialist. Beckham notably secured 19 major trophies during his career, achieving the unique distinction of being the only English player to win 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: Red Card in 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: World Cup Sending Off

In the 1998-99 season, there was speculation that criticism after being sent off in the World Cup would lead to David Beckham leaving England.

January 2000: Red Card in FIFA Club World Championship

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

2000: Abuse from English supporters during Euro 2000

During England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, Beckham faced abuse from English supporters despite setting up two goals. He responded by raising his middle finger, drawing both criticism and support from newspapers.

2000: Deterioration of relationship with Ferguson

In 2000, Alex Ferguson fined David Beckham for missing training to care for his son Brooklyn after Victoria Beckham attended a London Fashion Week event on the same night, leading to a strained relationship and Beckham being dropped for a match against Leeds United.

February 2003: Boot-throwing incident

On February 15, 2003, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot in the changing room after an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, which struck Beckham over the eye, causing a cut and leading to transfer speculation.

January 2004: Red Card in Copa del Rey Match

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: Intentional Foul and Sending Off

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

2004: Affair Allegations

In 2004, Rebecca Loos and Sarah Marbeck claimed to have had affairs with David Beckham, which he dismissed as "ludicrous".

October 2005: Beckham sent off against Austria

In October 2005, Beckham was sent off during a match against Austria, making him the first England captain to be sent off and the first player to be sent off twice 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 of the Season

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

2006: World Cup Qualifier

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

2007: Alex Ferguson Speculates on Beckham's Celebrity Status

In 2007, Alex Ferguson speculated that David Beckham's increasing celebrity status, particularly after his relationship with Victoria, had a negative impact on his playing career.

August 2009: Red Card with LA Galaxy

On 15 August 2009, David Beckham received his only red card with 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 tie. He came on as a substitute in the 64th minute to a positive reception. After the match, he draped a green-and-gold scarf around his neck, a symbol of protest against club owner Malcolm Glazer.

September 2010: Court Application Against Irma Nici Dismissed

In September 2010, David Beckham's court application against Irma Nici over claims in the magazine In Touch was dismissed under US freedom of speech laws, but the magazine later accepted the allegations were untrue.

April 2013: Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain

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

2013: Acting Skills Criticism

In 2013, British magazine Marketing Week criticized 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 had concerns about his tax affairs following input from the UK government department HMRC.

2015: Ferguson Excludes Beckham from World Class Players List

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

2015: Email Hack and Controversy

In 2015, a Portuguese company associated with Beckham's spokesman had their server hacked. Personal emails from Beckham were leaked, revealing his anger at not being granted a knighthood in 2013. Some of the published emails were confirmed to be genuine, while others were claimed to be doctored.

November 2018: Using Mobile Phone While Driving

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

May 2019: Driving Ban

In May 2019, David Beckham was banned from driving for six months after pleading guilty to using a mobile phone while driving in November 2018.

2022: Brand Ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar

In 2022, David Beckham signed a deal to become a brand ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which led to controversy due to Qatar's persecution of LGBT people. Beckham stated that the World Cup would be "[a platform for] progress, inclusivity and tolerance".

2023: Release of "Beckham" Documentary on Netflix

In 2023, the "Beckham" documentary was released on Netflix, addressing the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos and the challenges it posed to his marriage 20 years prior.

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