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 ability, and free-kick expertise. Widely regarded as one of his generation's top midfielders and a premier free-kick specialist, he secured 19 major trophies throughout his career. Beckham stands out as the first English player to claim league titles across four nations: England, Spain, the United States, and France. He is currently 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: Opposition and Criticism

Despite David Beckham's achievements in the 1998–99 season, some opposition fans and journalists criticised him, including after his red card in the World Club Championship match against Necaxa.

1998: Notorious Red Card During 1998 World Cup

During the 1998 World Cup, Beckham received a notorious red card after kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone, who had fouled him. This moment became a significant controversy in his career.

1998: Rebuilding Reputation after 1998 World Cup

In 2008, Victoria Beckham praised David for rebuilding his reputation after the 1998 World Cup, where he received a red card. This marked a period of redemption in his career.

January 2000: Red Card in FIFA Club World Championship

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

2000: Falling Out with Ferguson

In 2000, Alex Ferguson fined David Beckham and dropped him from a crucial match against Leeds United after Victoria Beckham was photographed at a London Fashion Week event when Brooklyn had gastroenteritis. Ferguson believed Victoria should have been at home looking after Brooklyn instead of David missing practice.

2000: Abuse from English supporters peaks during Euro 2000

In 2000, during England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, the abuse that David Beckham was receiving from English supporters peaked, when a group of England supporters taunted him throughout the match. Beckham responded by raising his middle finger.

February 2003: Ferguson Kicks Boot at Beckham

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

January 2004: Red Card in Copa del Rey Match

On 21 January 2004, during his time at Real Madrid, Beckham received a red card 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, in order to serve his suspension during a match he would have missed due to injury anyway. Later that month, Beckham was sent off in a league match for Real Madrid against Valencia after sarcastically applauding the referee.

2004: Affair Allegations

In 2004, Beckham faced allegations of extramarital affairs from his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos and model Sarah Marbeck, which he 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: Beckham Receives Second Red Card for England

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

2006: 2006 World Cup Qualifier

In October 2005, Beckham was sent off in a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Austria in Manchester, marking his second red card for England.

August 2009: Red Card with LA Galaxy

On 15 August 2009, Beckham received his only 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 for the second leg of the match against Manchester United. Beckham was brought on as a substitute, receiving a positive reception from fans. After the match, he wore a green-and-gold scarf, a symbol of protest against the club owner, Malcolm Glazer, sparking controversy.

September 2010: Court Application Against In Touch Magazine

In September 2010, David Beckham announced a court application against Irma Nici and others over claims in In Touch magazine that he had sex with her. The application was later dismissed under US freedom of speech laws, and the magazine acknowledged the allegations were untrue.

April 2013: Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain

On 28 April 2013, 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 receiving a knighthood, due to concerns from the Honours Committee about his tax affairs.

2015: Ferguson Excludes Beckham from World-Class Player List

In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed to have coached only four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding Beckham from the list, which included Cantona, Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Scholes.

2015: Email Hack and Controversy

In 2015, personal emails from David Beckham were hacked and published, revealing his anger at not receiving a knighthood in 2013 and concerns about his tax affairs.

November 2018: Using Mobile Phone While Driving

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

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 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 the 2022 FIFA World Cup

In 2022, despite controversy surrounding Qatar's persecution of LGBT people, David Beckham became a brand ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, stating it would be a platform for progress.

2023: Release of Netflix Documentary "Beckham"

In 2023, the documentary "Beckham" was released on Netflix, reflecting on his career and the challenges, including the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos 20 years prior. Beckham acknowledged the difficulty of that period on his marriage.

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