Early Life and Education of David Beckham: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of David Beckham, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

1969: Parents' Marriage

In 1969, David Beckham's parents, Sandra Georgina (née West) and David Edward Alan "Ted" Beckham, married in the London Borough of Hackney.

May 1975: David Beckham's Birth

In May 1975, David Robert Joseph Beckham was born at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone, London, England.

1986: Manchester United Mascot

In 1986, young David Beckham was a Manchester United mascot for a match against West Ham United.

1995: Purchase of First Home

In 1995, early in his Manchester United career, 20-year-old David Beckham bought a four-bedroom house in Worsley directly from the property developer, marking his first significant property purchase.

1997: Relationship with Victoria Adams Begins

In 1997, David Beckham started dating Victoria Adams, also known as "Posh Spice" of the Spice Girls, after she attended a Manchester United match. Their relationship immediately garnered significant media attention.

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January 1998: Engagement to Victoria Adams

On 24 January 1998, David Beckham proposed to Victoria Adams in a restaurant in Cheshunt, England. The couple, already known as "Posh and Becks" by the media, formalized their relationship.

March 1999: Birth of Brooklyn Joseph Beckham

On 4 March 1999, David and Victoria Beckham's first son, Brooklyn Joseph, was born in London.

July 1999: Wedding to Victoria Adams

On 4 July 1999, David Beckham married Victoria Adams at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland. Gary Neville served as the best man, and their infant son, Brooklyn, was the ring bearer. The wedding was estimated to have cost £500,000.

1999: Tattoo Idea After Brooklyn's Birth

In 1999, David Beckham got the idea to get tattoos after his son Brooklyn was born, following a conversation about tattoos with Mel B and her then-husband, Jimmy Gulzar. He views his tattoos as an expression of his feelings for his wife Victoria and his sons.

1999: Purchase of "Beckingham Palace"

In 1999, shortly after his wedding to Victoria, David Beckham and Victoria bought a country house set in 24 acres in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. The media nicknamed the property "Beckingham Palace."

September 2002: Birth of Romeo James Beckham

In September 2002, David and Victoria Beckham's second son, Romeo James, was born in London.

2002: Beckham escorts Kirsty Howard at Commonwealth Games

In 2002, David Beckham escorted Kirsty Howard as she presented the Jubilee Baton to the Queen at the opening ceremony of the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

January 2004: Sleeping Portrait by Sam Taylor-Johnson

In January 2004, artist Sam Taylor-Johnson recorded David Beckham sleeping in a Madrid hotel room after a morning training session with Real Madrid. The film was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery in London.

July 2004: Intruder at Beckham Home

In July 2004, while David Beckham was in pre-season training in Spain, an intruder with a can of petrol scaled a wall at his home while Victoria and their children were inside. Security guards apprehended the man before he reached the house.

February 2005: Birth of Cruz David Beckham

In February 2005, David and Victoria Beckham's third son, Cruz David, was born in Madrid.

January 2006: Pérez Resigns as President

In January 2006, Florentino Pérez resigned as president of Real Madrid.

2006: Ramón Calderón becomes the new Real president

In the summer of 2006, Ramón Calderón became the new president of Real Madrid.

April 2007: Purchase of Beverly Hills Home

In April 2007, David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham bought a US$18.2 million home on San Ysidro Drive in Beverly Hills.

July 2007: Arrival in Los Angeles and Welcome Party

In July 2007, David and Victoria Beckham's arrival in Los Angeles was met with significant media attention. Victoria appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and a private welcoming party was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art with A-list celebrities in attendance.

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2007: Alex Ferguson speaks about Beckham's marriage

In 2007, Alex Ferguson commented on David Beckham's marriage, stating that getting married into the entertainment scene changed Beckham's life and made football only a small part of his celebrity.

2007: Interview about Football Ambition

In a 2007 interview, David Beckham expressed his lifelong ambition to be a footballer.

2007: Contract with LA Galaxy

MLS announced in February 2014 that Beckham had exercised his option to buy an MLS expansion team for US$25 million, which he had received as part of the contract he signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007.

2008: Beckham expresses his desire to continue playing for England.

In 2008, Beckham had assisted in three of England's four total goals in those two games, and he stated his desire to continue to play for England after his move to Major League Soccer.

2008: Beckham's future with the England team

In 2008, England failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 Finals. Despite this, Beckham said that he had no plans to retire from international football and wanted to continue playing for the national team.

2008: Nickname "Golden Balls" Revealed

In 2008, Victoria Beckham revealed David Beckham's nickname, "Golden Balls", on national TV while praising him for rebuilding his reputation after the 1998 World Cup. Victoria used the nickname to praise David.

2009: Launch of Malaria No More UK

In 2009, David Beckham co-founded Malaria No More UK Leadership Council and helped launch the charity with Andy Murray at Wembley Stadium.

March 2010: Achilles tendon injury

In March 2010, during a game against Chievo, David Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, causing him to miss the World Cup. He underwent surgery in Turku, Finland, on 15 March 2010.

May 2010: Visit to British Troops in Afghanistan

In May 2010, David Beckham visited Afghanistan to boost the morale of British troops. His appearance, along with British Foreign Secretary William Hague and Defence Secretary Liam Fox, reportedly prompted a Taliban attack on Kandahar airfield.

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.

2010: Capello hints Beckham has a long-term future in his side

Ahead of crucial qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, on March 25, 2008, Capello hinted that Beckham had a long-term future in his side.

July 2011: Birth of Harper Seven Beckham

In July 2011, David and Victoria Beckham's daughter, Harper Seven, was born in Los Angeles.

May 2012: Visit to the White House

In May 2012, David Beckham and his teammates were received by President Barack Obama at the White House.

2012: Beckham's final season

In 2012, David Beckham decided to retire at the end of the 2012-13 season, after which he received specially designed boots in the colours of the Union Jack to wear in his final game. These boots had the names of his wife and children stitched on them.

May 2013: End of Playing Career

In May 2013, David Beckham's playing career came to an end. During his career he generated an estimated £1 billion in shirt and boot sales.

May 2013: Retirement from Professional Football

In May 2013, after a brief stint at Paris Saint-Germain, David Beckham retired from professional football after a 20-year career.

May 2013: Beckham announces his retirement

On May 16, 2013, David Beckham announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the French football season. He received specially designed Union Jack-themed boots with his family's names stitched on them for his final game, where he captained PSG against Brest on May 18, assisting a goal before being subbed off to a standing ovation in the 3-1 victory.

2013: Donation of Salary to Children's Charities

In 2013, David Beckham donated his entire £3.4 million salary from Paris Saint-Germain to two children's charities in France.

February 2014: Beckham Exercises Option to Buy MLS Expansion Team

On 5 February 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham had exercised his option to buy an MLS expansion team for US$25 million. This option was part of the contract he signed with the LA Galaxy in 2007, signaling his continued involvement in soccer after his playing career.

November 2014: Paddington Bear Statue Design

In November 2014, David Beckham designed a Paddington Bear statue which was one of fifty created by various celebrities. These statues were auctioned to raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

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2014: Sale of "Beckingham Palace"

In 2014, David Beckham and Victoria sold their country house in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, known as "Beckingham Palace".

2016: Opposition to Brexit

During the 2016 EU referendum, David Beckham publicly voiced his opposition to Brexit, stating his belief that the UK should face global problems together with other nations.

2016: Purchase of Cotswolds Barn

In 2016, David Beckham and Victoria Beckham bought a barn in the Cotswolds.

2016: Hope to begin play in 2016

In February 2014 MLS announced that Beckham exercised his option to buy a MLS expansion team and initially hoped the team would begin play in 2016.

2017: Hope to begin play in 2017

In February 2014 MLS announced that Beckham exercised his option to buy a MLS expansion team and originally hoped the Miami-based team would begin play in 2017.

January 2018: Approval of Miami MLS Team

In January 2018, MLS announced that David Beckham's Miami-based team had been approved, likely beginning play in 2020. This followed delays in securing a stadium deal after Beckham exercised his option to buy an MLS expansion team in February 2014.

November 2018: Guilty Plea for Mobile Phone Use While Driving

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

2018: Solar System Tattoo

In 2018, David Beckham added a tattoo of a solar system to the left side of his scalp, adding to his collection of tattoos that pay tribute to his daughter, Harper, and those with religious significance.

January 2019: Beckham Becomes Part Owner of Salford City

In January 2019, it was announced that David Beckham was set to join his Class of '92 teammates as part owner of English non-league club Salford City, taking 10% of the club previously held by Peter Lim. The Football Association approved him to become a director of the club on 31 January.

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.

March 2020: Inter Miami's MLS Debut

On 1 March 2020, Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, made its MLS debut with a 1–0 away loss to Los Angeles. This marked the culmination of efforts that began with Beckham exercising his option to buy an MLS expansion team in February 2014.

June 2020: Minority Owner of Guild Esports

In June 2020, David Beckham became a minority owner of the London-based esports organisation Guild Esports.

2020: Involvement in Beekeeping, Animal Husbandry, and Farming

Since 2020, David Beckham has been actively involved in beekeeping, animal husbandry, and farming at his barn in the Cotswolds, purchased in 2016.

June 2021: Stake in Vehicle Electrification Firm, Lunaz

In June 2021, David Beckham bought a 10% stake in vehicle electrification firm, Lunaz.

2021: Extensive Tattoo Collection

As of 2021, David Beckham has over 65 tattoos covering much of his body, including the names of his wife Victoria and his sons Romeo, Cruz, and Brooklyn. His wife's name, tattooed on his left forearm in the Devanagari script, was misspelt as "Vhictoria".

September 2022: Queueing to See Queen Elizabeth II Lying in State

In September 2022, David Beckham, a staunch monarchist, queued for 12 hours to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at Westminster Hall, demonstrating his respect for the monarchy.

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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