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 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

1969: Parents' Marriage

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

May 1975: David Beckham's Birth

On May 2, 1975, David Robert Joseph Beckham was born at Whipps Cross University Hospital in Leytonstone, London, England, to Sandra Georgina and David Edward Alan "Ted" Beckham.

1986: Manchester United Mascot

In 1986, David Beckham served as a Manchester United mascot for a match against West Ham United.

1989: Manchester United Trophy Drought

In 1989, before Beckham joined the first team, Manchester United did not win a major trophy, which was the first time since 1989.

1995: Purchase of First Home in Worsley

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.

1997: Beginning of Relationship with Victoria Adams

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

January 1998: Engagement to Victoria Adams

On 24 January 1998, David Beckham proposed to Victoria Adams in a restaurant in Cheshunt, England. Their relationship attracted significant media attention, and they were dubbed "Posh and Becks."

March 1999: Birth of Son, Brooklyn Joseph

On 4 March 1999, David and Victoria Beckham's first son, Brooklyn Joseph, was born in London. Elton John and David Furnish are reportedly his godparents.

July 1999: Wedding to Victoria Adams

On 4 July 1999, David Beckham married Victoria Adams at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, with Gary Neville as the best man and their four-month-old son, Brooklyn, as the ring bearer. The wedding was a high-profile event with an exclusive deal with OK! Magazine.

1999: Inspiration for Tattoos

In 1999, David Beckham was inspired to get tattoos after his son Brooklyn was born, influenced by a conversation with Mel B and her then-husband, Jimmy Gulzar.

1999: Purchase of "Beckingham Palace"

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

1999: Marriage to Victoria Beckham

Since 1999, David Beckham has been married to Victoria Beckham.

September 2002: Birth of Son, Romeo James

On 1 September 2002, David and Victoria Beckham's second son, Romeo James, was born in London. Elton John and David Furnish are reportedly his godparents.

2002: Beckham escorts Kirsty Howard at Commonwealth Games opening ceremony

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.

2002: Hailed as 'Metrosexual'

In 2002, David Beckham was hailed as the ultimate "metrosexual" solidifying his image as a fashion icon.

January 2004: Sleeping Film

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

February 2005: Birth of Son, Cruz David

On 20 February 2005, David and Victoria Beckham's third son, Cruz David, was born in Madrid. He was later baptized Catholic at Holy Trinity, Chipping Norton, with Eva Longoria and Marc Anthony among his godparents.

January 2006: Pérez Resigns

In January 2006, Florentino Pérez resigned as president of Real Madrid, with Vicente Boluda named as his replacement on an interim basis until the end of the season.

2006: Turbulent Time at Real Madrid

In the summer of 2006, Real Madrid held presidential elections where Ramón Calderón became the new Real president. Beckham started only a few games at the beginning of the season.

April 2007: Purchase of Beverly Hills Home

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

July 2007: Arrival in Los Angeles

In July 2007, David and Victoria Beckham arrived in Los Angeles, met by paparazzi and news reporters. Victoria Beckham also appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and a welcoming party was held.

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2007: Alex Ferguson Speaks on Beckham's Marriage

In 2007, Alex Ferguson commented on how David Beckham's marriage to Victoria impacted his career, stating that his life was never the same after entering the entertainment scene.

2008: Victoria Reveals Nickname "Golden Balls"

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

March 2010: Achilles Tendon Injury

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

May 2010: Visit to Afghanistan

In May 2010, David Beckham visited Afghanistan to boost morale among British troops, which may have prompted a Taliban attack on Kandahar airfield.

July 2011: Birth of Daughter, Harper Seven

On 10 July 2011, David and Victoria Beckham's daughter, Harper Seven, was born in Los Angeles. She was later baptized Catholic at Holy Trinity, Chipping Norton, with Eva Longoria and Marc Anthony among her godparents.

2012: Decision to retire at the end of the 2012-13 season

Following David Beckham's decision to retire at the end of the 2012–13 season, Beckham was given 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: Retirement from Professional Football

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

May 2013: Beckham announces his retirement

On May 16, 2013, David Beckham announced that he would retire from professional football at the end of that year's French football season. For his final game, he received specially designed boots in the colours of the Union Jack, with the names of his wife and children stitched on them. On May 18, 2013, Beckham captained his final home game against Brest, assisting a goal and receiving a standing ovation when he was subbed off.

February 2014: Beckham Exercises Option to Buy MLS Expansion Team

On 5 February 2014, MLS announced that Beckham had exercised his option to buy an MLS expansion team for US$25 million, which was part of his contract with the LA Galaxy.

2014: Sale of "Beckingham Palace"

In 2014, David and Victoria Beckham sold their country house in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, nicknamed "Beckingham Palace" by the media.

2016: Opposition to Brexit

During the 2016 EU referendum, David Beckham voiced his opposition to Brexit.

2016: Purchase of Barn in the Cotswolds

In 2016, David Beckham and his family purchased a barn in the Cotswolds, which has since become a place where he is actively involved in beekeeping, animal husbandry, and farming since 2020.

January 2018: MLS Approves Beckham's Miami Team

In January 2018, MLS announced that Beckham's Miami-based team had been approved and would likely begin play in 2020, following delays in finalizing a stadium deal.

2018: Solar System Tattoo

In 2018, David Beckham added a tattoo of a solar system to the left side of his scalp.

January 2019: Beckham Becomes Part Owner of Salford City

In January 2019, it was announced that Beckham was set to join his Class of '92 teammates as part owner of English non-league club Salford City, acquiring 10% of the club, pending Football Association approval.

March 2020: Inter Miami Makes MLS Debut

On 1 March 2020, Club Internacional de Futbol Miami (Inter Miami) made its MLS debut, losing 1–0 away to Los Angeles.

2020: Involvement in Beekeeping, Animal Husbandry, and Farming

Since 2020, David Beckham has been actively involved in beekeeping, animal husbandry, and farming at their barn in the Cotswolds, which they bought in 2016.

2021: Beckham's Tattoo Collection

As of 2021, David Beckham had over 65 tattoos, including names of his family members. One tattoo of his wife's name in Devanagari script was misspelt.

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.

2022: Manchester City's Treble

In the 2022-23 season, Manchester City matched Manchester United's feat of winning the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League, which was previously unique in English football since the 1998-99 season.