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, 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

1995: Bought a four-bedroom house

In 1995, in his early Manchester United career, David Beckham lived in a four-bedroom house in Worsley that he bought directly from the property developer as a 20-year-old.

1997: Started Dating Victoria Adams

In 1997, David Beckham began dating Victoria Adams, also known as "Posh Spice" from the Spice Girls, after she attended a Manchester United match, marking the start of a high-profile relationship.

January 1998: Engagement to Victoria Adams

On 24 January 1998, David Beckham proposed to Victoria Adams, famously known as "Posh Spice" of the Spice Girls, in a restaurant in Cheshunt, England.

March 1999: Birth of Son, Brooklyn Joseph

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

July 1999: Marriage to Victoria Adams

On 4 July 1999, David Beckham married Victoria Adams at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland. The ceremony was officiated by the Bishop of Cork, Paul Colton, with Gary Neville as the best man and their son Brooklyn as the ring bearer. The event was covered exclusively by OK! Magazine.

1999: Tattoo Idea

In 1999, David Beckham got the idea to get tattoos after his son Brooklyn was born, following a conversation with Mel B and her then-husband, Jimmy Gulzar.

1999: Bought "Beckingham Palace"

In 1999, shortly after his wedding, David Beckham and Victoria Beckham bought a country house set in 24 acres (10 hectares) in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, which the media nicknamed "Beckingham Palace".

2000: Deterioration of Relationship with Ferguson

In 2000, the relationship between Alex Ferguson and David Beckham worsened. Ferguson fined Beckham for missing training to care for his son Brooklyn, after Victoria Beckham was seen at a fashion event. Beckham's good season was able to help Manchester United to win the Premier League title.

September 2002: Birth of Son, Romeo James

On 1 September 2002, David and Victoria Beckham's second son, Romeo James, was born in London.

2002: Beckham at the Commonwealth Games

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

July 2003: Completed Transfer to Real Madrid and Unveiling

On July 1, 2003, David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid was completed, making him the third Englishman to play for the club. On July 2, he was unveiled, and was handed the number 23 shirt, due to Raul owning number 7. According to an Adidas spokesman, anything with Beckham's name on it sold quickly.

2003: Transfer to Real Madrid

In 2003, Manchester United agreed to sell David Beckham to Barcelona, but he instead joined Real Madrid for €37 million on a four-year contract, becoming part of the Galácticos era.

January 2004: Sleeping Film Commission

In January 2004, artist Sam Taylor-Johnson recorded David Beckham sleeping in a hotel room in Madrid following a morning's 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, an intruder with a can of petrol was apprehended at his home while Victoria and their children were present.

February 2005: Birth of Son, Cruz David

On 20 February 2005, David and Victoria Beckham's third son, Cruz David, was born in Madrid.

January 2006: Named a judge for the 2006 British Book Awards

In January 2006, David Beckham was named a judge for the 2006 British Book Awards. Pérez resigned his post as president.

January 2007: Beckham to join LA Galaxy

In January 2007, it was confirmed that Beckham would leave Real Madrid after six months to join MLS side LA Galaxy, ending speculation about his new contract in Madrid. The official press conference was held with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.

January 2007: Possible Announcement of Beckham's Departure

On January 10, 2007, Real Madrid's sporting director Predrag Mijatović announced that Beckham would not remain at Real Madrid after the end of the season, although he later claimed that he was mistranslated.

January 2007: Signing with LA Galaxy

On January 11, 2007, David Beckham announced that he had signed a five-year deal to play for the LA Galaxy, beginning July 1, 2007. On January 13, Fabio Capello said that Beckham had played his last game for Real Madrid.

April 2007: Purchase of Beverly Hills Home

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

July 2007: Arrival in Los Angeles

In July 2007, the Beckhams arrived in Los Angeles. Victoria Beckham appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and a welcoming party was held at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, attended by A-list celebrities.

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2007: Alex Ferguson comments on Beckham's marriage

In 2007, Alex Ferguson commented on David Beckham's marriage in retrospect, stating that his life changed after marrying into the entertainment industry and becoming a big celebrity.

2008: Nickname "Golden Balls" Revealed

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

2009: Malaria No More UK Launch

In 2009, David Beckham co-founded of the 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, Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, causing him to miss the World Cup and the MLS season. He underwent surgery on March 15, 2010.

May 2010: Visit to Afghanistan

In May 2010, David Beckham visited Afghanistan for a morale-boosting visit to British troops fighting the Taliban insurgency, which reportedly 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.

May 2012: Visit to the White House

In May 2012, Beckham and his victorious teammates visited the White House, received by President Barack Obama.

2012: Beckham's last season

Following his 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: Beckham Announces Retirement

On May 16, 2013, David Beckham announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the French football season.

2013: Charity Donation

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

November 2014: Paddington Bear Statue Design

In November 2014, David Beckham designed a Paddington Bear statue which was later auctioned to raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

2014: Property Sale

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

2016: Bought in the Cotswolds

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

2016: Opposition to Brexit

During the 2016 EU referendum, David Beckham voiced his opposition to Brexit, stating that Britain should face the problems of the world together.

2018: Added 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 and have religious significance.

2020: Involvement in Beekeeping and Farming

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

2021: Beckham's Tattoos

As of 2021, David Beckham has over 65 tattoos covering much of his body, including names of his wife and sons. He views his tattoos as an expression of his feelings for his family.