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, a celebrated English former professional footballer, is currently the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Renowned for his exceptional passing range, crossing skills, and free-kick expertise, Beckham is recognized as one of his generation's best players and a Premier League icon. His distinguished career includes 19 major trophies, highlighted by being the first English player to secure league titles in four different nations: England, Spain, the United States, and France. His career solidified him as an all-time great.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1969: Marriage of Beckham's parents

In 1969, David Beckham's parents, Sandra Georgina (née West) and David Edward Alan 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, to Sandra Georgina (née West) and David Edward Alan "Ted" Beckham.

1986: Manchester United Mascot

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

1995: Bought house in Worsley

In 1995, at age 20, David Beckham bought a four-bedroom house in Worsley directly from the property developer.

1997: Started dating Victoria Adams

In 1997, David Beckham started dating Victoria Adams (Posh Spice) after she attended a Manchester United match, attracting significant media attention.

January 1998: Proposed to Victoria Adams

On 24 January 1998, David Beckham proposed to Victoria Adams in a restaurant in Cheshunt, England.

1998: Mentioned 1998 World Cup

David Beckham has obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Victoria praised him for rebuilding his reputation after the 1998 World Cup.

March 1999: Brooklyn Joseph Beckham born

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

July 1999: Married Victoria Adams

On 4 July 1999, David Beckham married Victoria Adams at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland, with his teammate Gary Neville as the best man and their four-month-old son, Brooklyn, as the ring bearer.

1999: Marriage to Victoria Beckham

In 1999, David Beckham married Victoria Beckham.

1999: Tattoo Ideas After Brooklyn's Birth

In 1999, after the birth of his son Brooklyn, David Beckham discussed tattoos with Mel B and Jimmy Gulzar. This conversation sparked the idea for Beckham to get tattoos as a form of self-expression and to show his feelings about his wife Victoria and his sons.

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1999: Bought 'Beckingham Palace'

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

September 2002: Romeo James Beckham born

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

2002: Hailed as the Ultimate Metrosexual

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

2002: Commonwealth Games

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

July 2003: Real Madrid's Far East Tour

In late July 2003, Real Madrid went on a tour of the Far East for pre-season training and to capitalize on Beckham's marketing appeal in Asia. The tour included games in Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok, resulting in financial success for the club.

July 2004: Intruder at Beckham Home

In July 2004, while David Beckham was in pre-season training, an intruder scaled a wall at the Beckham home with a can of petrol. Victoria and their children were home, but security apprehended the man.

February 2005: Cruz David Beckham born

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

April 2007: Purchase of Beverly Hills Home

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

July 2007: Arrival in Los Angeles and Welcoming Party

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

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2007: Alex Ferguson's Comments on Beckham's Marriage

In 2007, Alex Ferguson spoke about how David Beckham's marriage to Victoria impacted his career. Ferguson mentioned that Beckham's life changed after entering the entertainment scene due to his marriage.

2007: Option to buy MLS expansion team

In 2007, David Beckham received an option to buy a MLS expansion team for US$25 million as part of his contract with the LA Galaxy.

2008: Acquired nickname "Golden Balls"

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

2009: Launch of Malaria No More UK

In 2009, David Beckham became a founding member of the Malaria No More UK Leadership Council and helped launch the charity with Andy Murray at Wembley Stadium.

May 2010: Visit to British Troops in Afghanistan

In May 2010, David Beckham visited Afghanistan to boost the morale of British troops fighting the Taliban insurgency. His appearance, along with other British officials, reportedly prompted a Taliban attack on Kandahar airfield.

July 2011: Harper Seven Beckham born

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

2012: Specially Designed Boots

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.

January 2013: Medical with Paris Saint-Germain

In January 2013, Beckham underwent a medical with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a potential move. He signed a five-month deal and confirmed that his entire salary would be donated to a local children's charity.

May 2013: Retirement from professional football

In May 2013, David Beckham retired from professional football after a 20-year career, following a four-month period at Paris Saint-Germain.

May 2013: Retirement Announcement

On May 16, 2013, Beckham announced that he would retire from professional football at the end of that year's French football season. On May 18, 2013, Beckham was made captain in his final home game against Brest. PSG won the game 3–1.

2013: Donation of Paris Saint-Germain Salary to Charities

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

February 2014: Exercised 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.

November 2014: Paddington Bear Statue Design for Charity

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

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2014: Sold 'Beckingham Palace'

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

2014: Ownership of Inter Miami announced

In 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham and a group of investors would own Inter Miami.

March 2015: Social Media Ranking

In March 2015, David Beckham was ranked third in social media presence among sportspeople, with over 52 million Facebook fans. He also had over 80 million Instagram followers.

2015: GQ's 50 Best Dressed British Men

In 2015, David Beckham was named one of GQ's 50 best-dressed British men.

2016: Bought barn in the Cotswolds

David Beckham bought a barn in the Cotswolds in 2016.

2016: Opposition to Brexit

During the 2016 EU referendum, David Beckham voiced his opposition to Brexit, stating that for the sake of future generations, the world's problems should be faced together.

2016: Hoped to begin play in 2016 or 2017

The ownership group, led by Beckham, originally hoped the Miami-based team would begin play in 2016 or 2017.

2017: Hoped to begin play in 2016 or 2017

The ownership group, led by Beckham, originally hoped the Miami-based team would begin play in 2016 or 2017.

January 2018: MLS approved Miami team

In January 2018, MLS announced that David Beckham's Miami-based team had been approved and would likely begin play in 2020.

2018: Addition of Solar System Tattoo

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

January 2019: Joined Class of '92 as 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.

March 2020: Inter Miami MLS debut

On 1 March 2020, Inter Miami made its MLS debut with a 1–0 away loss to Los Angeles.

2020: Inter Miami begins playing

In 2020, Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, began playing.

2020: Involved 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.

2021: Beckham's Extensive Tattoo Collection in 2021

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. One tattoo of his wife's name on his left forearm in Devanagari script was unintentionally misspelt.

September 2022: Queued to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state

In September 2022, David Beckham queued for 12 hours to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state at Westminster Hall.

2022: Manchester City treble

In the 2022-23 season, Manchester City matched Manchester United's unique feat of winning the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League.