History of David Beckham in Timeline
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.
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.
1989: Manchester United trophy drought
In 1989, Manchester United failed to win a major trophy, ending a period of success.
1990: Under-15 Player of the Year
In 1990, David Beckham was named Under-15 Player of the Year while playing for Brimsdown Rovers' youth team.
July 1991: Signs Youth Training Scheme contract
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed a Youth Training Scheme contract with Manchester United.
July 1991: Signs as a trainee for Manchester United
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed as a trainee for Manchester United and was coached by Eric Harrison.
April 1992: Scored in FA youth cup
On April 14, 1992, David Beckham scored in the first leg of the FA Youth Cup final against Crystal Palace.
May 1992: FA Youth Cup win
In May 1992, David Beckham helped Manchester United win the FA Youth Cup.
September 1992: First-team debut
On September 23, 1992, David Beckham made his first-team debut for Manchester United as a substitute in a League Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
1992: First-team debut for Manchester United
In 1992, at the age of 17, David Beckham made his first-team debut for Manchester United.
January 1993: Signs as a professional
On January 23, 1993, David Beckham signed as a professional with Manchester United.
May 1993: FA Youth Cup final against Leeds United
In May 1993, David Beckham played in both legs of the FA Youth Cup final against Leeds United, which Manchester United lost 4-1 on aggregate.
September 1994: First full appearance
In September 1994, David Beckham made his first full appearance for Manchester United's first team against Port Vale in a League Cup fixture.
December 1994: UEFA Champions League debut
On December 7, 1994, David Beckham made his UEFA Champions League debut, scoring a goal in a 4–0 victory against Galatasaray.
1994: Loan to Preston North End
In 1994, David Beckham was loaned to Preston North End to gain first-team experience.
1994: Youth team players brought into United
In 1994, Sir Alex Ferguson brought youth team players into United, including Beckham.
April 1995: Premier League debut
On April 2, 1995, David Beckham made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in a goalless draw against Leeds 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.
August 1996: Spectacular goal against Wimbledon
On August 17, 1996, David Beckham scored a spectacular goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon, leading to widespread recognition.
September 1996: England debut
On September 1, 1996, David Beckham made his debut for the England national team at the age of 21.
1996: Automatic first-choice player at Manchester United
During the 1996-97 season, David Beckham became an automatic first-choice player at Manchester United and helped the team retain the Premier League title.
1996: Goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon
In 1996, David Beckham scored a goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.
1997: Brylcreem Endorsement
In 1997, David Beckham secured a £4 million endorsement deal with Brylcreem, a British hair styling brand, which led to his appearance in UK commercials.
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.
1997: PFA Young Player of the Year award
In 1997, David Beckham was voted PFA Young Player of the Year.
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.
1998: Appearance at the FIFA World Cup
In 1998, David Beckham appeared at the FIFA World Cup.
1998: Staying at Manchester United
In 1998, David Beckham stayed at Manchester United despite speculation about leaving England.
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: UEFA Champions League Final win
In 1999, David Beckham played in central midfield in Manchester United's win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final, providing crucial assists from corners.
1999: UEFA Champions League win with Manchester United
In 1999, David Beckham won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United.
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.
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.
1999: Potential Transfer to Juventus
In 1999, there were discussions about David Beckham potentially transferring to Juventus in Italy, but the transfer never materialized.
January 2000: Red card against Necaxa
On 6 January 2000, David Beckham received a red card while playing for Manchester United in the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship against Necaxa.
November 2000: Promotion to England Team Captain
On November 15, 2000, Beckham was promoted to team captain of England by caretaker manager Peter Taylor, following Kevin Keegan's resignation as manager in October. He then kept the role under new manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.
2000: Premier League Title Retention
In 2000, David Beckham played a key role in helping Manchester United retain the Premier League title, winning by an 18-point margin. Beckham scored five goals in the final 11 league games, including a goal against Tottenham Hotspur.
2000: Appearance at the UEFA European Championship
In 2000, David Beckham played at the UEFA European Championship.
2000: Key Player in League Title
In 2000, David Beckham was a key player in Manchester United's third successive league title. He scored nine Premier League goals and had the most assists in the league with 12.
2000: Deterioration of relationship with Ferguson
In 2000, the relationship between Alex Ferguson and David Beckham began to deteriorate due to Beckham's fame and commitments. Ferguson fined Beckham for missing training to look after his son Brooklyn, after Victoria Beckham attended London Fashion Week. Beckham still contributed to United winning the Premier League that year.
2001: Runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year
In 2001, David Beckham was runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year.
2001: Best Season as a Player
The 2001 season was one of David Beckham's best seasons as a United player; he scored 16 goals in all competitions, the best of his career.
April 2002: Injury During Champions League Match
On April 10, 2002, David Beckham sustained an injury during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Coruña, breaking his left foot. He signed a three-year contract with Manchester United in May 2002, becoming the highest-paid player in the world.
September 2002: Romeo James Beckham born
On 1 September 2002, David and Victoria Beckham's second son, Romeo James, was born in London.
2002: Loss of place on Manchester United team
Following an injury early in the 2002 season, David Beckham was unable to regain his place on the Manchester United team.
2002: Archive Footage in Bend It Like Beckham
In 2002, David Beckham appeared in Bend It Like Beckham only through archive footage due to scheduling conflicts preventing a cameo. Andy Harmer was used as a lookalike instead.
2002: Appearance at the FIFA World Cup
In 2002, David Beckham participated in the FIFA World Cup.
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: Goal ranked among greatest sporting moments
In 2002, a UK poll conducted by Channel 4 ranked David Beckham's goal against Wimbledon as No.18 of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.
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.
2002: MLS Supporters' Shield
In 2002, the Galaxy team secured their first MLS Supporters' Shield.
February 2003: Alex Ferguson Kicks Boot at Beckham
On February 15, 2003, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot at David Beckham in the changing room after an FA Cup defeat, causing a cut that required stitches. This incident led to transfer speculation.
June 2003: Appointed an OBE
On June 13, 2003, David Beckham was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to football.
July 2003: Formal Completion of Real Madrid Transfer
David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid was formally completed on July 1, 2003. Following a medical on July 2, Beckham was unveiled at the club's basketball facility, wearing the number 23 shirt in honor of Michael Jordan. Adidas reported high sales of Beckham merchandise.
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.
August 2003: Spanish Super Cup Win
In late August 2003, Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup over Mallorca, with David Beckham scoring the final goal in a 3–0 win. Beckham settled in quickly, scoring five times in his first 16 matches.
2003: Most Searched Sports Topic on Google
According to Google, in 2003, "David Beckham" was the most searched sports topic on their site, demonstrating his global popularity and recognition.
2003: Leaving Manchester United
David Beckham left Manchester United in 2003.
2003: Transfer to Real Madrid
In 2003, David Beckham joined Real Madrid for €37 million on a four-year contract, becoming the latest Galácticos signing by club president Florentino Pérez.
2003: Lifetime Contract with Adidas
In 2003, David Beckham signed a US$160 million lifetime contract with Adidas, earning nearly half the money upfront and continuing to earn percentages of profits on branded Adidas products.
January 2004: Filming of David Beckham Sleeping
In January 2004, artist Sam Taylor-Johnson recorded David Beckham sleeping in a hotel room in Madrid after a morning training session with Real Madrid. The film was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery in London.
January 2004: Red card against Valencia
On 21 January 2004, David Beckham received a red card in a Copa del Rey match against Valencia while playing for Real Madrid.
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.
October 2004: Admission of Intentional Foul and Sending Off
On October 9, 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match to get himself booked. He was later sent off in a league match for Real Madrid against Valencia, though the suspension was cancelled on appeal.
2004: Most Searched Sports Topic on Google
According to Google, in 2004, "David Beckham" was the most searched sports topic on their site, demonstrating his global popularity and recognition.
2004: Dismissal of García Remón
By Christmas of 2004, García Remón was dismissed from his position, and Vanderlei Luxemburgo became the new head coach for the team.
2004: Extramarital affair allegations
In 2004, David Beckham faced allegations of extramarital affairs from Rebecca Loos and Sarah Marbeck, which he dismissed as "ludicrous".
2004: Appearance at the UEFA European Championship
In 2004, David Beckham participated in the UEFA European Championship.
2004: Named in FIFA 100 list
In 2004, David Beckham was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.
2004: Adidas "Kicking It" Commercial
In 2004, David Beckham's Adidas television commercial "Kicking it", featuring Jonny Wilkinson, was recognized as one of the best British commercials of the year.
February 2005: Cruz David Beckham born
On 20 February 2005, David and Victoria Beckham's third son, Cruz David, was born in Madrid.
December 2005: Third Sending Off and Luxemburgo's Sacking
On December 3, 2005, David Beckham was sent off for the third time that season in a league match against Getafe. A day later, Luxemburgo was sacked and replaced by Juan Ramón López Caro.
2005: Football Academies and Book Awards
During the 2005 season, David Beckham established football academies in Los Angeles and east London and was named a judge for the 2006 British Book Awards.
2005: Appointment as UNICEF ambassador
In 2005, David Beckham became a UNICEF ambassador.
2005: Founded David Beckham Academy
In 2005, David Beckham founded the David Beckham Academy football school, operating in London and Los Angeles.
2005: Cameo in Goal!
In 2005, David Beckham made a cameo appearance with Zinedine Zidane and Raúl in the film Goal!, with Andy Harmer doubling for him in the party scene.
2005: Involvement in London's Olympic Bid
In 2005, David Beckham played a critical role in bringing the Olympics to London in 2012 by traveling with the British delegation to Singapore for the host city selection.
January 2006: Pérez Resigns as President
In January 2006, Pérez resigned as president of Real Madrid, and Vicente Boluda was named as replacement on an interim basis.
June 2006: 2006 World Cup
During the 2006 World Cup, on June 10, 2006, Beckham's free kick led to an own-goal by Carlos Gamarra as England won 1–0 against Paraguay. On June 15, 2006, Beckham's cross led to a Peter Crouch goal, which put England into the lead 1–0 against Trinidad and Tobago, and he gave another assist to Steven Gerrard. He was named Man of the Match by Budweiser.
August 2006: Dropped from England National Team
On August 11, 2006, Beckham was dropped completely from the England national team selected by new coach Steve McClaren, who wanted to go in a different direction with the team.
2006: Dropped from England Squad
In 2006, Beckham was dropped completely from the England squad
2006: Appearance at the FIFA World Cup
In 2006, David Beckham played in the FIFA World Cup.
2006: Insurance of Legs by Lloyd's of London
In 2006, Lloyd's of London insured David Beckham's legs for £100 million, highlighting their value and significance to his career.
2006: Turbulent Summer Off-Season
The summer 2006 off-season was turbulent as the club's presidential elections were held, and Ramón Calderón became the new Real president. Beckham started few games at the beginning of the season.
2006: Appearance in Goal III: Taking on the World
Through the use of stock footage from the 2006 FIFA World Cup, David Beckham appeared in Goal III: Taking on the World. He had a larger role in the second film, Goal II: Living the Dream, where the lead character is transferred to Real Madrid.
January 2007: Confirmed Departure from Real Madrid and Joining LA Galaxy
In January 2007, it was confirmed that David Beckham would leave Real Madrid after six months to join the Major League Soccer (MLS) side LA Galaxy, ending speculation about his new contract in Madrid. An official press conference was held in conjunction with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
January 2007: Announcement of Departure from Real Madrid
On January 10, 2007, Real Madrid's sporting director Predrag Mijatović announced that David Beckham would not remain at Real Madrid after the end of the season.
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, starting July 1, 2007.
February 2007: Return to Real Madrid Team
In February 2007, Fabio Capello allowed David Beckham to rejoin the Real Madrid team for the match against Real Sociedad on February 10, 2007. Beckham scored the equalising goal.
March 2007: Final Champions League Appearance
On March 7, 2007, David Beckham made his final UEFA Champions League appearance for Real Madrid, who were knocked out of the competition by Bayern Munich.
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.
May 2007: Recalled to England Squad
On May 26, 2007, Beckham was recalled to the England squad by McClaren for the first time since stepping down as their captain. Beckham started against Brazil in England's first match at the new Wembley Stadium and set up England's goal converted by captain John Terry.
June 2007: Final match for Real Madrid and La Liga title
On 17 June 2007, Beckham played his final match for Real Madrid, a 3–1 victory over Mallorca, securing the La Liga title. He was replaced by José Antonio Reyes due to injury, and Reyes scored twice. Beckham's family and celebrity friends were present as Real Madrid clinched their first title since Beckham joined, marking a turnaround for him.
July 2007: Start date with LA Galaxy
David Beckham's five-year deal to play for the LA Galaxy started on July 1, 2007.
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.
August 2007: Cover of W Magazine with Victoria Beckham
In August 2007, David Beckham appeared on the cover of W magazine alongside his wife Victoria, further solidifying their status as fashion icons.
2007: Ferguson speculated on Beckham's celebrity status
In 2007, Alex Ferguson speculated that David Beckham's increasing celebrity status, following his relationship with Victoria, had a negative impact on his playing career.
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.
2007: Beckham's career ambition
In a 2007 interview, David Beckham expressed his lifelong ambition to be a footballer, which he consistently stated since childhood.
2007: Praised for professionalism despite strained relationship
In early 2007, despite a strained relationship with management, Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón and manager Fabio Capello praised David Beckham for maintaining his professionalism and commitment to the club.
January 2008: Training with Arsenal
In January 2008, David Beckham trained with Arsenal for three weeks before returning to the LA Galaxy for pre-season training.
May 2008: Included in England Squad
On May 11, 2008, Capello included Beckham in his 31-man England squad to face the United States at Wembley. On May 28, 2008, Beckham received an honorary gold cap from Bobby Charlton and assisted John Terry on the match-winning goal. The pro-Beckham crowd booed when he was substituted.
June 2008: Captaincy Against Trinidad and Tobago
On June 1, 2008, Capello handed Beckham the captaincy for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. The match marked a dramatic turnaround for Beckham, who had gone from being dropped completely from the England squad to being reinstated as England captain.
October 2008: AC Milan Loan Announcement
On 30 October 2008, AC Milan announced that David Beckham would join them on loan from 7 January 2009 to maintain match fitness for World Cup qualifying matches.
December 2008: Unveiling at AC Milan
On 20 December 2008, David Beckham was unveiled at Milan's training facility and chose the number 32 shirt. On 21 December, he was introduced to the fans at the San Siro before a match against Udinese, where he proclaimed "Forza Milan."
2008: Representation of Britain at Beijing Olympics Closing Ceremony
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics closing ceremony, David Beckham, Jimmy Page, and Leona Lewis represented Britain during the handover segment for the 2012 Olympics. Beckham rode a London double-decker bus into the stadium, and Page and Lewis performed "Whole Lotta Love".
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.
2008: Induction into English Football Hall of Fame
In 2008, David Beckham was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
February 2009: Draws Level with Bobby Moore
On February 11, 2009, Beckham drew level with Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps for an English outfield player, coming on as a substitute for Stewart Downing in a friendly match against Spain.
March 2009: Surpasses Bobby Moore
On March 28, 2009, Beckham surpassed Moore to hold the record outright when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Slovakia, providing the assist for a goal from Wayne Rooney in the process.
June 2009: Release of Goal III: Taking on the World on DVD
On June 15, 2009, Goal III: Taking on the World, featuring David Beckham through stock footage from the 2006 FIFA World Cup, was released straight to DVD.
November 2009: Confirmation of Second Loan to Milan
In November 2009, after the end of the 2009 MLS season, David Beckham's return to Milan for a second loan period, beginning in January 2010, was confirmed.
November 2009: MLS Cup Final Loss
On 22 November 2009, the LA Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final after a penalty shoot-out. David Beckham scored in the shootout, but Galaxy was defeated.
2009: Expiration of PepsiCo Collaboration
David Beckham's 10-year collaboration with PepsiCo, which started in 1999, expired in 2009, marking the end of his endorsement deal with the company.
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.
2009: Opt-Out Clause in Contract
In 2009, David Beckham had an opt-out clause in his contract with the LA Galaxy, allowing him to leave the club after completing three years of his five-year contract if he chose to do so.
2009: Announcement of Academy closure
In late 2009, it was announced that both the London and Los Angeles locations of the David Beckham Academy would close.
January 2010: Winning Return to Milan
On 6 January 2010, David Beckham made a winning return in a Milan shirt, playing 75 minutes of a 5–2 victory over Genoa.
February 2010: First Match Against Manchester United Since 2003
On 16 February 2010, David Beckham played against Manchester United for the first time since he left the club in 2003. He played 76 minutes of the match at the San Siro, which ended 3–2 to Manchester United.
March 2010: Ruled Out of Selection
In March 2010, Beckham's ruptured Achilles tendon ruled him out of selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
March 2010: Achilles Tendon Injury
In March 2010, during a game against Chievo, David Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, which ruled him out of the World Cup and the MLS season. He underwent surgery performed by Doctor Sakari Orava in Turku, Finland on 15 March 2010.
March 2010: Return to Old Trafford
On 10 March 2010, David Beckham returned to Old Trafford, playing against Manchester United. He came on as a substitute and received a positive reception. After the match, he wore a green-and-gold scarf, seen as a symbol against club owner Malcolm Glazer, but Beckham stated that protests are not his business.
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.
August 2010: New Team Unveiled
On August 11, 2010, Capello unveiled a new England team with Beckham unavailable for selection, leading Capello to suggest Beckham may not play competitive matches for England again.
September 2010: Filed 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.
September 2010: Return from Achilles Tendon Injury
On 11 September 2010, David Beckham returned to the game as a substitute in the Galaxy's 3–1 win over Columbus Crew, after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury.
2010: Desire to sustain England career through the 2010 World Cup
In 2010, David Beckham wanted a permanent transfer to Milan, in a bid to sustain his England career through the 2010 World Cup.
2010: Future in the Team
On March 25, 2008, Capello hinted that Beckham had a long-term future in his side, ahead of crucial qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.
July 2011: Harper Seven Beckham born
On 10 July 2011, David and Victoria Beckham's daughter, Harper Seven, was born in Los Angeles.
November 2011: MLS Cup Victory
On 20 November 2011, David Beckham won his third MLS Cup with the Los Angeles Galaxy against the Houston Dynamo, joining an elite group of players to have won league titles in three countries.
December 2011: Expiration of Galaxy Contract
On 31 December 2011, David Beckham's five-year contract with the LA Galaxy expired, but he stated that he did not intend to retire.
2011: MLS Cup win with LA Galaxy
In 2011, David Beckham won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy.
January 2012: New Two-Year Contract with Galaxy
On 18 January 2012, the LA Galaxy announced that David Beckham had signed a new two-year contract to remain 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: Participation in London Olympics Opening Ceremony
During the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, David Beckham carried the Olympic flame to the stadium by speedboat, marking a significant contribution to the event.
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.
2012: No desire to retire
In 2010, Beckham's agent released a statement reiterating Beckham's position that he had no desire to retire from international football, and would always make himself available for selection for England if fit and if needed.
2012: Great Britain Olympic Football Team
In 2012, Beckham was named in the provisional squad to represent the Great Britain Olympic football team but was not included in the final selection by manager Stuart Pearce.
2012: Final Game with Galaxy
In 2012, David Beckham announced that the 2012 MLS Cup Final would be his final game with the Galaxy, despite having another year remaining on his contract.
2012: Second MLS Cup win with LA Galaxy
In 2012, David Beckham secured his second MLS Cup title with LA Galaxy.
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.
February 2013: PSG Debut
On February 24, 2013, Beckham made his PSG debut, coming off the bench in a Ligue 1 home match against Marseille. This made him the 400th player in the history of the club.
March 2013: Appointment as Global Ambassador for Chinese Football
In March 2013, David Beckham was appointed as the global ambassador for Chinese football to help improve the image and raise the profile of the game in China and abroad after numerous officials had been banned for match-fixing.
April 2013: Red card against Evian
On 28 April 2013, David Beckham received a red card while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a match against Evian.
May 2013: End of Playing Career
In May 2013, David Beckham ended his playing career, during which he generated an estimated £1 billion in shirt and boot sales.
May 2013: Reflecting on his career
In May 2013, David Beckham reflected on his career, expressing his desire to be remembered as a hardworking and passionate footballer who gave his all on the pitch.
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: Ligue 1 Title
On May 12, 2013, Beckham won a fourth different top flight winners' medal, after PSG beat Lyon 1–0 to claim the Ligue 1 title.
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.
July 2013: Advertisements for BSkyB
From July 14, 2013, David Beckham appeared in advertisements for BSkyB, promoting their Sky Sports coverage via the Sky Go app.
2013: Limited Acting Skills According to Marketing Week
In 2013, British magazine Marketing Week commented on David Beckham's "somewhat limited acting skills".
2013: Highest-paid player in the world
In 2013, David Beckham was listed as the highest-paid player in the world, earning over US$50 million in the previous twelve months.
2013: Knighthood Rejection and Tax Concerns
In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not being granted a knighthood, with the Honours Committee expressing concerns about his tax affairs following input from HMRC.
January 2014: Appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon
In January 2014, David Beckham appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC in the U.S.
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.
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.
2014: Praised crossing ability
In 2014, Rob Smyth of The Guardian praised David Beckham's crossing ability, calling him 'perhaps the greatest of all time'.
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: Ferguson excluded Beckham from list of world-class players
In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed he had only coached four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding David Beckham from the list.
2015: Launch of 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund
In 2015, David Beckham launched 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund.
2015: GQ's 50 Best Dressed British Men
In 2015, David Beckham was named one of GQ's 50 best-dressed British men.
2015: Email Hack and Knighthood Controversy
In 2015, personal emails from David Beckham were hacked from a Portuguese company's server. Der Spiegel and L'Equipe published details revealing Beckham's anger at not receiving a knighthood in 2013 and concerns from the Honours Committee about his tax affairs.
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: End of England appearance record
In 2016, David Beckham's England appearance record for an outfield player came to an end.
2016: Goal ranked best opening day goal
In 2016, a Sky Sports poll ranked David Beckham's goal against Wimbledon as the best opening day goal in Premier League history.
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.
May 2018: Ambassadorial President of the British Fashion Council
David Beckham was announced as the new Ambassadorial President of the British Fashion Council on May 11, 2018.
June 2018: Endorsement of North American Bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Prior to the June 2018 vote by FIFA member nations for selecting the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, David Beckham endorsed the North American bid (Canada, Mexico, and the United States).
November 2018: Used mobile phone while driving
On 21 November 2018, David Beckham was caught using a mobile phone while driving.
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 2019: Statue Unveiled by LA Galaxy
In March 2019, David Beckham's former club, LA Galaxy, unveiled a statue of him outside of their stadium, marking the first of its kind in the MLS.
May 2019: Banned from driving
On 9 May 2019, David Beckham was banned from driving for six months for using a mobile phone while driving in November 2018.
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.
June 2020: Minority Owner of Guild Esports
In June 2020, David Beckham became a minority owner of the London-based esports organization Guild Esports, expanding his business ventures into the gaming industry.
November 2020: Agreement with EA Sports for FIFA 21
In November 2020, EA Sports reached an agreement with David Beckham to feature him in FIFA 21, which would earn him £40 million from a three-year deal.
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.
April 2021: Global Ambassador for Maserati
In April 2021, David Beckham became a global ambassador for Maserati, expanding his portfolio of endorsement deals.
June 2021: Stake in Lunaz
In June 2021, David Beckham purchased a 10% stake in vehicle electrification firm Lunaz, investing in the sustainable automotive industry.
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.
2021: Induction into the Premier League Hall of Fame
In 2021, David Beckham was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
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: Brand Ambassador for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar
In 2022, David Beckham faced controversy for becoming a brand ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a country known for persecuting LGBT people. Beckham stated that the World Cup would be a platform for progress, inclusivity, and tolerance.
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.
September 2023: Ranked among top free-kick scorers
As of September 2023, David Beckham was ranked joint-5th all-time (alongside Lionel Messi) in goals scored from direct free kicks with 65.
2023: Beckham's reflection on career pressure
In 2023, David Beckham reflected on the constant pressure to perform during his time at Manchester United.
2023: Beckham documentary released on Netflix
In 2023, a documentary called 'Beckham' was released on Netflix, 20 years after the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos took place. In it, Beckham stated how hard that general period was on his marriage.
2023: Fuoriserie Essentials Collection with Maserati
In 2023, as part of Maserati's new personalisation program, "Fuoriserie Essentials", the brand unveiled its first collection with David Beckham, further solidifying his partnership with the luxury car manufacturer.
2026: Endorsement of North American Bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Prior to the June 2018 vote by FIFA member nations for selecting the hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, David Beckham endorsed the North American bid (Canada, Mexico, and the United States).
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