History of David Beckham in Timeline
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.
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.
1990: Under-15 Player of the Year
In 1990, David Beckham was named Under-15 Player of the Year during a two-year period playing for Brimsdown Rovers' youth team.
July 1991: Signed Youth Training Scheme Contract
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed a Youth Training Scheme contract at Manchester United.
July 1991: Signed as Manchester United Trainee
On July 8, 1991, David Beckham signed for Manchester United as a trainee.
April 1992: Scored in FA Youth Cup
On April 14, 1992, David Beckham scored Manchester United's second goal in their 3–1 first-leg win of the FA Youth Cup final against Crystal Palace.
May 1992: FA Youth Cup Win
In May 1992, David Beckham and other young players 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: Manchester United Debut
In 1992, David Beckham made his first-team debut for Manchester United at age 17.
January 1993: Signed as a Professional
Shortly after his debut, on January 23, 1993, David Beckham signed as a professional player for Manchester United.
May 1993: FA Youth Cup Final Defeat
In May 1993, David Beckham started for Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup final against Leeds United, but they lost 4-1 on aggregate.
September 1994: First Full Appearance
In September 1994, David Beckham made his first full appearance in the club'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 at home to Galatasaray.
1994: Ferguson's Faith in Youth Players
After the 1994-95 season, Manager Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to trust in young players like Beckham over buying star players drew criticism but ultimately proved successful.
1994: Loan to Preston North End
During the 1994–95 season, David Beckham went to Preston North End on loan to gain first-team experience.
April 1995: Premier League Debut for Manchester United
On April 2, 1995, David Beckham made his Premier League debut for Manchester United in a goalless draw against Leeds United.
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.
August 1996: Halfway Line Goal Against Wimbledon
On August 17, 1996, David Beckham scored a spectacular goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon, elevating him to household name status.
September 1996: England National Team Debut
On September 1, 1996, David Beckham made his debut for the England national football team at the age of 21.
1996: Automatic First-Choice Player
During the 1996–97 season, David Beckham became an automatic first-choice player at Manchester United.
1996: Goal from the half-way line against Wimbledon
In 1996, David Beckham scored a goal from the half-way line against Wimbledon at Selhurst Park.
1997: Brylcreem Endorsement
In 1997, David Beckham began his early endorsement deals, including a £4 million deal with Brylcreem.
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.
1997: Inherited Number 7 Shirt
Prior to the 1997–98 season, David Beckham inherited the number 7 shirt at Manchester United.
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."
1998: Opposition and Criticism
Despite David Beckham's achievements in the 1998–99 season, some opposition fans and journalists criticised him, including after his red card in the World Club Championship match against Necaxa.
1998: Notorious Red Card During 1998 World Cup
During the 1998 World Cup, Beckham received a notorious red card after kicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone, who had fouled him. This moment became a significant controversy in his career.
1998: FIFA World Cup Appearance
In 1998, David Beckham appeared at the FIFA World Cup.
1998: Rebuilding Reputation after 1998 World Cup
In 2008, Victoria Beckham praised David for rebuilding his reputation after the 1998 World Cup, where he received a red card. This marked a period of redemption in his career.
1998: World Cup Red Card Fallout
In the aftermath of receiving criticism for his red card during the 1998 World Cup, David Beckham opted to remain at Manchester United despite speculations about leaving 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. 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: Champions League Final Win
In 1999, David Beckham played in central midfield during Manchester United's win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final, and his performance led to finishing runner-up for European Footballer of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.
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: UEFA Champions League Victory
In 1999, David Beckham won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United.
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.
January 2000: Red Card in FIFA Club World Championship
On 6 January 2000, Beckham received his only red card while playing for Manchester United in the 2000 FIFA Club World Championship against Necaxa.
November 2000: Beckham promoted to England team captain
On November 15, 2000, David Beckham was promoted to team captain for England by caretaker manager Peter Taylor, following Kevin Keegan's resignation as England manager in October. Beckham then kept the role under new manager Sven-Göran Eriksson.
2000: Falling Out with Ferguson
In 2000, Alex Ferguson fined David Beckham and dropped him from a crucial match against Leeds United after Victoria Beckham was photographed at a London Fashion Week event when Brooklyn had gastroenteritis. Ferguson believed Victoria should have been at home looking after Brooklyn instead of David missing practice.
2000: UEFA European Championship Appearance
In 2000, David Beckham appeared at the UEFA European Championship.
2000: Retaining the Premier League Title
In 2000, David Beckham played a key role in helping Manchester United retain the Premier League title by an 18-point margin. The team won their final 11 league games, during which Beckham scored five goals, including a notable goal against Tottenham Hotspur.
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 12 assists, the most in the league.
2000: Abuse from English supporters peaks during Euro 2000
In 2000, during England's 3–2 defeat by Portugal in Euro 2000, the abuse that David Beckham was receiving from English supporters peaked, when a group of England supporters taunted him throughout the match. Beckham responded by raising his middle finger.
October 2001: Beckham helps England qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup
In October 2001, David Beckham played a major role in helping England qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, starring in an impressive 5–1 victory over Germany in Munich. In England's final qualifying game against Greece on October 6, 2001, Beckham ensured England's qualification with a trademark free-kick.
2001: One of Beckham's Best Seasons
In 2001, David Beckham had one of the best seasons as a Manchester United player scoring 16 goals in all competitions, the best of his career.
2001: Runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year
In 2001, David Beckham was runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year for the second time.
April 2002: Injury During Champions League Match
On April 10, 2002, David Beckham broke the second metatarsal bone in his left foot during a Champions League match against Deportivo de La Coruña. The injury prevented him from playing for Manchester United for the rest of the season. It was speculated that the injury may have been caused deliberately by Argentine Aldo Duscher, as England and Argentina were scheduled to play each other in the World Cup that year.
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: Bend It Like Beckham
In 2002, David Beckham did not appear in the film Bend It Like Beckham due to scheduling conflicts, though archive footage was used.
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: Second FIFA World Cup Appearance
In 2002, David Beckham made his second appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
2002: Hailed as 'Metrosexual'
In 2002, David Beckham was hailed as the ultimate "metrosexual" solidifying his image as a fashion icon.
2002: Goal Ranked in Top Sporting Moments
In 2002, a UK poll conducted by Channel 4, the British public voted David Beckham's halfway line goal No.18 of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.
2002: Unable to Regain Place on Manchester United Team
In 2002, following an injury, David Beckham was unable to regain his place on the Manchester United team, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær having replaced him on the right side of midfield.
February 2003: Ferguson Kicks Boot at Beckham
On February 15, 2003, Alex Ferguson kicked a boot in the changing room following an FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, which struck David Beckham over the eye, causing a cut that required stitches. This incident further strained their relationship and led to transfer speculation.
June 2003: Appointed OBE for Services to Football
On June 13, 2003, David Beckham was appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to football.
July 2003: Completed Transfer to Real Madrid
In July 2003, David Beckham's transfer to Real Madrid was completed and he was unveiled to the press. He chose to wear the number 23 shirt in honor of Michael Jordan. Sales of Beckham-related merchandise sky-rocketed.
July 2003: Far East Tour with Real Madrid
In late July 2003, Real Madrid went on a tour of the Far East for pre-season training, capitalizing on David Beckham's marketing appeal in Asia. The tour included games in Beijing, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Bangkok, proving to be a financial success for the club.
August 2003: Spanish Super Cup Win
In August 2003, Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca, with David Beckham scoring the final goal. He quickly settled into the team, scoring five times in his first 16 matches.
2003: Most Searched Sports Topic
According to Google, in 2003, "David Beckham" was searched for more than any other sports topic on their site.
2003: Transfer to Real Madrid
In 2003, David Beckham joined Real Madrid for €37 million on a four-year contract. Manchester United had seemed willing to sell Beckham to Barcelona, but he instead signed with Real Madrid.
2003: Lifetime Contract with Adidas
In 2003, David Beckham signed a US$160 million lifetime contract with Adidas.
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.
January 2004: Red Card in Copa del Rey Match
On 21 January 2004, during his time at Real Madrid, Beckham received a red card in a Copa del Rey match against Valencia in Madrid.
July 2004: Intruder at Beckham Home
In July 2004, while David Beckham was in pre-season training, an intruder carrying a can of petrol scaled a wall at his home. Victoria and their children were present, but security apprehended the man before he reached the house.
October 2004: Deliberate Foul and Suspension
On October 9, 2004, David Beckham admitted to intentionally fouling Ben Thatcher in an England match against Wales to get himself booked, in order to serve his suspension during a match he would have missed due to injury anyway. Later that month, Beckham was sent off in a league match for Real Madrid against Valencia after sarcastically applauding the referee.
2004: Most Searched Sports Topic
According to Google, in 2004, "David Beckham" was searched for more than any other sports topic on their site.
2004: New Head Coach
By Christmas 2004, with the team sitting in second position in the league, Mariano García Remón was dismissed, and Vanderlei Luxemburgo became the new head coach.
2004: Affair Allegations
In 2004, Beckham faced allegations of extramarital affairs from his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos and model Sarah Marbeck, which he dismissed as "ludicrous."
2004: Second UEFA European Championship Appearance
In 2004, David Beckham participated in his second 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 Commercial
In 2004, David Beckham's Adidas television commercial "Kicking it" with Jonny Wilkinson was voted among the best British commercials of the year.
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.
December 2005: Third Sending-Off of the Season
On December 3, 2005, David Beckham was sent off for the third time that season in a league match against Getafe. The next day Vanderlei Luxemburgo was sacked.
2005: Football Academies Established
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: Founding of the David Beckham Academy
In 2005, David Beckham founded the David Beckham Academy football school, with locations in London and Los Angeles, aiming to provide training and development opportunities for young players.
2005: Cameo in Goal!
In 2005, David Beckham made a cameo appearance in the film Goal! with Zinedine Zidane and Raúl.
2005: Olympics Bid
In 2005, David Beckham played a role in bringing the Olympics to London, traveling to Singapore with the British delegation for the host city selection.
2005: UNICEF Ambassador
Since 2005, David Beckham has been a UNICEF ambassador.
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.
June 2006: Beckham plays in the 2006 World Cup
In June 2006, during England's opening game at the 2006 World Cup, David Beckham's free kick led to an own-goal by Carlos Gamarra as England won 1–0. He was named Man of the Match by tournament sponsor Budweiser.
August 2006: Beckham dropped from England national team
On August 11, 2006, David Beckham was dropped completely from the England national team selected by new coach Steve McClaren, who said he was "looking to go in a different direction" with the team.
2006: Third FIFA World Cup Appearance
In 2006, David Beckham played in his third FIFA World Cup.
2006: Legs Insured
In 2006, David Beckham's legs were insured for £100 million by Lloyd's of London.
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.
2006: World Cup 2006
On June 1, 2008, Fabio Capello handed David Beckham the captaincy for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. The match was the first time since the 2006 World Cup that Beckham had skippered England.
2006: Stock Footage in Goal III
Through stock footage from the 2006 FIFA World Cup, David Beckham appeared in Goal III: Taking on the World.
January 2007: Confirmation of Move to LA Galaxy
In January 2007, it was confirmed that David Beckham would leave Real Madrid after six months to join LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS), ending speculation about his contract in Madrid. An official press conference was held in conjunction with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.
January 2007: Uncertain Future at Real Madrid
On January 10, 2007, Real Madrid's sporting director announced that David Beckham would not remain at Real Madrid after the end of the season. After that he later claimed that he was mistranslated and that he actually said that Beckham's contract had not yet been renewed.
January 2007: Signing with LA Galaxy Announced
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. The manager of Real Madrid said that Beckham had played his last game for them.
February 2007: Return to Real Madrid Team
In February 2007, David Beckham rejoined the Real Madrid team for a match against Real Sociedad, scoring the equalizing goal. This marked a change from the manager's earlier statement that Beckham had played his last game for Real Madrid.
March 2007: Champions League Appearance
On March 7, 2007, David Beckham made his final UEFA Champions League appearance for Real Madrid against Bayern Munich. Real Madrid were knocked out of the competition in the round-of-16 stage. Beckham played a pivotal role in all three Madrid goals in the home game.
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.
May 2007: Beckham recalled to England squad
On May 26, 2007, Steve McClaren announced that David Beckham would be recalled to the England squad 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 put in a positive performance.
June 2007: Final match for Real Madrid and La Liga title
On 17 June 2007, Beckham played his final match for Real Madrid, contributing to a 3–1 victory over Mallorca that secured the La Liga title. Despite limping off the field, his team clinched the title, marking their first La Liga win since Beckham joined and their 30th overall.
July 2007: Signed with LA Galaxy
In July 2007, David Beckham signed a five-year contract with Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy.
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.
August 2007: Appearance in W Magazine
In August 2007, David Beckham appeared with Victoria on the cover of W magazine.
November 2007: Beckham earns his 99th cap against Croatia
On November 21, 2007, David Beckham earned his 99th cap against Croatia, setting up a goal for Peter Crouch to tie the game at 2–2.
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.
2007: Ferguson Speculates on Beckham's Celebrity Status
In 2007, Alex Ferguson speculated that Beckham's increasing celebrity status, especially after his relationship with Victoria, negatively impacted his playing career.
2007: Option To Buy MLS Expansion Team
In 2007, Beckham signed a contract with the LA Galaxy that included an option to buy an MLS expansion team, a right which he would later exercise in 2014.
2007: Beckham's Career Aspirations
In a 2007 interview, David Beckham recalled his childhood ambition to become a footballer.
2007: Praised for Professionalism at Real Madrid
In early 2007, despite a strained relationship with the management at Real Madrid, Beckham was praised by president Ramón Calderón and manager Fabio Capello for maintaining his professionalism and commitment to the club.
January 2008: Training with Arsenal
From 4 January 2008, David Beckham trained with Arsenal for three weeks before returning to the Galaxy for pre-season training.
May 2008: Beckham included in England squad and honored for 100th cap
On May 11, 2008, Fabio Capello included David Beckham in his 31-man England squad to face the United States at Wembley on May 28. Beckham was honored before the match by receiving an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap from Bobby Charlton.
June 2008: Capello hands Beckham the captaincy
On June 1, 2008, Fabio Capello handed David Beckham the captaincy for England's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. The match was the first time since the 2006 World Cup that Beckham had skippered England.
October 2008: AC Milan loan announcement
On 30 October 2008, AC Milan announced that Beckham was to join them on loan from 7 January 2009, leading to speculation about his return to Europe.
December 2008: Unveiling at Milan's training facility
On 20 December 2008, David Beckham was unveiled at Milan's training facility. He chose the number 32 shirt. The day after, Beckham was introduced to the home fans at the San Siro before the league match versus Udinese.
2008: Beijing Olympics Handover
At the 2008 Beijing Olympics closing ceremony, David Beckham, Jimmy Page, and Leona Lewis represented Britain during the handover segment for the 2012 Olympics.
2008: Beckham wants to continue playing for England after move to Major League Soccer
Following the 2–3 loss against Croatia, England failed to qualify for the Euro 2008 Finals. Despite this, in 2007, David Beckham said that he had no plans to retire from international football and wanted to continue playing for the national team after his move to Major League Soccer.
2008: Inducted into English Football Hall of Fame
In 2008, David Beckham was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.
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.
February 2009: Beckham equals Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps
On February 11, 2009, David 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: Beckham surpasses Bobby Moore's record
On March 28, 2009, David Beckham surpassed Bobby 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: 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, released straight to DVD on June 15, 2009.
November 2009: Confirmed Return to Milan
In November 2009, it was confirmed that David Beckham would return to AC Milan for a second loan period, beginning in January 2010.
November 2009: MLS Cup Final Loss
On 22 November 2009, David Beckham's LA Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake in the MLS Cup final by 5–4 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1–1 draw, even though Beckham scored in the shootout.
2009: Launch of Malaria No More UK
In 2009, David Beckham helped launch the Malaria No More UK Leadership Council with Andy Murray at Wembley Stadium.
2009: PepsiCo Collaboration Expiration
In 2009, David Beckham's 10-year collaboration with PepsiCo expired.
2009: Closure of David Beckham Academy
In late 2009, it was announced that both the London and Los Angeles locations of the David Beckham Academy would be closing.
January 2010: Winning return for 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 game 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: Beckham ruled out of 2010 FIFA World Cup
David Beckham's ruptured Achilles tendon of March 2010 ruled him out of selection for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
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.
March 2010: Return to Old Trafford
On 10 March 2010, David Beckham returned to Old Trafford for the second leg of the match against Manchester United. Beckham was brought on as a substitute, receiving a positive reception from fans. After the match, he wore a green-and-gold scarf, a symbol of protest against the club owner, Malcolm Glazer, sparking controversy.
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.
September 2010: Court Application Against In Touch Magazine
In September 2010, David Beckham announced a court application against Irma Nici and others over claims in In Touch magazine that he had sex with her. The application was later dismissed under US freedom of speech laws, and the magazine acknowledged the allegations were untrue.
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: Qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup
In March 2008, ahead of crucial qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup, Fabio Capello hinted that David Beckham had a long-term future in his side.
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.
2011: MLS Cup Win
In 2011, David Beckham won the MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy.
January 2012: New contract with LA Galaxy
On 18 January 2012, LA Galaxy announced David Beckham 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: 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony
David Beckham featured at the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony, carrying the Olympic flame to the stadium by speedboat.
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.
2012: Second MLS Cup Win
In 2012, David Beckham secured his second MLS Cup title with the LA Galaxy.
2012: Beckham named in provisional squad for 2012 Olympics
In 2012, David Beckham was named in the provisional squad to represent the Great Britain Olympic football team at the 2012 Olympics but was not included in the final selection.
January 2013: Beckham to undergo medical with Paris Saint-Germain
In January 2013, David Beckham was set to undergo a medical with Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a potential move to the Ligue 1 side. Beckham later signed a five-month deal with the club and confirmed his entire salary would be donated to a local children's charity.
February 2013: Beckham's PSG debut
On February 24, 2013, David Beckham made his debut for PSG, coming off the bench in the 76th minute in a Ligue 1 home match against Marseille, becoming the 400th player in the club's history.
March 2013: Appointed Global Ambassador for Chinese Football
In March 2013, David Beckham was appointed global ambassador for Chinese football to improve its image and raise its profile after match-fixing scandals.
April 2013: Red Card with Paris Saint-Germain
On 28 April 2013, Beckham received one red card while playing for Paris Saint-Germain in a match against Evian.
May 2013: End of Playing Career
In May 2013, David Beckham's playing career ended. Throughout his career, he generated an estimated £1 billion in shirt and boot sales.
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's Reflections on His Legacy
In May 2013, shortly before his retirement, Beckham expressed his hope to be remembered as a hardworking and passionate footballer who always gave his all on the pitch.
May 2013: Beckham wins Ligue 1 title with PSG
On May 12, 2013, David Beckham won a fourth different top-flight winner's medal after PSG beat Lyon 1–0 to claim the Ligue 1 title.
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.
July 2013: Sky Sports Advertisement
From July 14, 2013, David Beckham appeared in advertisements for BSkyB, promoting their Sky Sports coverage via the Sky Go app.
2013: Film Cameo Appearances
In 2013, British magazine Marketing Week commented on David Beckham's acting skills. Through his friendship with Guy Ritchie, he made film cameo appearances in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword.
2013: Highest-Paid Player
In 2013, David Beckham was listed as the highest-paid football player in the world, earning over US$50 million in the previous year.
2013: Knighthood Controversy
In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not receiving a knighthood, due to concerns from the Honours Committee about his tax affairs.
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: 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.
November 2014: Paddington Bear Statue Design
In November 2014, David Beckham designed a Paddington Bear statue for charity, which was auctioned to raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
2014: Sale of "Beckingham Palace"
In 2014, David and Victoria Beckham sold their country house in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, nicknamed "Beckingham Palace" by the media.
2014: MLS Announced Beckham as Inter Miami Owner
In 2014, MLS announced that David Beckham and a group of investors would own Inter Miami.
2014: The Guardian on Beckham's Crossing Ability
In 2014, Rob Smyth of The Guardian described Beckham as a great crosser and perhaps the greatest of all time, highlighting his technique and ability to create opportunities from dead balls.
March 2015: Social Media Ranking
In March 2015, David Beckham had the third-highest social media rank in the world among sportspeople, with over 52 million Facebook fans.
2015: Ferguson Excludes Beckham from World-Class Player List
In 2015, Alex Ferguson claimed to have coached only four world-class players at Manchester United, excluding Beckham from the list, which included Cantona, Giggs, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Scholes.
2015: Launched 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 Controversy
In 2015, personal emails from David Beckham were hacked and published, revealing his anger at not receiving a knighthood in 2013 and concerns about his tax affairs.
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.
2016: England Appearance Record Broken
In 2016, David Beckham's England appearance record for an outfield player was surpassed.
2016: Goal Ranked Best Opening Day Goal
In 2016, Sky Sports ranked David Beckham's halfway line goal as the best opening day goal in Premier League history.
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.
May 2018: Ambassadorial president of the British Fashion Council
On May 11, 2018, David Beckham was announced as the new Ambassadorial president of the British Fashion Council.
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: Using Mobile Phone While Driving
On 21 November 2018, David Beckham was photographed using a mobile phone while driving, which led to a driving ban in May 2019.
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 2019: Statue Unveiled
In March 2019, David Beckham's former club LA Galaxy unveiled a statue of him outside their stadium.
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 pleading guilty to using a mobile phone while driving on 21 November 2018. He also received six points on his license and was fined.
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.
June 2020: Minority Owner of Guild Esports
In June 2020, David Beckham became a minority owner of the London-based esports organisation Guild Esports.
November 2020: EA Sports FIFA 21 Deal
In November 2020, EA Sports reached an agreement with David Beckham to feature him in FIFA 21, earning him £40 million.
2020: Inter Miami Began Playing
In 2020, Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, began playing.
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.
April 2021: Global Ambassador for Maserati
In April 2021, David Beckham became a global ambassador for Maserati.
June 2021: Stake in Lunaz
In June 2021, David Beckham bought a 10% stake in vehicle electrification firm, Lunaz.
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.
2021: Inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame
In 2021, David Beckham was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
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.
September 2023: Beckham's Ranking in Free-Kick Goals
In September 2023, David Beckham was ranked joint-5th all-time (alongside Lionel Messi) in goals scored from direct free kicks, with a total of 65 goals.
2023: Beckham's Reflection on Career
In 2023, David Beckham reflected on his early career, noting the pressure to perform and the feeling of insecurity at Manchester United.
2023: Fuoriserie Essentials Collection with Maserati
In 2023, David Beckham unveiled his first collection with Maserati as part of their new personalisation program, "Fuoriserie Essentials".
2023: Release of Netflix Documentary "Beckham"
In 2023, the documentary "Beckham" was released on Netflix, reflecting on his career and the challenges, including the alleged affair with Rebecca Loos 20 years prior. Beckham acknowledged the difficulty of that period on his marriage.
May 2024: Call for Ceasefire
In May 2024, during Israel's Rafah offensive in the Gaza Strip, David Beckham called for an immediate ceasefire.
2026: Endorsement of North American Bid for 2026 FIFA World Cup
David Beckham endorsed the North American bid (Canada, Mexico and the United States) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June 2018.
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