David Beckham's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of David Beckham. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

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.

May 1992: FA Youth Cup win

In May 1992, David Beckham helped Manchester United win the FA Youth Cup.

1997: PFA Young Player of the Year award

In 1997, David Beckham was voted PFA Young Player of the Year.

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.

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: 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.

October 2001: World Cup Qualification

On October 6, 2001, Beckham played a major role in helping England qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup by scoring a free-kick in the final qualifying game against Greece, securing England's qualification.

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.

2002: BBC Sports Personality of the Year

In 2001, Beckham was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and finished runner-up to Luís Figo for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

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.

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.

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: 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.

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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.

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.

May 2008: Galaxy's Winning Record and Long-Distance Goal

In May 2008, the LA Galaxy defeated the Kansas City Wizards, achieving their first winning record in two years. David Beckham scored a goal from 70 yards (64 m), marking the second time he scored from his own half.

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.

2008: Induction into English Football Hall of Fame

In 2008, David Beckham was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame.

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.

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.

2011: MLS Cup win with LA Galaxy

In 2011, David Beckham won the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy.

2012: Second MLS Cup win with LA Galaxy

In 2012, David Beckham secured his second MLS Cup title with LA Galaxy.

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.

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.

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'.

2015: GQ's 50 Best Dressed British Men

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

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.

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.

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.

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.