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 is a retired English professional footballer, currently the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Renowned for his exceptional passing range, crossing ability, and expertise in set-pieces, he's considered among the best of his generation. Beckham notably won 19 major trophies and remains the only English player to have secured league titles across four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.

Sections (6)

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

1998: Beckham scores first goal for England in 1998 World Cup

During the 1998 FIFA World Cup, David Beckham scored his first goal for England with a free kick against Colombia in a 2-0 victory. He played in all of England's qualifying matches but didn't start in the first two games due to concerns from the manager.

2000: Premier League Title Retained

In 2000, David Beckham contributed to Manchester United retaining the Premier League title with an 18-point lead. United won their final 11 league games with Beckham scoring five goals, including one against Tottenham Hotspur.

2000: Key Player in League Title

In 2000, David Beckham played a crucial role in Manchester United's third consecutive league title. He scored nine Premier League goals and provided 12 assists, leading the league in assists.

October 2001: Beckham ensures England's World Cup qualification

On October 6, 2001, David Beckham played a crucial role in England's qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. In the final qualifying game against Greece, he scored a trademark free-kick to secure a 2-2 draw, ensuring England's qualification.

2001: Best seasons as a United player

Despite the 2001-2002 season being curtailed with injury, it was one of Beckham's best seasons as a United player; he scored 16 goals in all competitions, the best of his career.

2002: Beckham voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001

In 2002, David Beckham was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001.

2002: MLS Supporters' Shield

In 2002, the Galaxy won their first MLS Supporters' Shield since 2002.

June 2003: Appointed an OBE

On June 13, 2003, David Beckham was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his contributions to football.

August 2003: Spanish Super Cup Win

In late August 2003, Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca, with David Beckham scoring the final goal in the return leg. Beckham played on the right of the three-man midfield, alongside Zidane and Figo.

2003: Adidas Lifetime Contract

In 2003, David Beckham signed a US$160 million lifetime contract with Adidas, earning nearly half the money upfront and percentages of profits on branded products.

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

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

2006: Legs Insured for £100m

In 2006, Lloyd's of London insured David Beckham's legs for £100 million.

February 2007: Return to Real Madrid Team

On February 10, 2007, David Beckham rejoined the Real Madrid team for the match against Real Sociedad, scoring the equalizing goal.

June 2007: Final match for Real Madrid

In June 2007, Beckham played his last match for Real Madrid, a 3–1 victory against Mallorca. Real Madrid won La Liga title, their first since Beckham joined. Beckham was subbed off the field due to injury and was replaced by José Antonio Reyes.

2007: Praised for Professionalism at Real Madrid

In early 2007, despite strained relations with management at Real Madrid, president Ramón Calderón and manager Fabio Capello praised David Beckham for his continued professionalism and commitment to the club.

May 2008: Beckham Receives Honorary Gold Cap

On May 11, 2008, prior to the match against the United States, David Beckham was honoured with an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap from Bobby Charlton and received a standing ovation. He assisted John Terry on the match-winning goal.

September 2010: Return to the game

On September 11, 2010, Beckham returned to the game after recovering from his Achilles tendon injury, coming on as a substitute in a Galaxy's 3–1 win.

November 2011: MLS Cup Victory

On November 20, 2011, Los Angeles won their third MLS Cup against the Houston Dynamo, winning 1–0.

May 2013: Beckham wins Ligue 1 title with PSG

On May 12, 2013, David Beckham secured his fourth top-flight league title after Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Lyon 1-0 to win the Ligue 1 title.

2013: Knighthood Rejection

In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not being granted a knighthood. The Honours Committee was concerned about his tax affairs, according to reports in 2015.