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, now president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Renowned for his exceptional passing range, crossing accuracy, and set-piece expertise, he is widely regarded as one of the best players of his era and a set-piece specialist. Beckham notably secured 19 major trophies during his career, achieving the unique distinction of being the only English player to win league titles in 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

1990: Under-15 Player of the Year

In 1990, during a two-year period playing for Brimsdown Rovers' youth team, David Beckham was named Under-15 Player of the Year.

May 1992: FA Youth Cup Win

In May 1992, Beckham was part of the Manchester United youth team that won the FA Youth Cup.

August 1996: Spectacular Goal Against Wimbledon

On August 17, 1996, David Beckham scored a memorable goal against Wimbledon from the halfway line, elevating his profile significantly.

1997: PFA Young Player of the Year

In 1997, David Beckham was voted PFA Young Player of the Year by his peers and inherited the number 7 shirt at Manchester United.

1998: Beckham at the 1998 FIFA World Cup

In 1998, Beckham played in all of England's qualifying matches for the FIFA World Cup and was part of the squad for the finals in France. He scored his first goal for England in the third game against Colombia, a bending 30-yard free kick, securing a 2–0 victory.

1998: Rebuilding Reputation after World Cup

Victoria Beckham praised David in 2008, for rebuilding his reputation after the 1998 World Cup.

1999: UEFA Champions League Win

In 1999, Beckham contributed to Manchester United's victory in the UEFA Champions League, which was part of their treble-winning season.

1999: UEFA Champions League Final Performance

In 1999, David Beckham played in central midfield in Manchester United's win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League Final and finished runner up to Rivaldo for European Footballer of the Year and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

2000: Premier League Title Retention

In 2000, David Beckham helped Manchester United retain the Premier League title with an 18-point lead, after competition from Arsenal and Leeds United.

2000: Key player in United's third successive league title

In 2000, David Beckham was a key player in Manchester United's third successive league title, scoring nine Premier League goals and providing 12 assists.

October 2001: Beckham helps England qualify for 2002 FIFA World Cup

In October 2001, Beckham played a key role in England's qualification for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, particularly with a free-kick goal against Greece on October 6, 2001. He was voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001.

2001: Runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year

In 2001, David Beckham was runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

2001: One of Beckham's best seasons

The 2001 season was one of Beckham's best, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

2002: Runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year award

In 2002, David Beckham finished runner-up to Luís Figo of Portugal for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.

2002: Goal Voted Among Greatest Sporting Moments

In 2002, a UK poll conducted by Channel 4 voted David Beckham's goal against Wimbledon as No.18 of the 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.

2002: MLS Supporters' Shield Win

On 24 October 2010, the Galaxy secured 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) for his services 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, marking a successful start to his Real Madrid career.

2003: Lifetime Contract with Adidas

In 2003, David Beckham signed a US$160 million lifetime contract with Adidas, continuing to earn percentages of profits on his branded Adidas products.

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2004: Named in FIFA 100 List

In 2004, Pelé named David Beckham in the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players.

February 2007: Return to Real Madrid team

Around February 2007, Fabio Capello allowed Beckham to rejoin the Real Madrid team, and he scored the equalising goal in the match against Real Sociedad on February 10, 2007.

June 2007: Final Match for Real Madrid & La Liga Title Win

On 17 June 2007, Beckham played his final match for Real Madrid, a 3–1 victory over Mallorca which secured the La Liga title. Beckham left the field due to injury and was replaced by José Antonio Reyes, who scored two goals. Real Madrid won their first La Liga title since Beckham joined and their 30th overall, finishing with a superior head-to-head record over Barcelona. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were in attendance.

2007: Praised for Professionalism by Real Madrid

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

May 2008: Galaxy's Winning Record

On 24 May 2008, the Galaxy defeated the Kansas City Wizards 3–1, achieving their first winning record in two years and moving into first place in the Western Conference. Beckham scored an empty-net goal from 70 yards.

May 2008: Beckham honored for 100th cap

On May 11, 2008, Beckham was included in the England squad to face the United States on May 28, before playing against Trinidad and Tobago on June 1. Beckham received an honorary gold cap from Bobby Charlton before the game against the United States and assisted John Terry's match-winning goal.

2008: Inducted into English Football Hall of Fame

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

September 2010: Return After Injury

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

November 2011: MLS Cup Victory

On 20 November 2011, Beckham won his fifth MLS season with the Galaxy and joined an elite group of players to have won league titles in three countries, as Los Angeles won their third MLS Cup against the Houston Dynamo.

2011: MLS Cup Win

In 2011, Beckham returned to LA Galaxy and won the MLS Cup.

2012: Final Season with the Galaxy and MLS Cup Win

During the 2012 regular season, Beckham helped the Galaxy finish fourth in the Western Conference. The Galaxy won the MLS Cup for the second year in a row, defeating the Houston Dynamo 3-1. Beckham announced that the 2012 MLS Cup Final would be his final game with the Galaxy.

2012: Second MLS Cup Win

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

May 2013: PSG wins Ligue 1 title

On May 12, 2013, Beckham secured a fourth top-flight title as PSG defeated Lyon 1-0 to win the Ligue 1 title.

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 twelve months.

2013: Knighthood Controversy

In 2013, David Beckham was reportedly angry at not being granted a knighthood. The Honours Committee had concerns about his tax affairs following input from the UK government department HMRC.

2014: Rob Smyth on Beckham's Crossing Ability

In 2014, Rob Smyth of The Guardian called David Beckham "a great crosser and perhaps the greatest of all time," highlighting his dead-ball specialization and unique crossing technique.

2015: Named One of GQ's 50 Best Dressed British Men

In 2015, David Beckham was named one of GQ's 50 best dressed British men, recognizing his influence on fashion.

2016: Best Opening Day Goal in Premier League History

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 11 May 2018.

March 2019: Statue Unveiled at LA Galaxy Stadium

In March 2019, David Beckham's former club LA Galaxy unveiled a statue of him outside of their stadium, the first of its kind in the MLS.

2021: Inducted into Premier League Hall of Fame

In 2021, David Beckham was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.

2022: Manchester City Treble

In the 1998-99 season, David Beckham was part of the United team that won the treble of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, a unique feat in English football until Manchester City's 2022-23 season.