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 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.

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 during a two-year period playing for Brimsdown Rovers' youth team.

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.

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.

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: UEFA Champions League Victory

In 1999, David Beckham won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United.

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: 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.

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: 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.

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: Beckham voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

March 2008: Beckham recalled to England squad by Capello

On March 20, 2008, David Beckham was recalled to the England squad by Fabio Capello for the friendly against France in Paris on March 26. Beckham became only the fifth Englishman to win 100 caps.

May 2008: Galaxy's winning record

On 24 May 2008, the Galaxy defeated the Kansas City Wizards 3–1, marking their first winning record in two years and moving the club into first place in the Western Conference. Beckham scored an empty-net goal from 70 yards (64 m) out.

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

2008: Inducted into English Football Hall of Fame

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

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.

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.