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, crossing, and set-piece skills. He is the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City. Beckham is recognized as one of the best players of his generation and a set-piece specialist. He won 19 major trophies throughout his career, achieving the distinction of being the first English player to secure 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, David Beckham was named Under-15 Player of the Year during a two-year period in which he played for Brimsdown Rovers' youth team.

May 1992: FA Youth Cup Win

In May 1992, David Beckham helped Manchester United win the FA Youth Cup as part of a group of young players coached by Eric Harrison.

1996: Automatic First-Choice Player

In 1996, David Beckham became an automatic first-choice player at Manchester United and he helped them retain the Premier League title.

1996: Premier League Title and FA Cup Double

In 1996, David Beckham established himself as Manchester United's right-sided midfielder, helping the team win the Premier League title and FA Cup double.

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

In 1998, David Beckham played in all of England's qualifying matches for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. He scored his first goal for England against Colombia with a free kick in a 2-0 victory.

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, assisting both goals from corners in injury time.

1999: Champions League Title with Manchester United

In 1999, David Beckham won the UEFA Champions League with Manchester United. That year, United won the Premier League title, the FA Cup twice, the FA Charity Shield twice and the Intercontinental Cup.

November 2000: Beckham promoted to England team captain

On November 15, 2000, David Beckham was promoted to team captain of England, following Kevin Keegan's resignation.

2000: Premier League Title Retained

In 2000, David Beckham helped Manchester United secure the Premier League title with an 18-point lead. The team achieved this after winning their final 11 league games, during which Beckham scored five goals.

2000: Key Player in League Title Win

In 2000, David Beckham was a key player in Manchester United's third successive league title. He scored nine Premier League goals and provided 12 assists, leading the league in that category.

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

On October 6, 2001, David Beckham played a major role in helping England qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, including scoring a crucial free-kick against Greece. He was later voted BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001.

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

In 2001, David Beckham was twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year, marking one of his significant achievements in individual awards.

2002: Beckham helps England qualify for 2002 FIFA World Cup

In 2002, David Beckham played a major role in helping England qualify for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

2002: Goal Ranked in Top 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: Beckham Appointed 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 services to football.

August 2003: Real Madrid Wins Spanish Super Cup

In August 2003, Real Madrid won the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca, with David Beckham scoring the final goal in the return leg. He quickly settled into the team, scoring five times in his first 16 matches.

2003: Adidas Lifetime Contract

In 2003, David Beckham signed a US$160 million lifetime contract with Adidas, earning nearly half the money upfront, and would continue to earn percentages of profits on all of his 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, recognizing his contributions to football.

June 2007: Final match for Real Madrid

On 17 June 2007, in his final match for Real Madrid, Beckham played in a 3–1 victory against Mallorca, helping the team secure the La Liga title, their first since he joined. Despite limping off the field, his team ultimately won the match.

2007: Maintaining Professionalism at Real Madrid

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

March 2008: Beckham wins his 100th cap for England

On March 20, 2008, David Beckham was recalled to the England squad and on March 26, he 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, achieving their first winning record in two years and moving to first place in the Western Conference. Beckham scored an empty-net goal from 70 yards (64 m) out during the match.

May 2008: Beckham honored for 100th cap

On May 11, 2008, David Beckham was honored before the match against the United States by receiving an honorary gold cap representing his 100th cap. He assisted John Terry on the match-winning goal.

June 2008: Beckham captains England against Trinidad and Tobago

On June 1, 2008, David Beckham captained England's friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago, marking a dramatic turnaround in his England career.

2008: Induction into English Football Hall of Fame

In 2008, David Beckham was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame, celebrating his successful career and contributions to the sport.

September 2010: Return from 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 win

On 20 November 2011, Beckham and the Los Angeles Galaxy won their third MLS Cup against the Houston Dynamo, winning 1–0. Beckham provided an assist during the match.

2011: MLS Cup Win with LA Galaxy

In 2011, David Beckham returned to LA Galaxy and won the MLS Cup, adding another trophy to his career achievements.

2012: Second MLS Cup Win with LA Galaxy

In 2012, David Beckham won the MLS Cup again with LA Galaxy, marking his second consecutive title with the club.

May 2013: Beckham wins Ligue 1 title with PSG

On May 12, 2013, David Beckham won a fourth different top flight winners' medal after Paris Saint-Germain 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, having earned over US$50 million in the previous twelve months, reflecting his global appeal and marketability.

2013: Knighthood Controversy

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