David Beckham Profile
Arguably the most famous footballer the world has ever seen, David Robert Joseph Beckham, born May 2, 1975, has become of the most beloved and popular footballers in the modern game, and at the age of 34, in his second loan spell at AC Milan, David Beckham looks set to continue being one of the best players England has ever seen and a top ambassador of the sport for many years to come.
Beckham’s career has evolved like few other professional footballers in modern history. Despite his humble origins as a Manchester United youngster simply trying to break into the first team, his celebrity status exploded when he married pop star Victoria Adams, formerly of the Spice Girls. The couple went on to have three children but it was his form at Manchester United that earned him reverence and the reputation as one of the top young players in the world.
In August 1996, David famously scored from inside his own half past Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan, a strike which is still rated as one of the best ever Premier League goals. That season, he helped Manchester United win the Premier League title, as well as winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
His consistently high standard of performances for United thrusted him into the international spotlight, but it was in the FIFA World Cup 1998 where Beckham gained the status of the national villain after being sent off in England’s second round match with Argentina after kicking out at midfielder Diego Simeone.
Months of criticism and abuse followed from fans and national newspapers, but In October 2001, Beckham’s conversion from villain to hero was completed when, as England captain, he scored a late injury time free-kick against Greece in England’s final 2002 World Cup qualifier to draw the game at 2-2, ensuring qualification for the Three Lions.
Having won six Premier League titles at Manchester United, as well as two FA Cups and the Champions League, Beckham’s superstar status elevated to another level in July 2003 when he became only the third English footballer to play for Real Madrid, joining the Spanish giants for £25m.
He instantly became a fan favourite in Spain, and in 2007 Forbes magazine revealed that Beckham had been the primary party responsible for Madrid’s huge increase in merchandising sales over his four years at the club, a reported total of $600m.
His time in Spain, however, was less successful than in England, despite playing with some of top players in the world such as Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Zinedine Zidane, but in his fourth year with the club he helped Madrid clinch the La Liga title, Madrid’s first championship since Beckham signed with them and his first and only medal with the club. In January 2007, it was announced that Beckham would be leaving Real Madrid to become the most expensive player in Major League Soccer history at Los Angeles Galaxy. His first season in America failed to produce silverware, and as the MLS season ended in October, Milan joined AC Milan on loan in January 2008 in a bid to maintain his fitness and sustain his England career through to the 2010 World Cup.
Currently in his second loan at Milan, Beckham is still the most renowned footballer this country has produced for generations, and with his playing career still going strong, his aspirations of playing in one more World Cup for England could yet become a reality should Fabio Capello include him in his 23 man squad in May.
Still playing at the highest level of football, Beckham is a testament to the ambition and dedication of modern sportsmen and has shown himself as one of the true icons and role models of the game. With an international trophy for his country the only achievement missing from his career, 2010 could be the year that completes one of the most glamorous careers in football history.
Written by upcoming sports writer Jack Woodfield,
for Bestplayersdirectory.com
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