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David Beckham
David Beckham is one of Britain's most iconic athletes whose name is also an elite global advertising brand...
He was captain of the English national team from 1998 to 2009, scored in three different FIFA World Cups, and played midfield for clubs in Manchester, England, Madrid, Spain, and Milan, Italy; he also won the MLS Cup playing for Los Angeles Galaxy in 2011 and 2012.
He was born David Robert Joseph
Beckham on May 2, 1975, in Leytonstone, East London, England, son of
Ted Beckham, a kitchen fitter, and Sandra West, a hairdresser. Beckham's
maternal grandfather is Jewish, and he has been mentioning the religion
as influence; he wears a tattoo written in Hebrew from the 'Song of
Songs' in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), albeit he is not known to
practice Judaism or any other faith. Beckham has always played in long
sleeve shirts to cover up his tattoos in consideration of others who may
feel uncomfortable due to their beliefs.
He was brought up by his parents, supporters of Manchester United, attended
Bobby Charlton's
football school in Manchester, and won a spot in a training session at
FC Barcelona as a child. In 1986 he was a Manchester United's mascot for
a match against West Ham United. From 1992 - 2003 Beckham made almost
400 appearances for Manchester United and scored 85 goals, although his
official record counts only 62 goals in 265 official senior team's
matches. In the 1998 FIFA World Cup he played all of England's
qualifying matches and scored in several important victories. He
received a red card for violent conduct in England's match against
Argentina, albeit his opponent later admitted to trying to send Beckham
off by over-reacting to their contact during the game and by urging the
referee to send Beckham off. After losing the game England was
eliminated, Beckham was made a scapegoat and became the target of
criticism and abuse in media.
He had a good season in 1999 - 2000 and helped Manchester United to win the Premier League. At that time, he married singer
Victoria Beckham
(nee' Adams) from the popular musical group The Spice Girls, and the
couple had their first son, Brooklyn, born in 1999. That same year,
Beckham was given a permission to miss training routine, in order to
look after his son Brooklyn, who suffered from a stomach infection.
Meanwhile, the Manchester United's manager,
Alex Ferguson,
fined Beckham £50,000 (about $80,000 then) the maximum amount that was
permitted, for babysitting with his sick child, while his wife was
spotted at a London fashion Week event on the same night. Ferguson's
claim that Beckham should be able to train if his wife stayed home that
day, caused a serious personal tension between two men. In February
2003, following the defeat to Arsenal, the Manchester United's manager
Alex Ferguson entered the changing room and kicked a football boot that struck Beckham over the eye, causing a cut that required stitches.
David
Beckham has been a good scorer and a major attraction for public. On
the field he has been demonstrating his consistent ability to see a big
picture even under severe pressure during the most rapidly changing and
unpredictable games. His field vision has been remarkable, allowing him
to create many assists in a number of important matches. Beckham's forte
has been his delivery from the right-hand side as well as his efficient
free kicks. His superior performances in the midfield position has
required a higher physical endurance through the entire game. "David
Beckham's right foot" was mentioned, although humorously, as one of
British national treasures in the movie
Love Actually (2003).
He
signed a four-year contract with Real Madrid, beginning on July 1,
2003, and worth a potential 40 million dollars. In Madrid, Beckham was
not allowed to wear his favorite number seven, because another player
had the right to wear it written into his contract. Beckham decided to
wear the number 23 instead, being a big fan of
Michael Jordan.
He immediately became popular with the Real Madrid fans, but the team
did not perform well enough to win either the Spanish League or the
Champions League. However, Beckham remained a reliable scorer and his
performances attracted more public. His shirts sales and other
merchandising deals remained lucrative for the club, which continued to
under-perform, regardless of the Real's management's higher
expectations.
In 2005 Beckham became a UNICEF Goodwill
Ambassador. He was also involved in promoting London's successful bid
for the 2012 Olympic Games. His third season in Madrid was unremarkable,
and he was criticized a lot, mainly because the team finished second to
Barcelona in Spanish "La Liga" and lost to Arsenal in the European
Champions League. However, during that season, he expanded his
international presence by establishing football academies in Los Angeles
and East London. During the FIFA World Cup 2006, he played for England,
and became the first ever English player to score in three World Cups.
In the quarter final game against Portugal, Beckham was replaced because
of his injury in the middle of the game. Without him the English team
lost and was knocked out of the World Cup.
In June 2007 Beckham
played his final game for Real Madrid, winning a medal and celebrating
with his friends Tom and Katie Cruse, who attended the game. This was
his fourth, and last season there, ending his contract with the club. He
announced that he had signed a five-year contract to play for the Los
Angeles Galaxy from July 1, 2007 through June 2012. The 5-year deal
includes up to $10 million a year in direct salary, and with
merchandising endorsements and profit-sharing could earn Beckham up to
$50 million a year, and may end up worth about $250 million in five
years, making him one of the highest earning athletes of all time.
In
2009, in a unique time share agreement David played on loan at AC Milan
to maintain his fitness after ending the season with the Galaxy. He
ended up staying with Milan for five months, from January to May 2009.
In 2010, he also arranged to embark on a second loan spell at AC Milan
from the Galaxy, to play for Milan for another five months. He said that
he "genuinely enjoyed playing for Milan."
In 2011, after winning
his first MLS Cup, his five-year deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy
ended. At that time, Beckham was invited to play for Paris
Saint-Germain. But the 36-year-old player said "My family and I are
incredibly happy and settled in America and we look forward to spending
many more years here... I am still passionate about playing in America
and winning trophies with the Galaxy" he stated after signing another
two-year contract with the Los Angeles club.
In 2012, Beckham
helped the Los Angeles Galaxy to retain their championship by defeating
the Houston Dynamo 3-1 in the final game and winning the MLS Cup 2012.
His last appearance for Los Angeles was on December 2, 2012. Beckham's
jersey No 23 has been the best selling in the MLS and one of the best in
the world, as he expands his image as one of sport's leading icons.
Although he plays his best in the right of midfield, Beckham can be
dangerous anywhere in the field and can make a difference in a big game
with a pass, a cross, or a free kick. Arguably no one in the game can
rival Beckham's accuracy in free kicks, as he can put that ball on a
teammate's head with uncanny precision. He is still a decisive player,
regardless of age.
In January 2013, David Beckham signed a 5 month contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
The
Beckhams, who have become known as "Posh and Becks", have four
children: three sons - Brooklyn Joseph Beckham (born 1999, in London),
Romeo James Beckham (born 2002, in London), Cruz David Beckham (born
2005, in Madrid), and daughter Harper Seven (born in 2011, in Los
Angeles).
- IMDb Mini Biography By:
Steve Shelokhonov
Spouse
Trade Mark
Number 7 shirt for Manchester United and England
Number 23 shirt for Real Madrid and Los Angeles Galaxy
Trivia
Won the treble with Manchester United (Premiership, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League).
His first goal for England came at the Stade Felix-Bollaert in
Lens in the 2-0 victory against Colombia on June 26 1998 during the
World Cup.
Voted the #1 best male body in "Celebrity Bodies" (UK) magazine. [October 2001]
Voted best dressed male by readers of "Heat" (UK) magazine. [December 2001]
He began his footballing career at the age of 17.
Has been dubbed a master of set-pieces specialising in free-kicks
and has developed one which is known around the world as the 'Beckham',
which involves lifting the ball over the 'wall', sending it towards the
far post, but bending it back to the near post confusing the keeper and
having the ball just dip under the bar for the goal.
Scored on his first team debut in the European Cup against Galatasaray.
Was signed by Manchester United to their youth training program at
the age of 14. His youth team also featured the Neville brothers,
Nicky Butt and
Paul Scholes - his current team mates.
On, May 11, 2003, David was voted the 91st worst Briton in Channel Four's poll of the 100 Worst Britons.
On June 17, 2003, David signed a four year deal worth £24.5m to play for Real Madrid.
He began his soccer career at the age of 17.
Signed new contract with Manchester United until 2005, making him
the highest paid footballer in Britain at that moment - though he would
be sold to Real Madrid a year later. [May 2002]
Declared he will retain the England captaincy, despite criticism
for poor performances and two missed penalties in Euro 2004. [June 2004]
In November 1996, Beckham was abroad on his first trip with the
England squad, in Tbilisi, Georgia. There, he saw the video that would
change his life. It was "Say You'll Be There" by the Spice Girls.
Beckham pointed at the screen and said to his best friend Gary Neville
that the girl dressed in a black PVC catsuit (Victoria) was the woman he
wanted and if she wanted him, they would be together for ever.
A few
months later, they began dating.
David and Victoria held a lavish, star-studded party for the
christening of their two sons, Brooklyn, 5, and Romeo, 2. The ceremony
was held on the grounds of the Beckhams' Hertfordshire mansion (December
23, 2004).
Was famously sent off against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France for retaliation.
He wears a new pair of football boots for every game he plays at an estimated cost of £300 a pair.
Had his likeness made out of a napkin in
Padre Made in USA (2005) by Roger the Alien.
He played for England in the 1998, 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups
of Soccer. He was named captain for the national team in 2000 but
announced his resignation from that prestigious position on 2 July 2006
(the day after England were knocked out of the 2006 World Cup).
Gary Neville - his teammate in the national English football team - was best man at his wedding.
Relinquished the captaincy of England after the team's quarter-final defeat to Portugal in the World Cup (July 2, 2006).
Chosen one of "Time" magazine's Time 100 in 2004.
After Real Madrid announced he would not remain there after the
end of the 2006-2007 season, he signed a five-year-deal for the Los
Angeles Galaxy, earning up to $50 million dollar a year in direct
salary, with endorsements and profit-sharing.
Is mentioned in
Love Actually (2003) when
Hugh Grant's character lists "David Beckham's right foot" as one of the things that make Britain great.
Won the Spanish La Liga title with Real Madrid before his transfer to LA Galaxy.
Suffers from ornithophobia (fear of birds).
In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his salary for the year to be $33 million.
Founded the David Beckham football academy.
Ranked #5 in the 2008 Forbes The Celebrity 100 list.
Among the godparents of their sons
Brooklyn Beckham and
Romeo Beckham are
Elizabeth Hurley,
Elton John and his partner
David Furnish.
Additionally, football agent Dave Gardner is one of Brooklyn's
godfathers. Each of the boys has five godparents. Brooklyn has four
godfathers and one godmother and Romeo has three godfathers and two
godmothers.
He was awarded the OBE (Officer of the Order of the British
Empire) in the 2003 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to
Football.
The Sunday Times estimates his net worth at $205 million.
Announced he and wife,
Victoria Beckham are expecting their fourth child in the summer. [January 2011].
His legs are insured for $70 million.
Daughter, Harper Seven Beckham, was born on July 10, 2011 in Los Angeles.
Is in Japan playing a tournament with his team Real Madrid [July 2005]
Release of the #1 International best-selling book, "Beckham - Both Feet on the Ground".
A member of the Real Madrid team who won the Spanish League season
2006/2007 after the game against Majorca (Real Madrid 3 - Majorca 1)
[June 2007]
(20 December) Introduced to the media by AC Milan (Italy). On loan
from the Los Angeles Galaxy, Beckham will play for AC Milan from 7
Janunary - 9 March 2009.
Signs up for Spanish soccer team Real Madrid. [June 2003]
Personal Quotes
I dream a lot about football and a lot of them have come true for me.
The England team should be managed by an English manager.
Whenever Man Utd lose people always say there's a crisis.
As a footballer you always want to test yourself against the best.
If someone had said in 1998 after my sending off in the World Cup
that I would be leading my country out within three years I would have
laughed in their face.
In Spain people have lunch and dinner a lot later - when I return to England I'll have to eat alone at midnight.
Pelé was a complete player. I didn't see him live obviously, because I wasn't born.
Well, I can play in the centre, on the right and occasionally on
the left side" - when asked if he thought that he was a volatile player
I like Victoria for herself, not for nothing else. I'd like her if she worked in Tesco.
Shopping! - Beckham describing his strengths
At home things are hard. For instance, my curtains are never open,
I get no privacy at all. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw
daylight in my house.
I think the most important goal I scored in Spain was the first
one because people were wary about me coming over to Spain as a player -
they thought I was just there to sell shirts.
On Real Madrid: "To experience playing and being in the same team
as these players is something that might not ever happen again - to have
so many players in one team. I just wanted to be one of these stars and
play in this team."
Alex Ferguson is the best manager I've ever had at this level.
Well, he's the only manager I've actually had at this level. But he's
the best manager I've ever had.
I definitely want (my son) Brooklyn to be christened, but I don't know into what religion yet.
During the past few months, I have become accustomed to reading
more and more ludicrous stories about my private life. The simple truth
is that I am very happily married, have a wonderful wife and two very
special kids. There is nothing that any third party can do to change
these facts. - denying any affair with his former personal assistant,
Rebecca Loos. [April 2004]
The way I and my family have been treated is an absolute disgrace.
At the end of the day, I'm a nice person and loving husband and father.
I've been called a bad father, I've been called a bad husband and my
wife has been called a bad mother.
Things always hurt that are said
about my family, and for people to call my wife a bad mother is
unbelievable. I'm a strong person, I'm a strong family man, I'm a strong
husband and a strong father.
I always wanted to be a hairdresser.
People can say what they like. But me and Victoria will always stay together as husband and wife.
I've got more clothes than Victoria.
It's one thing I like about America - they respect the sportsman.
They put them up on a pedestal. They don't try to knock them down. And
that's a great thing, to be respected by the whole country. It's so
patriotic!
You can practice penalties till the cows come home but it is
different when you are out there in front of 60,000 people and the
pressure is on.
I have come to accept that if I have a new haircut it is front
page news. But having a picture of my foot on the front page of a
national newspaper is a bit exceptional.
[on media claims that pal
Tom Cruise
has tried to convert him and his wife Victoria to Scientology] I
respect any person's religion but he's never pushed anything on to us.
Friends don't do that.
There is no greater feeling than seeing your children smile.
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