It truly was the end of an era the day that David Beckham announced the end of his playing career.
The former Manchester United star became famous for his free kicks, being decisive for his clubs on numerous occasions, including what is arguably considered as his most notable free kick, in a crucial 2002 World Cup qualifier against Greece, a classic moment when the, then, England captain scored from 30-yards, three minutes into injury-time.
Beckham's phenomenal free kick was also the start of the “Bend it like Beckham” catchphrase.
Money-making machine
One of England's most influential football players, David Beckham has become known for his talent, but his stardom extended beyond the field and into international celebrity.
The couple David and Victoria Beckham during a Lakers game at the Staples Center, in Los Angeles.
He was already an admired star for Manchester United when he married Spice Girls star Victoria Adams (then known as "Posh Spice"), in July of 1999.
The combination of the two heartthrobs proved irresistible to the press and public, and they became one of Britain's most famous couples. Plus, the player's fashion-forward haircuts, tattoos and outfits were also closely observed in the worldwide press.
On the field, Beckham became known best for his pinpoint free kicks, slick passing, and stunning long-range shots (including his most famous goal from inside his own half against Wimbledon in 1996).
But the England starlet was also famous for his temper and ended up being sent off during his sides ill tempered match with Argentina at the 1998 World Cup. However, he returned to play in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.
Barcelona, 26th of May, 1999. United overturn the result after normal time and seal their first Champions League title in 31 years.
In 2003, Manchester United sold the acclaimed midfielder to Real Madrid, for a transfer fee of 35 million euros (about 25 million British pounds), where he joined galacticos Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Raul, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo.
In 2007 he signed a multi-million dollar contract to leave Madrid and move to the United States and play for the L.A. Galaxy of Major League Soccer. His first match for his new side was a friendly against Chelsea on 21 July 2007.
Beckham also played an extended loan with AC Milan, in 2009 and 2010, before returning to the USA and helping the L.A. Galaxy win the MLS Cup in 2011 and then again in 2012, the fifth and final year of his contract with the team.
Finally, and before bringing an end to his playing career, Beckham signed a five-month deal with French giants Paris Saint-Germain, helping them clinch the Ligue 1 title after 19 years.
David Beckham announced his retirement from football on May 16, 2013.
Destined to shine
David Robert Joseph Beckham was born on May 2, 1975, in London, England, to parents Ted Beckham, an appliance repairman, and his wife Sandra, a hair stylist.
His connection to Old Trafford began at a very young age, as he used to travel with his father and other family members, from London to Manchester, to watch United play.
Beckham went on to show his own promise as a footballer, winning the coveted Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools National Skills competition at 11 years old and his talent was soon spotted by scouts from Manchester United, who asked him to try out for the club's youth league. By the age of 16, Beckham had left home and was playing for United's youth team. By 1995, he was a member of the first team.
It did not take long for Beckham to become one of Manchester United's most influential players.
But before that, Beckham gave his first steps as a football player at the service of Tottenham Hotspur.
And at the age of 14, he signed his first deal for the Red Devils' youth team, in 8th July 1991, as a trainee.
Beckham made his way up the Old Trafford ranks and developed into a true football talent. He came on as a substitute for Andrei Kanchelskis on 23rd September 1992 and the game against Brighton marked his debut as a Manchester United senior player.
Following his success as a winner of the 1992 F.A. Youth Cup and runner-up in 1993, he was signed as a professional United player in January 1993 and played in his first Champions League game.
He was then loaned to Preston North End, in the 1994-95 season, before being brought back to Old Trafford by Sir Alex Ferguson. He became a first team regular in the 1996-97 seasons as a right midfielder, under the Scotsman.
In 1996, United got a taste of Beckham's crossing, free kick and long shot talent, the same year they claimed the Premier League, FA Cup and Charity Shield title.
Problems with Ferguson
In 2007, tensions between Beckham and Sir Alex Ferguson were exposed, after a dressing-room incident between the two left their relationship strained, with the most famous footballer on the planet leaving for Real Madrid, four months later.
Ferguson accidentally kicked a football boot against the player's face, following Manchester United's 2-0 defeat to arch rivals Arsenal, in the fifth round of the FA Cup, but neither Ferguson nor Manchester United would reveal full details of the incident.
Although internal feuds were suspended for the time being as United continued their challenge for the Champions League and the Premier League titles, eventually, the life would be firmly choked out of Beckham's United career.
Ferguson in 2007, speaking about Beckham's marriage to then pop star Victoria, stated: "He was never a problem until he got married. He used to go into work with the academy coaches at night time, he was a fantastic young lad. Getting married into that entertainment scene was a difficult thing - from that moment, his life was never going to be the same. He is such a big celebrity, football is only a small part."
One year later, Beckham left Old Trafford for the Santiago Bernabeu outfit.
Three Lions career
Beckham made his first appearance for the national team on September 1, 1996, in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova.
He had featured in all of England’s qualifiers for the 1998 World Cup in France, but then England coach Glenn Hoddle accused him of not focusing on the tournament and he did not start in the first two games of the tournament. However, he was picked for the third match and scored a long-range free-kick in a 2-0 win. This was his first goal for England.
And during the 1998 World Cup, England's David Beckham was sent off for kicking Simeone in retaliation for a foul. Simeone later admitted to simulating the injury from the kick, in order to get Beckham sent off.
Beckham was handed the Three Lions' armband by caretaker boss Peter Taylor in November 2000, following the resignation of Kevin Keegan as England manager the month before. His captaincy was kept under new manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
After kicking Diego Simeone, Dane referee Kim Milton Nielsen gave Beckham his marching orders. He was then held responsible for England's premature elimination from the tournament.
He helped England to qualify for the 2002 World Cup, after impressive performances against Germany and Greece, and scored the winner against Argentina from the penalty spot, during the group stages of the tournament, causing Argentina to fail to qualify for the knockout round.
The England star played in all of the national side's matches at Euro 2004 in Portugal, but the tournament ended in disappointment for him as he had two penalties missed against France and Portugal, respectively.
In 2005, Beckham captained England for the 50th time, in a friendly against Argentina, and in the 2006 World Cup, a Beckham free-kick against Paraguay led to an own goal by Carlos Gamarra, with England winning 1-0.
Beckham became the first player to score in three separate World Cups for England, when he scored a free-kick, during the knockout stage match versus Ecuador.
In the quarter final, he was subbed off due to injury at half time, and the Three Lions went on to finish the game goalless, after extra time, and eventually lost to Portugal 3-1 on penalties.
One day after being knocked out of the World Cup, an emotional David Beckham announced in a news conference his decision to step down as England captain.
“It has been an honour and privilege to captain my country but, having been captain for 58 of my 95 games, I feel the time is right to pass on the armband as we enter a new era under Steve McClaren.”
23/04 - 20:00
23/04 - 20:00
