BECKHAM
Date of Birth
2 May1975, Leytonstone, London, England, UK
Birth Name
David Robert Joseph Beckham
Nickname
Dave
Becks
Golden Balls
DB7
Height
6' (1.83 m)
Mini Biography
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 2000 to 2006, 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.
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.
Beckham's jersey No
23 is 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.
The
Beckhams, who have become known as "Posh and Becks", have three sons:
Brooklyn Joseph Beckham (born 1999), Romeo James Beckham (born 2002),
and Cruz David Beckham (born 2005) who was named "Cruz" in honor of
their friend Tom Cruise.
IMDb Mini Biography By:
Steve Shelokhonov
Spouse
| Victoria Beckham |
(4 July 1999 - present) 4 children |
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). [1999]
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 "American Dad!" (2005) by Roger the Alien.
Among the guests at his 30th birthday party were Elizabeth Hurley, Elle Macpherson and Geri Halliwell.
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.
Has three sons with wife, Victoria Beckham. Brooklyn Beckham, born on March 4, 1999, Romeo Beckham on September 1, 2002, in London, England and Cruz Beckham on February 20, 2005 in Madrid, Spain.
Was among the guests at Tom Cruise's and Katie Holmes' wedding ceremony in Italy.
Suffers from ornithophobia (fear of birds).
Godfather to Davinia Taylor's and Dave Gordon's son Grey.
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. [2009]
Announced he and wife, Victoria Beckham are expecting their fourth child in the summer. [January 2011].
Son-in-law of Jackie Adams and Anthony Adams.
His legs are insured for $70 million.
Daughter, Harper Seven Beckham, was born on July 10, 2011 in Los Angeles.
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.
Where Are They Now
(June 2003) Signs up for Spanish soccer team Real Madrid.
(July 2005) Is in Japan playing a tournament with his team Real Madrid
(2003) Release of the #1 International best-selling book, "Beckham - Both Feet on the Ground".
(June
2007) 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)
(2008) (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.
