David Beckham, Manchester United player

David Beckham is one of the world’s best-known footballers. He has played for two of the world’s biggest clubs, Manchester United and Real Madrid, and is married to Victoria, pop singer and former Spice Girl.

David Beckham was born in London in 1975. Though brought up in London, he and his parents were always Manchester United supporters. He was spotted by Manchester United while still at school, signed schoolboy forms at fourteen and then joined the club’s apprentice scheme two years later. He was a member of the Manchester United team that won the FA Youth Cup in 1992, along with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville and others. His first senior appearance - as a substitute - was in 1992-1993. In 1995 he went to Preston North End on loan, making five appearances and scoring two goals. His first significant season for Manchester United was 1995-1996. In the first game of the season, against Aston Villa, he came on as a half-time substitute. Villa won the game 3-1, prompting BBC TV pundit Alan Hansen to make his now famous remark about not winning anything with kids. It was a remark not to be forgotten, as a youthful Manchester United went on to win the double.

In 1996-1997 Manchester United were champions again. Beckham was now a regular member of the side. Near the end of the opening game, away to Wimbledon, Beckham scored from inside his own half. He lobbed the Wimbledon goalkeeper from sixty yards! In 1996 he made his England debut and, in 1998, went to France for the World Cup Finals. In a semi-final match against Argentina, he kicked-out at one of the opposition and was sent-off. England lost the game on penalties and Beckham was widely criticised. The following season he was vilified at grounds across the country. His response was to play superbly and help Manchester United to their 1998-1999 treble. In four further seasons he played his part in three further Premiership titles.

In the summer of 1999, Beckham married Victoria Adams, known as Posh Spice. As the husband of a pop star, a fashion icon in his own right, and a successful footballer, Beckham entered the world of celebrity. He seemed to enjoy it, although his Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, was less impressed. To Ferguson, anything that diverted Beckham’s attention from his football was not in the club’s best interests. The previously excellent relationship between manager and player gradually became strained. At the end of the 2002-2003 season, after much speculation, Beckham was sold to Real Madrid for £24.5m. He played for Real Madrid for four years before then signing for LA Galaxy. He has continued to appear for England and has now won a hundred and seven caps. He has captained England on fifty-eight occasions.

Despite potential distractions, David Beckham has always worked hard at his football. He has been an excellent athlete, who has always looked after himself and trained hard. For most of his career he has played on the right of midfield, from where he has been a superb crosser of the ball. He has also been a very dangerous taker of free-kicks, scoring many timely goals for both club and country. He hasn’t been the quickest of players, nor the most naturally talented, but in his main eight seasons at Old Trafford he did make a most telling contribution to a very successful team. In 2003, Beckham was awarded the OBE for services to football.