David Beckham
Born in Leytonstone, LondonBorn on 2nd of May 1975
Died in 000
British hero of the week March 29th 2009
Though he was born in Leytonstone, David Beckham was always destined to play for Manchester United – his parents were fans, and made the pilgrimage to Old Trafford to watch the team when David was a child. He signed for the Reds when he was just 14, and debuted in the first team for them when he was 17, scoring against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Beckham was part of a gilded youth team (including the Nevilles, Scholes, Butt) that contrary to Alan Hansen’s “You win nothing with kids,” statement went on to dominate the Premier League for a decade, and won the Champions League in 1999.
Blessed with good looks and nous to go with footballing talent, and with a great work ethic that honed certain skills to perfection, Beckham became far more than a footballer: he married Posh Spice (with picture rights of the perhaps over-the-top wedding sold to OK! Magazine) and became a celebrity and fashion icon; has made millions from ads and endorsements; and to his great credit he has also worked hard for UNICEF and other charitable causes.
His celebrity seemingly created a divide with manager Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, and in 2003 he transferred to Real Madrid, where further league success ensued, and Beckham’s tenacity was seen, regaining his place when Fabio Capello seemed less than enamoured of him. Then in 2007, in a move that many took to be building brand Beckham rather than for footballing reasons, he shifted to LA Galaxy, albeit with reportedly astronomical earnings attached to the move. A loan spell for AC Milan has meant more demanding football for the star, and yet another of Europe’s greatest clubs on his CV.
But it is Beckham’s role with England for which he will be remembered. Playing with a passion sometimes lacking in his colleagues Beckham has produced magical moments like the at-the-death free-kick goal against Greece that earned England qualification for the 2002 World Cup Finals; it has also seen him sent off twice for England, another first, and become the first England captain to be red-carded. His first cap came in September 1996 against Moldova; on March 28 2009 he won his 109th in the friendly against Slovakia, becoming England’s most capped outfield player in the process, seemingly with power to add.
Links:
http://www.beckham-magazine.com/ Fan site
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