September 23, 2017 | Shannon Quinn

Fierce Facts About David Beckham


David Beckham is famous for being one of the best soccer players in the world. He began his professional career with Manchester United, but constantly evolved in his career by playing for multiple teams and traveling all over the world.

“In my career, there's many things I've won and many things I've achieved, but for me, my greatest achievement is my children and my family. It's about being a good father, a good husband, just being connected to family as much as possible.” -- David Beckham


David Beckham Facts

1. A Star is Born

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David Beckham was born in London, England in 1975. His father was an appliance repairman, and his mother was a hair stylist.

David Beckham poses with his wife Victoria Beckham and parentsMeg Oliphant, Getty Images

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2. Hardcore Fans

David Beckham has two sisters. This entire family were dedicated Manchester United fans, and they would watch the games every season.

David Beckham's mother Sandra and sister Joanne (L) and the girlfriend of Frank Lamparad Elen Rives (R) wait for the action to start prior to the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Quarter-final matchAlex Livesey, Getty Images

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3. Starting Young

When he was a kid, his dad coached a local soccer team called the Ridgeway Rovers. In elementary school, he told everyone that he wanted to grow up to be a footballer.

David Beckham plays a competitive match for Los Angeles GalaxyRegular Daddy, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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4. And So It Begins

By 16, he was training in Manchester United’s academy. He had to drop out of High School to dedicate all his time to training. When he was 18 years old, he was signed to officially join the team.

The Manchester United team line-up together for a group photograph with Nelson MandelaDavid Rogers, Getty Images

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5. Signature Move

David Beckham was the first player to master a special kick that would be named the “Beckham” after him. It is a free kick that actually bends almost like a boomerang, which confuses the goalie and often results in a goal.

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David Beckham of Manchester United takes a trademark free-kickAlex Livesey, Getty Images

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6. On a Roll

David Beckham became the first English footballer to score at three consecutive World Cup tournaments.

David Beckham of England celebrates after his corner led to the first goal during the England v SwedenKoji Aoki/ AFLO, Getty Images

 

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7. Just in Case

For soccer players, their legs are obviously essential to play the sport. David Beckham’s legs were insured for $70 Million, just in case he was ever injured past the point of ever being able to play again.

Captain David Beckham #23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy holds his right shin after falling to the ground Victor Decolongon, Getty Images

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8. Ouch

After moving to the United States, David had a string of bad luck. He had several injuries, and he even had to miss out on the 2010 World Cup because of it.

David Beckham of England is thoughtful ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Round of Sixteen match between Germany and EnglandMichael Regan, Getty Images

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9. A Match Made in Heaven

In 1997, David met Victoria Adams, also known as “Posh Spice” from the famous band The Spice Girls. She was watching him play a game, and they were totally into each other. David admits that he wasn’t actually a fan of the band, but he liked her, and they started dating right away.

David and Victoria Beckham attend The 2003 MTV Movie AwardsKevin Winter, Getty Images

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10. Love at First Sight

Before meeting her face-to-face, the first time David every saw Victoria was when he watched the Spice Girls music video “Say You’ll Be There” with a group of his friends. He pointed at Victoria, saying that if he ever got to meet her, he would be with her for the rest of his life.

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Spice Girls at the O, Victoria Beckham, Melanie C, Melanie B, Emma Bunton and Geri HalliwellKura.kun, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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11. Committed

Two years later, David and Victoria had their first child together: Brooklyn Joseph. They got married a few months later in Ireland.

David Beckham with Brooklyn aftre the FA Carling Premiership matchStu Forster, Getty Images

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12. Leadership

In the year 2000, David Beckham was given the honor of being the captain of England’s national team during the World Cup. He repeated the position for the next tournament, but decided to step down from the captain role in 2006.

David Beckham of England appeals for a penalty during the Poland v England Euro 2000 qualifying matchBen Radford, Getty Images

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13. Born To Be a Father

David Beckham says that he always dreamed of having sons to bring to soccer games, and he got his wish. He has three sons; Brooklyn, Romeo, and Cruz. They also have one daughter, Harper.

Designer Victoria Beckham, Romeo Beckham, Harper Beckham, Cruz Beckham and David Beckham attend the Victoria Beckham - fashion showJP Yim, Getty Images

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14. Off to Spain

He signed with the soccer team Real Madrid in 2003, and his whole family moved over with him.

David Beckham (L) signs papers with Real Madrid President Florentino Perez at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium July 1, 2003 in Madrid, SpainHandout, Getty Images

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15. The Pen is Mightier

In 2003, he released an autobiography called Beckham—Both Feet On The Ground. It became a #1 international best-seller.

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Footballer David Beckham signs copies of his autobiography "My Side"Steve Finn, Getty Images

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16. Golden Feet

In the movie Love Actually, “David Beckham’s Left Foot” is mentioned as being one of the greatest treasures in Great Britain.

David Beckham of Manchester United looks at the damaged foot after picking up a serious injuryAlex Livesey, Getty Images

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17. I think I can, I think I can...

David admits that he is a very stubborn person, especially if someone tells him he can’t do something. He also says that he is constantly trying to improve himself as a person.

David Beckham attends the game between the Los Angeles Angels and the New York YankeesJayne Kamin-Oncea, Getty Images

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18. What’s Up With Your Hair?

When he was younger, he had some interesting hair styles. One time, he even got corn rows.

David Beckham of England organises his team during the International Friendly match between South Africa and EnglandPhil Cole, Getty Images

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19. It Must Be Perfect

David Beckham admitted to suffering with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). He says that when he stays in a hotel, he rearranges furniture and moves thing around before he can feel comfortable. He also likes things to be completely tidy and in perfectly straight lines. If his fridge has an uneven number of soda cans, he will throw one away just to get it “right.”

David Beckham at Al Saad Sports stadium.Waqar A Majid, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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20. Tide’s Not Good Enough?

Since he has this compulsion to be clean and perfect all the time, every month, he buys 30 new pairs of Calvin Klein underwear, and they’re all totally identical. At the end of the month, they all get thrown away, and he just buys more.

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David Beckham attends the Queen's Young Leaders Award CeremonyWPA Pool, Getty Images

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21. On the Big Screen

The movie Bend it Like Beckham was obviously named after him. It’s a story of a girl who gets inspired by English football. He was quoted saying that he believes girls should have every opportunity to play soccer as much as boys.

A stamp printed in Great Britain dedicated to Great British Film, shows Bend It Like Beckhamneftali, Shutterstock

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22. Close, But no Cigar

David Beckham says that he considered making a cameo together with Victoria in the Bend it Like Beckham movie, but he ultimately decided against it. He didn’t feel comfortable trying to act, and was afraid he would be too stiff.

Real Madrid and England footballer David Beckham promotes "Really Bend It Like Beckham"MJ Kim, Getty Images

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23. Baring it All

In 2012, David Beckham came out with a line of underwear for H&M.

David Beckham attends the launch of David Beckham's H&M Modern Essentials CollectionRachel Murray, Getty Images

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24. Bleeding Heart

David Beckham was paid $5.3 Million to play for Paris Saint-Germain, and he donated his entire salary to a charity for children.

David Beckham meets Sebenelle, 14, in Makhewu, SwazilandHandout, Getty Images

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25. Paris, I Love You

The Beckham family moved to France during the time he played for Paris Saint-Germain. Victoria said she was excited, because it put a romantic spark to their relationship. He also decided to take French lessons, and got decently good at speaking the language.

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David Beckham poses wih the Ligue 1 trophy and his sons, Brooklyn, Romeo and CruzMichael Regan, Getty Images

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26. Paparazzi

On the very first day of his training sessions in Paris, 150 reporters showed up to take his picture on the field, even though he wasn’t playing in an actual game.

David Beckham of Paris Saint-Germain FC wavesJulian Finney, Getty Images

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27. Hooray, USA

In 2007, he got a $250 Million contract with the American team, LA Galaxy.  It only lasted for 5 years. When he was asked how he liked living as an athlete in America, he replied that he loved it there, because everyone universally respects sports stars and treats them like a celebrity, no matter what team they’re rooting for. In the UK, he would get disrespected in public if someone wasn’t a fan of the Manchester United.

David Beckham of the LA Galaxy walks out for the match between the Oceania All Stars and the LA GalaxyHannah Peters, Getty Images

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28. Company Man

Playing soccer isn’t the only thing that pays David Beckham’s bills. He made $42 Million in brand deals alone. He has worked with H&M, Adidas, Breitling watches, and more.

Global icon and footballing legend David Beckham today opened the new adidas HomeCourt concept store in the Mall of Emirates, DubaiWarren Little, Getty Images

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29. Foodie

His favorite meal is a London classic: pie and mash. He also loves jellied eels on the side. When he was traveling all over Europe to play, he would actually have meals shipped over from England so he could have things he enjoyed eating.

A plate of traditional London pie, mashed potato with liquor gravyGoddard's Pies Limited, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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30. You’ll Never See The Same Thing Twice

Every game he plays, he wears a brand new pair of shoes. They are always high-end name brand shoes, which cost $300 each.

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David Beckham #23 of Los Angeles Galaxy has a free kickHarry How, Getty Images

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31. Big Softie

He admits that certain movies will make him openly cry in public, even if he’s seen them before.

David Beckham of PSG reacts as he is substituted during the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Stade Brestois 29Michael Regan, Getty Images

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32. Idol

Larger-than-life silver statues of David Beckham in nothing but his tighty whities popped up in front of H&M stores in major cities throughout the US in 2012. Rolling Stone called them some of the worst statues of a sports star.

H&M Celebrates New David Beckham Ad Campaign with Statue StuntSteve Jennings, Getty Images

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33. Power Couple

While there is no way of knowing the true number without asking him, David Beckham’s total net worth has been estimated at $450 Million. His wife Victoria is also estimated to have the same net worth. If they invested wisely, the duo could be worth nearly a billion dollars. That’s actually more than the net worth of the Queen of England.

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham attend the British Fashion Awards 2015Anthony Harvey, Getty Images

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34. Smells Good

David and Victoria came out with their own fragrance together, called “Beckham.” They make perfume for women, as well as cologne for men. In 2011, David went undercover as a Target employee as part of a gag with the Ellen show, trying to get people to buy his cologne.

David Beckham and Victoria Beckham attend the launch of the Beckham Signature fragrance collectionAndrew H. Walker, Getty Images

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35. No Pain No Gain

David Beckham says that he is “addicted” to getting tattoos, because he actually enjoys the pain. Almost his entire body is covered in tattoos.

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David Beckham of AC Milan leaves the field after the Serie A match between AS Roma and AC MilanPaolo Bruno, Getty Images

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36. A Very Rare Vintage

When living in Spain, David and Victoria really got into going to wine tastings. During the time he lived in the United States, he purchased a vineyard and winery in Napa, California as a gift for Victoria. The only people who are allowed to visit it are friends and family.

David Beckham on Wimbledon 2014Brian MInkoff, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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37. Tatted

Most of David’s tattoos are some sort of religious imagery from all over the world. While he likes the look. His mother’s family is Jewish, which is what he identifies as, but he says that he actually isn’t very religious at all.

Brooklyn Beckham, David Beckham and Cruz Beckham attend the Women's Beach Volleyball matchRyan Pierse, Getty Images

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38. Equality

David Beckham is a supporter of gay rights. He also attended Elton John’s wedding in 2014.

Recording artist Elton John (L) and UNICEF GWA Honoree David Beckham speaks onstage during the Sixth Biennial UNICEF BallJonathan Leibson, Getty Images

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39. Loyalty

Despite the fact that he changed teams a few times, David Beckham says he could never play in a team that went up against Manchester United. As a result, he has never accepted offers to join rival teams in the Premier League.

David Beckham of Great Britain and Ireland addresses the fans during the David Beckham Match for ChildrenAlex Livesey, Getty Images

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40. Alternate Reality

David Beckham says that if he didn’t make it as a professional soccer player, he would have been a hairdresser. When he was a kid, he also loved to draw, and said he would have also possibly been an illustrator or cartoonist.

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avid Beckham reveals how donations made to this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF will goSoccer Aid for Unicef, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

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41. Ready For a Fight

David Beckham puts all his sons into martial arts classes and bodyguard training.

David Beckham and sons Brooklyn Beckham (L), Cruz Beckham (2nd R) and Romeo Beckham (R) at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Michael Steele, Getty Images

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42. Birthday Suit

Playboy magazine asked David and Victoria to do a nude photoshoot together. They turned it down, but David said, “never say never.”

 David Beckham and Victoria Beckham arrive at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan MarkleWPA Pool, Getty Images

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43. Tweet Tweet

He suffers from “ornithophobia,” which is actually the fear of birds.

David Beckham waits to take a corner kickKunal Shah, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

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44. The End

David Beckham retired from soccer in 2013. When asked about his decision, he said he doesn’t regret it. He was already in his late 30’s, and it was taking his body longer to recover with each injury. He wanted to stop before the damage to his body got too serious. Now, he is enjoying retirement with his wife and four kids.

A general view of the unique adidas Predator Lethal Zone boots made by David BeckhamJulien M. Hekimian, Getty Images

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45. Not Over Yet

Despite the fact that he is retired from soccer, that doesn’t mean David Beckham has dropped off the face of the Earth. He is still very much a celebrity, and frequently does TV appearances and modeling.

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Former professional soccer midfielder David Beckham speaks at the unveiling of his statueMeg Oliphant, Getty Images

Sources: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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