David Beckham

Latest News: David Beckham Opens Up in New Netflix Series

The highly anticipated docuseries Beckham, which premiered on Netflix on October 4, offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of David and Victoria Beckham. The couple, who signed a $20 million deal with Netflix for the series, garnered significant attention, attracting nearly half a million new followers to David Beckham’s social media accounts. The series delves into various aspects of their lives, including personal challenges and public scrutiny.

One of the most notable revelations comes from the couple addressing the rumors surrounding David’s alleged affair with model Rebecca Loos in 2003. In a candid conversation, Victoria, 49, describes the situation as a “nightmare” and an “absolute circus,” noting that while the public is fascinated by such drama, it’s a different experience when you’re at the center of it. Rebecca Loos, who faced extensive social media backlash, described the negative remarks as “disgusting,” shedding light on the personal toll the scandal took on all involved.

Who Is David Beckham?

David Beckham, a soccer sensation from a young age, has lived a career marked by both sporting excellence and media attention. Beckham began his career with Manchester United at 18, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He became a full-time starter in 1995 and played for the legendary English club until 2003. Beckham’s success continued at Spain’s Real Madrid, and in 2007, he signed a landmark five-year contract with Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy. After retiring from professional soccer in 2013, Beckham expanded his interests, becoming part-owner of Inter Miami CF, among other ventures. Married to Victoria Beckham since 1999, the couple remains one of the most high-profile in the entertainment and sports world.

Early Years

David Robert Joseph Beckham was born on May 2, 1975, in Leytonstone, London. Raised in a family of Manchester United fans, Beckham’s potential as a footballer was clear from an early age. At just 11 years old, he won the Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools National Skills competition, catching the eye of Manchester United’s scouts. By age 16, Beckham had moved away from home to join United’s youth division, and at 18, he officially made the first team. By 1995, he was a permanent fixture in the squad, marking the start of an illustrious career.

Soccer Career

David Beckham made an immediate impact on the English soccer scene, quickly establishing himself as one of the most talented and marketable players of his generation. In 1997, he was awarded the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year, signaling the start of a stellar career. By 1998, Beckham was a key member of England’s World Cup squad, and his growing fame was complemented by a $13 million endorsement portfolio, which included a deal with Adidas.

In 1999, Beckham led Manchester United to a historic treble, winning the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. His performance on the field continued to shine, with a crucial free-kick in 2001 helping England qualify for the 2002 World Cup. Later that year, Beckham signed a lucrative three-year, $22 million contract with Manchester United.

However, his time at United came to an abrupt end in 2003 when he was transferred to Real Madrid, following tensions with then-manager Sir Alex Ferguson. His move to Spain was met with excitement, as Beckham became part of the club’s “Galácticos” era, joining a roster that included global stars such as Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos.

Meanwhile, in the United States, Beckham’s star continued to rise. The 2002 film Bend It Like Beckham helped introduce the player to a wider American audience, and in 2007, he made a highly publicized move to Major League Soccer (MLS), signing a five-year, $250 million contract with the LA Galaxy. The deal not only bolstered his own brand but also helped elevate the profile of MLS. Within days of his signing, the Galaxy sold over 5,000 season tickets.

Beckham’s tenure in the U.S., however, was marred by injuries, including a knee ligament sprain in his first season and an Achilles tendon injury that ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup. Despite these setbacks, Beckham remained a dominant figure in the sport, ultimately retiring at the end of the 2013 season after securing a league title with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). At the time of his retirement, Beckham reflected on his illustrious career, expressing gratitude for his family’s unwavering support and acknowledging the fulfillment of his childhood dreams of playing for Manchester United, captaining England, and competing for some of the world’s top clubs.

MLS Team Owner and Other Ventures

In 2014, Beckham, alongside a group of investors, announced plans to create a new MLS team in Miami. He became the first former athlete to own a team in modern MLS history. Inter Miami CF was officially launched in 2018, with its inaugural match taking place in March 2020. In 2023, the club made headlines by signing soccer legend Lionel Messi, further elevating the team’s global profile.

Beyond his soccer career, Beckham has been heavily involved in philanthropy, particularly as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a role he has held since 2005. His charitable work has focused on children’s rights and global issues, further solidifying his status as a positive public figure.

Net Worth

With a reported net worth of $450 million, Beckham is considered one of the wealthiest athletes in the world. Alongside his wife, Victoria Beckham, the couple’s combined net worth exceeds $500 million. Beckham’s wealth has been derived from his successful playing career, lucrative endorsements, and a variety of business ventures. Forbes estimates that Beckham earned $255 million during his six years with MLS, a total that includes endorsement deals, licensing, and salary.

As of his retirement, Beckham was the 7th highest-paid athlete of all time, with reported career earnings of $800 million, according to The Mirror. His lucrative partnerships with global brands such as Adidas, Haig Club Whisky, Armani, and PepsiCo have been key contributors to his financial success. Additionally, Beckham launched a highly successful underwear line with H&M in 2012, which included a provocative marketing campaign featuring 10-foot statues of the star in his underwear displayed in major cities across the U.S.

Beckham has also cultivated a renowned art collection, reportedly worth $44 million, and spends an average of $46,000 per day on hobbies, including a notable collection of Elvis Presley memorabilia. His diverse financial portfolio highlights his transition from soccer star to global entrepreneur and influencer.

Wife and Children

David Beckham has been married to Victoria Beckham, famously known as Posh Spice from the Spice Girls, since July 4, 1999. Even before their first meeting, Beckham predicted to friends that he would marry her after watching the 1997 film Spice World, telling them, “See that one there? I’m going to marry that one.” The couple met at a Manchester United game in 1997, and their connection was instant. Their wedding, held at a grand castle outside Dublin, cost an estimated $800,000.

The Beckhams learned they were expecting their first child just before the 1998 World Cup, a moment David humorously referred to as “Oh blimey, you couldn’t have picked a worse time.” Their first son, Brooklyn Beckham, was born in March 1999. The couple later had three more children: sons Romeo, born in September 2002, and Cruz, born in February 2005, as well as their daughter, Harper, born in July 2011.

Netflix Docuseries

In 2020, David and Victoria Beckham signed a $20 million contract with Netflix to create a docuseries about their lives. Titled Beckham, the series premiered in October 2023, quickly captivating fans and drawing David nearly half a million new followers on social media. The documentary provided an intimate look into the couple’s relationship, their journey together, and how they dealt with criticism, including negative chants from soccer fans.

A standout moment in the series came when the Beckhams addressed rumors surrounding David’s alleged affair with model Rebecca Loos during his time in Spain in 2003—rumors he has firmly denied. Victoria described the experience as “a nightmare” and likened it to a “circus,” adding, “Everyone loves it when the circus comes to town, right? Unless you’re in it.” Rebecca Loos also shared her experience, revealing the “disgusting” remarks she faced on social media following the release of the docuseries.