The only surprising thing about David Beckham’s new Netflix series is that it took the streaming giant until now to make it. Because if ever there was a footballer whose career and life was suited to a glitzy four-part documentary, it is the ex-Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star.
Shop all of the great mans kits right here -> Beckham Football Shirts
The midfielder always seemed to be more than just a footballer - the game was only ever going to be a part of the Brand Beckham story. Which is possibly why Sir Alex Ferguson, who appears in the documentary, eventually lost patience with the player, accusing him of a lack of focus and allowing him to leave for Spain.
There’s no doubt that he courted fame. Marrying Spice Girl Victoria Adams ensured he would forever be as frequently featured on the front pages as the back. And he certainly understood the value of his image. Beckham has endorsed a host of brands, including H&M, Tudor Watches, Haig Club Whiskey, Adidas, Breitling, Armani, Gillette and Pepsi. That commercial awareness means that today the boy from Leytonstone is worth a cool $450m.
Then there are his sporting interests. These days, Beckham is co-owner of MLS club Inter Miami, the team that recently acquired a certain Lionel Messi. He also owns a stake in League Two outfit Salford City.
But despite the fanfare that follows Beckham wherever he goes, one truth remains: he was a cracking footballer. A member of the famed Manchester United Class of ’92, Beckham announced himself on the opening day of the 1996/97 Premier League season when the then-21-year-old lobbed Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from the halfway line.
He would become the first Englishman to play 100 Champions League games and to win league titles in four countries (England, Spain, France and The United States). An inductee of the English Football Hall of Fame Premier League Hall of Fame, Beckham was the inspirational England captain who dragged his team to the World Cup finals in 2002 thanks to that incredible free kick against Greece.
When his final game came - on May 18, 2013 in a Ligue 1 tie for PSG against Stade Brestois – Beckham could reflect on an outstanding career.
Oh, and he also wore some very lovely kits…
Manchester United 1994-96
A mid-90s Umbro classic, Beckham scored his first Champions League goal in this shirt against Galatasaray at Old Trafford in December 1994 but United still failed to get out of the group. It was also the shirt he made his Premier League debut, in April 1995, against Leeds.
Shop the Manchester United Collection HERE.
Manchester United 1996-1998
During the 96/97 season, Becks played with number 10 on his back. It was also the season he scored his wonder goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon.
England World Cup 1998
On 30 June 1998 in St Etienne, everything changed. Just two minutes into the second half, Diego Simeone clattered into Beckham, leaving him face down on the turf. You know what happened next - Beckham flicked out a leg and a grateful Simeone was more than happy to fall over it. The Englishman was sent off and the Three Lions were left to battle on with ten men – a task they managed gallantly, eventually losing out on penalties.
Beckham was castigated by sections of the British media and by opposition fans, who accused him of letting his country down. But he would have his vengeance on Argentina…
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Manchester United 1999 Champions League shirt
One of the great Champions League finals – not for the quality of a fairly drab match against Bayern Munich but for the injury time drama that saw United score twice to win the trophy and complete a historic treble. Beckham took both corners that led to the two goals.
England 2002
With England trailing 2-1 at home to Greece, it looked as though the Three Lions would miss out on automatic qualification to the 2002 World Cup. Until Beckham smashed in a 25-yard free kick that is. The goal capped a truly magnificent performance from the midfielder.
Manchester United 2002-2004 Home Shirt
The first Nike shirt for Man United came in the 2002/03 season. In February 2003, United lost 2-0 at home to Arsenal in an FA Cup match, which led to Sir Alex Ferguson kicking a boot at Beckham, which ended up catching him above the eye causing a cut. The writing was on the wall – and Beckham would be off just months later.
Real Madrid 2003-2004 Home Shirt
Beckham and Real Madrid seemed like the perfect fit. A club full of superstars welcoming one of the best known faces on the planet. He may have lacked the world class talent of Zidane, Figo and Ronaldo, but his time in Madrid was pretty successful. He made 159 appearances and scored 20 goals in four seasons. During his time at the Bernabeu, he wore the number 23 - a tribute to Michael Jordan.
Shop the Real Madrid Collection HERE.
Los Angeles Galaxy 2007
Beckham arrived in the US with a huge reputation and an even bigger contract. And at first, it all seemed too much. But little by little, the Englishman won over his critics, delivering his trademark all-action, high-energy style, not to mention the odd worldie free kick.
Shop US Clubs Collections HERE.
AC Milan 2008-2009 and 2009-2010
During his time in LA, he spent two loan spells with AC Milan. His first spell was so successful that the Rossoneri wanted to sign him permanently. His second loan ended in disaster though – in a match against Chievo, Beckham suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, causing him to miss the 2010 World Cup as well as the MLS season due to the injury, which took him out of action for the next five months.
Shop the AC Milan Collection HERE.
PSG 2012-2013
Beckham’s career came to an end in France following a five-month contract with PSG - he gave away the salary he earnt during his time in Paris to a local children’s charity.
Shop the PSG Collection HERE.
Our expert inhouse designer has also created some sensational bootlegs inspired by Becks, cop your David Beckham bootleg tees via this LINK.
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