Beckham, David Robert Joseph (1975– )

English footballer. A midfielder with great passing ability and an effective free-kick taker, he played for Manchester United and Real Madrid, and was regarded as one of the world's best players. He captained England from November 2000 to the end of the 2006 World Cup.

Beckham signed as a professional with Manchester United in January 1993, and made his Premiership debut in April 1995. He helped Manchester United to win the FA Premiership six times, and also won a FA Cup-winner's medal with the team in 1996 and 1999. He was runner-up in the 1999 FIFA World Player of the Year and European Footballer of the Year awards. In July 2003 he moved to Real Madrid for £25 million. After being dropped from the England and Real Madrid teams in 2007, he forced his way back into both sides and led Real Madrid to their first Spanish League title in four years. In July 2007, he moved to LA Galaxy in Los Angeles, having signed an estimated $250 million five-year-contract. In 2008, he became only the fifth English player to win 100 caps for his country.

He was vilified by the tabloid press for much of 1998, due to his sending-off during the World Cup second-round game against Argentina, and many blamed him for the defeat which ended England's tournament.

Beckham is married to Victoria Adams (‘Posh Spice’ of Spice Girls fame). Beckham published a memoir, David Beckham: My Side, in 2003.