David Beckham
David Robert Joseph Beckham, is an English former professionalfootballer.
He played forManchester United, Preston North End, Real Madrid, Milan, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint - Germain, and theEngland national teamfor which he holds the appearance record for anoutfield player.
[5]He is the first English player to win league titles in four countries : England, Spain, the United States and France.
He announced his retirement in May 2013 after a 20 - year career, during which he won 19 major trophies.
[6][7]Known for his range of passing, crossing abilityandbendingfree - kicks, he was twice runner - up forFIFA World Player of the Yearand in 2004 he was named in theFIFA 100list of the world's greatest living players.
[8][9][10]Beckham's professional club career began with Manchester United, where he made his first - team debut in 1992 aged 17.
[11]With United, he won thePremier Leaguetitle six times, theFA Cuptwice, and theUEFA Champions Leaguein 1999.
[11]He then played four seasons with Real Madrid, [12]winning theLa Ligachampionship in his final season with the club.
[13]In July 2007 Beckham signed a five - year contract withMajor League Soccerclub LA Galaxy.
[14]While a Galaxy player, he spent two loan spells in Italy with Milan in 2009 and 2010.
He was the first British footballer to play 100 UEFA Champions League games.
[11]In international football, Beckham made his England debut on 1 September 1996 at the age of 21.
He wascaptainforsix years, earning 58 caps during his tenure.
[15][16]He made 115 career appearances in total, appearing at threeFIFA World Cuptournaments, the1998, 2002and2006editions and twoUEFA European Championshiptournaments, the2000and2004editions.
One of the most marketable athletes in sport, Beckham has consistently ranked among the highest earners in football, and in 2013 he was listed as the highest - paid player in the world, earning over $50million in the previous 12 months.
[17]He has been married toVictoria Beckhamsince 1999 and they have four children.
[18]He has been aUNICEF UKambassador since 2005, and in 2015 he launched7 : The David Beckham UNICEF Fundto help protect children in danger around the world.
[19]In February 2014, MLS announced Beckham and a group of investors would own anexpansion teaminMiami, which would begin in 2016 or 2017.
[20].