A powerhouse almost from the bit when one learns to kick a ball, David Beckham began playing for Manchester United, England’s legendary all star soccer team, at age 18, and left the training division to become a starter by age 20. 

Apart from his canopy of skills, it was his potential, game sense that gave him much needed attention on the field as well as his bravado, bluffing and good looks that offered him much more on off-field. Bagging major endorsements and showcasing his talent on the field made him Britain’s superstar in a blink. But his time with United proved to be shorter than anyone expected.

One Of The Most Marketable Athletes

What made him great and propelled him to the Old Trafford was not just his love for football but also his marriage to a Posh partner Victoria. “Posh & Becks” ascended to royal status with three sons and a mansion dubbed “Beckingham Palace.

David Beckham led a life rivaling that of Hollywood stars and was sought-after by big brands for his good looks. After his retirement though, Beckham lamented that the fans did not concentrated enough on his football, but more on his life outside the field.

As the years passed by Beckham also faced several scandals: allegations of an affair; a kidnapping threat; and a controversial decision to play for rival Real Madrid. England’s other royal family took over Hollywood with Beckham’s Los Angeles Galaxy deal, but a knee injury sidelined David right when he was getting started. Though David did not let these controversies affect his Career.

Popular for his on field skills, his manly looks, different hairstyles and his famous tattoos, Beckham soon became a sensation in him, with controversies, excellent game sense and a defying age. The life every one dreams of living was in the hands of Beckham but this career with many breakthroughs and professionalism did not come easy for Beckham keeping in mind the last-minute free kick against Greece in 2001, which led England to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

Unlike the bad boys of English football he has never disgraced himself in drink, failed a drugs test or beaten anyone up. Rather, as England captain it was the aura of royalty that accompanied him – much of that generated by those around him – that contributed to his unpopularity. Beckham is a great humanitarian. He donated his $5.3 million salary at PSG to a children’s charity.

Twilight Of Footballing Career

In 2003, he left United to become only the third Englishman to sign for Los Blanco in a stunner deal. At the end of 2006-2007 Spanish Seasons, Beckham moved to America to play for LA Galaxy. But being a British one knows that a better chance of getting picked for the world Cup team lied in playing football in the heart – Europe. In 2010, he managed to secure a temporary loan to A.C. Milan. But this was not the signal of his intent of leaving MLS. In January 2013, David Beckham signed a five month contract to play for French La Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain, where he won his tenth league title to put a bow in his 21 year of decorated career, announcing his retirement in May 2013.

For some he will be seen forever as the man who went to three World Cups finals and failed every time. For most of the Wembley crowd he remains an all-English hero, whose loyalty to that Football Association marketing concept “the Three Lions” puts him up there with the greats who have represented England.

Post Retirement 

Beckham announced his retirement from soccer after a five-month stay at Paris Saint-Germain, where Beckham won his tenth league title to put an end on his 21-year career.

He signed a multi-year deal to become an ambassador for the Chinese Super League, a role which will see him make three trips in 2013 to the country and play an exhibition game. He also bought an MLS team, a contractual right he was granted when he joined the league in 2007, which he eventually did.

Miami Beckham United, the group Beckham owns with Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure is expected to start in the 2019 MLS season.

What we all comprehend right now is the passion for football is never ending for Beckham. It looks like he has not only created an impact but left a legacy behind in this football world. He will not only be remembered for his free kicks curls or game play but mostly the human nature and the man behind the face.

The Football Association will probably never have such a famous player at their disposal again and they will milk him for all his worth when it comes to competing to host the 2018 World Cup finals. At some point there will doubtless be a call for him to take over as England manager: you can only hope that he and the people around him realize that would be a step too far.

Picture Courtesy: animationoptions, Telegraph