David Beckham
English former professional footballer, president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, and co-owner of Salford City F.C.
Sir David Robert Joseph Beckham (born 2 May 1975) is an English former professional footballer, the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City F.C. Primarily a right midfielder and known for his range of passing, crossing ability and set-piece taking, Beckham is considered one of the best players of his generation and one of the greatest set-piece specialists of all time. He won 19 major trophies in his career, and is the only English player to have won a league title in four different countries: England, France, Spain, and the United States.
- Role
- Midfielder
- Affiliation
- LA Galaxy (2007–2012)
- Status
- Retired from club football
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Beckham's professional club career began with Manchester United, where he made his first-team debut in 1992 at age 17. With United, he won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, the FA Charity Shield twice, the Intercontinental Cup, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999. He then played four seasons with Real Madrid, winning the La Liga title in his final season with the club. In July 2007, Beckham signed a five-year contract with Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy; it was widely cited as a historic transfer for US football. While a Galaxy player, he spent two loan spells in Italy with AC Milan in 2009 and 2010, and became the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League games. He returned to the Galaxy and won the MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012. Following a four-month stint at Paris Saint-Germain, he retired in May 2013 after a 21-year career.
In Their Own Story
Beckham arrived in July 2007 on a five-year deal that was widely cited as a historic transfer for US football. His time with the club included two loan spells at AC Milan in 2009 and 2010. He returned to LA Galaxy to win the MLS Cup in both 2011 and 2012 before eventually moving on to Paris Saint-Germain.
Reader's Guide
In international football, Beckham made his England debut on 1 September 1996, at the age of 21. He was captain for six years, earning 58 caps during his tenure. He made 115 career appearances in total, appearing at three FIFA World Cups in 1998, 2002 and 2006 as well as two UEFA European Championships in 2000 and 2004. Beckham held the England appearance record for an outfield player until 2016.
Did You Know?
- Beckham is the only English player to have won a league title in four different countries: England, France, Spain, and the United States.
- He became the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League games while with LA Galaxy.
- Beckham was runner-up in the Ballon d'Or in 1999 and twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year (1999 and 2001).
- He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did David Beckham join LA Galaxy?
Beckham officially signed with the club in July 2007 on a five-year contract. This move marked his entry into Major League Soccer and brought global attention to the league.
What position did he play for the team?
He served as a midfielder, utilizing his precise passing and free-kick ability to control the game's tempo. His creative playmaking was central to the Galaxy's attacking strategy during his tenure.
Did Beckham stay with LA Galaxy continuously from 2007 to 2012?
No, he temporarily left the club for two loan spells in Italy with AC Milan during the 2009 and 2010 seasons. He returned to Los Angeles after these loans to complete his contract.
What major titles did Beckham win with LA Galaxy?
He helped the team secure back-to-back MLS Cup championships in both 2011 and 2012. These victories capped off a successful era for the franchise during his leadership.
Is David Beckham still playing professional football?
Beckham is currently retired from club football after concluding his career with LA Galaxy. His departure marked the end of an influential chapter in both American soccer and his personal legacy.
More in Legendary Players & Staff
Elsewhere in the LA Galaxy universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record