14 April 1999
Manchester United 2-1 Arsenal: David Beckham

David Beckham puts Manchester United ahead in The FA Cup Semi Final Replay at Villa Park.


David Beckham is probably the most recognisable footballer in the world today – as famous for his ever-changing hairstyles as for his unstoppable free-kicks. His is a story of a young boy from humble beginnings growing up to captain his country and marry a popstar to boot.

Born 2 May 1975 in East London, Beckham joined Manchester United as a schoolboy in 1991 and made his league debut in 1995 - at the age of nineteen. Just a year later his name was on the lips of every football fan as he lobbed Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from the half way line.

With the talismanic Eric Cantona suspended in the 1995-96 season, Beckham had become the main focus of Manchester United, helping them to win the Premiership and the FA Cup. 

Three years later Beckham was also pivotal in Manchester United's glorious 1999 treble victory, as they swept all aside to win the Premiership, The FA Cup and the ultimate prize, the Champions League.

For England, Beckham earned the first of his many caps under Glenn Hoddle in 1996. He went on to feature in two European Championships and a World Cup before the appointment of current coach Sven-Goran Eriksson.

The Swede took over from caretaker manager Peter Taylor, who first made Beckham captain. Becks revelled in the responsibility, leading by example as England qualified for the 2002 World Cup. 

He became a hero in these qualifying matches scoring a last minute free-kick against Greece to secure England's progression.

A broken metatarsal put Beckham's appearance at the World Cup in doubt, but he recovered in time to lead England to the quarter finals, where the Three Lions eventually lost out to Brazil.

Beckham also captained England to the quarter finals of Euro 2004, where they faced Portugal. The match went to a penalty shoot out and England once again suffered heart-ache, eventually losing 6-5. Beckham was first to take, but missed his penalty after slipping on the turf just before striking the ball.

Now playing for Real Madrid, Beckham continues to shine for both club and country. During his time with Manchester United David Beckham scored 86 goals in 397 games. He has won PFA player of the year in 1997 and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2001 and most recently he received an OBE in 2003.

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