David Beckham, born David Robert Joseph Beckham on May 2, 1975, in London, England, is an English former professional footballer known for his exceptional skills as a right winger, his range of passing, crossing ability and free-kick expertise.
He won 19 major trophies during his career and is the first English player to win league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States and France.
Beckham played for renowned clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain and the England national team.
Beyond football, he is involved in various philanthropic endeavors and has worked with global brands.
Beckham is also the president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and co-owner of Salford City.
His impact extends beyond sports as he is considered a British cultural icon.
Net worth | $450 million |
Profession | Former footballer, entrepreneur |
Date of birth | May 2, 1975 |
Nationality | English |
Background and early life
Beckham had a childhood filled with a passion for football.
Growing up in Leytonstone, his love for the sport led him to dream of becoming a professional footballer from a young age.
Beckham started his youth career at Ridgeway Rovers before joining Manchester United in 1991.
He made his senior team debut in 1992 and quickly became a key player, known for his powerful right foot, passing skills, and iconic free-kicks.
Beckham’s rise to fame at Manchester United included winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
Despite his success, his relationship with coach Alex Ferguson deteriorated due to Beckham’s increasing celebrity status.
This tension eventually led to his transfer to Real Madrid in 2003.
Beckham’s early life was marked by his dedication to football, his family’s support and his journey from a local talent to a global football icon.
Net worth
Beckham’s estimated net worth is around $450 million, reflecting his successful career as a professional footballer and his astute business ventures post-retirement.
His wealth stems from his football success, business acumen, and various investments, including ownership stakes in ventures like Salford City and Inter Miami CF.
Alongside his wife Victoria Beckham, the couple’s combined net worth is approximately $514 million, showcasing their financial success across multiple endeavors.
Qatar endorsement deal
Beckham’s Qatar endorsement deal involved him becoming the face of the 2022 World Cup as Qatar’s official ambassador, earning a reported £150 million over the next 10 years.
This endorsement reflects Beckham’s belief in Qatar’s commitment to progress and the positive impact the World Cup, the first to be held in the Arab world, can have on fostering change.
The agreement with Qatar is just one of many lucrative endorsements that have propelled Beckham’s net worth to an impressive £330 million.
Over the years, Beckham has secured sponsorship deals with renowned brands like Adidas, Armani, Pepsi, Tudor, Haig Club, Emporio Armani, Gillette, Konami and more, showcasing his enduring appeal as a global ambassador for various products and services.
Beckham’s partnership with Qatar not only highlights his commercial success but also underscores his influence in bridging sports, culture and global events through strategic endorsements.
Inter Miami ownership
Beckham’s decision to buy Inter Miami was a strategic move that stemmed from a unique opportunity presented to him during his transition from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy in 2007.
As part of his deal to join the MLS, he had the option to purchase an expansion team for a discounted price of $25 million.
This opportunity allowed him to establish his own club once he retired from playing, with the only condition being that the team could not be based in New York.
Beckham seized this chance and founded Inter Miami CF in 2018, marking a significant milestone in his post-playing career.
Inter Miami CF has garnered international attention, particularly with the signing of Lionel Messi in 2023, which led to the team winning its first major trophy, the Leagues Cup.
The club’s Forbes estimated value is $1.03 billion as of 2024, positioning it as one of the most valuable teams in MLS.
Inter Miami CF’s unique crest, colors, and branding reflect the vibrant spirit of Miami, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.
The team’s journey represents Beckham’s vision to create a top-tier soccer club that resonates both locally and globally.
The expansion process involved navigating various challenges and negotiations, including securing land for their future stadium complex known as Miami Freedom Park.
This billion-dollar project received final planning approval in September 2022, allowing construction to commence on a state-of-the-art facility that includes a 25,000-seat stadium, retail village, hotel, office park, parkland and playing fields.
Inter Miami’s expansion journey reflects a strategic vision to create a world-class soccer club in Miami while contributing to the city’s sports landscape and community development.
Studio 99
Beckham’s Studio 99 is a full-service content studio and integrated creative agency that produces unique and engaging content for a global audience.
The studio operates both editorial and commercial production, creating premium documentary features, series and formats for platforms like Netflix, Disney+ and the BBC.
Studio 99, part of Authentic Studios, collaborates with Authentic Brands Group to develop a wide range of film/TV and commercial content from Authentic’s portfolio of brands.
Studio 99’s production slate includes projects like World War Shoe, a documentary for Disney+, a biopic of snooker legend Ronnie O’Sullivan, and a documentary series about David Beckham’s life and career for Netflix.
Nicola Howson, a UK media executive, co-founded Studio 99 with Beckham and David Gardner, leading the business from Authentic’s London office.
Haig Club
Beckham’s Haig Club is a single grain Scotch whisky developed in partnership with David Beckham and Diageo.
Haig Club is known for its smooth and easy-drinking characteristics, aimed at introducing a new generation to the world of Scotch whisky.
The whisky is presented in a distinctive square blue bottle and luxury packaging, reflecting a modern and stylish approach to whisky consumption.
Beckham played a significant role in promoting Haig Club, being actively involved in events, launches.and promoting the brand to a global audience.
However, in 2023, Beckham decided to end his partnership with Haig Club, leading to speculation about the future direction of the brand and the search for a new face to represent it.
David Beckham Ventures Limited
Beckham Ventures Limited, also known as DB Ventures Limited, is a company associated with Beckham’s business endeavors.
In 2023, he agreed to sell 55% of DB Ventures to Authentic Brands Group for around £200 million.
This deal aimed to pay off debt, restructure partnerships, and provide capital for the company.
DB Ventures is involved in various ventures, including endorsement deals with brands like Tudor watches, the Haig whisky brand and projects related to the Qatar World Cup.
The company, co-founded by Beckham and Gardner, also launched a television production firm.
Nicola Howson, a UK media executive, was appointed as a director of DB Ventures in 2019.
The sale of a significant stake in DB Ventures to Authentic Brands Group was seen as a strategic move to enhance Beckham’s presence in the US and potentially benefit his football club, Inter Miami, which he established in 2020.
Seven Global
Beckham’s Seven Global is a brand management company that focuses on developing consumer products around Beckham.
The company has been involved in joint ventures and licensing agreements with partners like Global Brands Group (GBG).
Recent reports suggest that Beckham is considering taking full control of Seven Global by potentially buying out GBG’s stake in the licensing joint venture.
This move comes amidst GBG facing financial challenges, which could lead to Beckham gaining complete ownership of Seven Global.
The company’s activities involve creating large-scale global consumer products and managing brand-related services associated with Beckham.
Car collection
Beckham’s car collection is a diverse and impressive array of luxury vehicles, showcasing his passion for automobiles.
Over the years, he has owned a wide range of cars, including Jaguars, Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, Chevrolets and more.
Some notable cars in his collection include a Jaguar F-Type Project 7, a Maserati MC20, an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, a Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, a Chevrolet Camaro SS, a Lamborghini Gallardo and a McLaren MP4-12C Spider.
Beckham’s collection reflects his love for high-performance cars, luxury brands and unique models, with each vehicle representing a different aspect of his taste and appreciation for automotive craftsmanship.
Real estate properties
David and his wife, Victoria, have an extensive and luxurious real estate portfolio that includes multiple properties across the globe.
Their properties range from a £31 million London townhouse in Holland Park, a £6 million Cotswolds farmhouse with a fairy tale garden and a £19 million Miami penthouse in the One Thousand Museum building.
Beckham also has a bespoke £5 million yacht named Seven, a £4 million home in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai and a second £8 million home in Dubai.
The Beckhams have owned over a dozen properties, showcasing their taste for luxury and diverse locations.
Their real estate portfolio is estimated to be worth around £73 million, reflecting their successful careers and investments in properties that offer both opulence and unique features like themed rooms, extravagant renovations and stunning views.
Early football career
Beckham’s early football career was marked by his rapid rise through the ranks at Manchester United after joining the club in 1991.
He made his senior team debut in 1992 at the age of 17, showcasing his exceptional skills as a right winger.
Beckham quickly became a key player for United, winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League during his time with the club.
His impact on the field was notable for his range of passing, crossing ability, and free-kick expertise.
Beckham’s success at Manchester United laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would see him play for other top clubs like Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain, as well as represent the England national team with distinction.
Professional career
Beckham’s professional football career spanned two decades, during which he achieved remarkable success and left a lasting impact on the sport.
He began his journey by joining Manchester United in 1991, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become a key player known for his dead-ball brilliance, passing vision and exceptional work ethic.
Beckham’s time at Manchester United was highlighted by winning multiple Premier League titles, FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League, with his set-piece deliveries playing a crucial role in the team’s success.
In 2003, he made a high-profile move to Real Madrid, where he continued to showcase his skills despite facing challenges.
Beckham’s four-year spell in Spain was significant, although not without its ups and downs.
His career took him to the United States, where he played for LA Galaxy and helped raise the profile of Major League Soccer (MLS) internationally.
Beyond his club career, Beckham represented the England national team with distinction, earning over 100 caps and becoming the only English player to score in three separate World Cups.
His career was not only defined by his on-field achievements but also by his global influence, business ventures and philanthropic efforts, making him a true icon of the sport.
International career
Beckham’s international career was marked by his significant contributions to the England national team over many years.
His made his debut for the senior England team in 1996 and went on to earn over 100 caps, becoming a pivotal figure in English football.
Beckham was appointed captain of the national team in 2000, leading England in various international competitions.
His participation in multiple World Cups, including the 1998, 2002 and 2006 editions, showcased his dedication and skill on the global stage.
Despite facing challenges like being sent off in a crucial match during the 1998 World Cup, Beckham’s leadership and performances were instrumental in England’s campaigns.
His tenure as captain saw England reach the quarterfinals of major tournaments.
Throughout his international career, Beckham’s versatility, set-piece expertise, and leadership qualities made him a respected figure both on and off the field.
His commitment to representing his country with pride and passion solidified his legacy as one of England’s most iconic footballers.
Awards and accolades
Beckham’s illustrious career is adorned with numerous awards and accolades that highlight his exceptional talent and contributions to football.
Some of his notable awards and achievements include FIFA World Player of the Year – Silver Award in 1999 and 2001, Most assists in the Premier League in 1997–98, 1999–2000, and 2000–01, Premier League Player of the Month in August 1996, PFA Young Player of the Year in 1996–97 and FWA Tribute Award in 2008.
Beckham also won Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year in 1996–97, England Player of the Year in 2003, UEFA Club Footballer of the Year in 1998–99, UEFA Team of the Year in 2001 and 2003 and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2001.
He was also awarded Real Madrid Player of the Year in 2005–06, PFA Team of the Year in 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, and 1999–2000, FIFA 100, English Football Hall of Fame in 2008, MLS Comeback Player of the Year Award in 2011, PFA Team of the Century (1997–2007) in 2007 and UEFA President’s Award in 2018.
These awards and accolades reflect Beckham’s exceptional skills, leadership and impact on the footballing world, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s legends.
Netflix documentary
Beckham’s Netflix documentary, titled ‘BECKHAM,’ is a four-part docuseries that delves into the life and career of David Beckham, offering never-before-seen insights into his personal and professional journey.
The series covers key moments in Beckham’s life, including his rise from humble beginnings to global football stardom, his relationship with Victoria, challenges faced during his career, and his experiences with various football clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
‘BECKHAM’ features candid interviews with David Beckham, his family, friends and notable football figures, providing a comprehensive look at the man behind the iconic name.
The documentary offers a unique perspective on Beckham’s life, showcasing his resilience, humility and dedication both on and off the field.
Philanthropic efforts
Beckham’s philanthropic efforts are extensive and impactful, reflecting his commitment to making a positive difference in society.
He supports various charities and projects that aim to drive change for the better, both in Britain and globally.
Some of the key philanthropic initiatives he is involved in include his longstanding partnership with UNICEF, where he works to help vulnerable children worldwide reach their full potential through initiatives like the 7 Fund.
Beckham also contributes to the fight against malaria through his involvement with Malaria No More.
Additionally, he participates in the #TogetherBand campaign by Bottletop in support of Global Goals and UNICEF, emphasizing the importance of securing a better future for children.
Through his own charity, the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, Beckham provides wheelchairs to children in need and focuses on supporting children’s causes, such as education and health.
Beckham’s philanthropic journey began early in his career and has continued to evolve, showcasing his dedication to using his influence and resources to create positive change in the world.
Family
David and Victoria have four children: Brooklyn Joseph Peltz Beckham, Romeo James Beckham, Cruz David Beckham and Harper Seven Beckham.
Brooklyn, born on March 4, 1999, has explored interests in modeling, cooking and photography after an early focus on soccer.
Romeo, born on September 1, 2002, has ventured into modeling campaigns for Burberry.
Cruz, born on February 20, 2005, has a passion for music and is currently involved in the studio.
Harper, the youngest and only girl, born on July 10, 2011, is actively engaged in school activities and often appears in her family’s social media posts.
The Beckham family’s dynamic reflects a blend of diverse talents and interests, with each child carving their path while being supported by their parents’ love and guidance.