David Robert Joseph Beckham,[2] OBE,[3] (born 2 May 1975) is an English football midfielder currently playing for Italian Serie A club A.C. Milan (on loan from American Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy)[4] and the England national team. Beckham's stint with Milan, which began on 7 January 2009, is a two-month loan in order to retain his fitness levels during the MLS offseason to sustain his England career.[5] However, after impressing at the Italian giants, Beckham stated his desire to sign permanently with Milan. This announcement sparked a media circus. First, Los Angeles turned down Milan's initial offer, citing that it was "too low;" next, the MLS commissioner imposed a transfer deadline that was passed with Galaxy officials stating that the deal was off and that Beckham would be returning to L.A.; and recently, it was reported that Beckham's transfer to Milan may be finally completed the last week of February.[citation needed]
Twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year[6] and in 2004 was the world's highest-paid footballer,[7] Beckham is the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League matches.[6]. He was Google's most searched of all sports topics in both 2003 and 2004.[8] With such global recognition he has become an elite advertising brand and a top fashion icon.[9][10] Beckham was captain of England from 15 November 2000[11] until the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals,[12] during which he played 58 times. Since then he has continued to represent his country and earned his much-publicised hundredth cap for England against France on 26 March 2008.[13] He is currently tied with Bobby Moore as England's most-capped outfield player.[14]
Beckham's career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first-team debut in 1992 aged 17.[6] During his time there, United won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.[6] He left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid in 2003, where he remained for four seasons[15] , clinching the La Liga championship in his final season with the club.[16]
In January 2007, it was announced that Beckham would leave Real Madrid and sign a five-year contract with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy.[17] Beckham's contract with Los Angeles Galaxy became effective on 1 July 2007 and gave him the highest player salary in MLS history.[18] He debuted for the team on 21 July in a friendly versus Chelsea at The Home Depot Center,[19] and on 15 August, he had his first start with the team, scoring his first goal in the 2007 SuperLiga semi-final.[20] His first league start then came on 18 August in front of a record crowd at Giants Stadium.[21]
Beckham is married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.[22] The couple have three sons and currently reside in Beverly Hills, California.
Twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year[6] and in 2004 was the world's highest-paid footballer,[7] Beckham is the first British footballer to play 100 Champions League matches.[6]. He was Google's most searched of all sports topics in both 2003 and 2004.[8] With such global recognition he has become an elite advertising brand and a top fashion icon.[9][10] Beckham was captain of England from 15 November 2000[11] until the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals,[12] during which he played 58 times. Since then he has continued to represent his country and earned his much-publicised hundredth cap for England against France on 26 March 2008.[13] He is currently tied with Bobby Moore as England's most-capped outfield player.[14]
Beckham's career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first-team debut in 1992 aged 17.[6] During his time there, United won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.[6] He left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid in 2003, where he remained for four seasons[15] , clinching the La Liga championship in his final season with the club.[16]
In January 2007, it was announced that Beckham would leave Real Madrid and sign a five-year contract with Major League Soccer club Los Angeles Galaxy.[17] Beckham's contract with Los Angeles Galaxy became effective on 1 July 2007 and gave him the highest player salary in MLS history.[18] He debuted for the team on 21 July in a friendly versus Chelsea at The Home Depot Center,[19] and on 15 August, he had his first start with the team, scoring his first goal in the 2007 SuperLiga semi-final.[20] His first league start then came on 18 August in front of a record crowd at Giants Stadium.[21]
Beckham is married to former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.[22] The couple have three sons and currently reside in Beverly Hills, California.
