Beckham, David (David Robert Joseph Beckham), 1975–, English soccer player known especially for the power and accuracy of his free kicks. After beginning to play on the Manchester United youth squad in 1991, he joined its regular team in 1993, debuted in his first professional game in 1995, and became the team's regular right midfielder in 1996. Also that year he was first named to England's national team, ultimately becoming (2001–6) team captain. He was vital to United team's six league championships and other accomplishments while on the team. Tall, handsome, and married (1999) to pop star Victoria Adams (“Posh Spice” of the Spice Girls singing group), Beckham became one of Britain's most recognizable celebrities. In 2003 he joined Spain's Real Madrid team, where he was an effective and popular player. He then played with the Los Angeles Galaxy (2007–12), winning league championships (2011–12), Italy's AC Milan (2009–10, on loan from the Galaxy), and France's Paris Saint-Germain (2013).
See his Beckham: My World (2000), Beckham: Both Feet on the Ground (2003), and David Beckham: My Side (2003).
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