David Beckham’s 45th Birthday Special: Best Moments From the Legendary English Footballer’s Career
These were some of the highlights from the career of a man idolised by a generation of a budding footballer whose work ethics and desire to succeed on the pitch makes him a legend of the game.
English football legend David Beckham turns 45 today, and despite leaving the game way back in 2013, there seem to be no dip in his huge fan following. The midfielder who had successful stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, A C Milan and LA Galaxy where he enjoyed a trophy-laden campaign. He also briefly held the record for being the most capped outfield player for his nation which was later broken by Wayne Rooney. As if his exploits on the pitch were not enough, his good looks and glamorous lifestyle always made him the blue-eyed boy of the media. It got to a point where people often forget his footballing skills in awe of his hefty off the field moves. On his birthday, we look at five of his most famous footballing moments.
Half Line Goal vs Wimbledon – 1996
Sir Alex Fergusson knew his class of 1992 had players capable of winning it all and hence got them all into Manchester United first-team football back in the early nineties. One of them was a young, industrious midfielder who announced his name at the big stage with a goal coming in from the half line against Wimbledon in 1996/97 season opener. Seeing the rival keeper Sullivan off his line, Beckham with his trademark technique chipped the keeper who could little but admire the brilliance along with many in the stadium.
Winning The Treble With Manchester United – 1999
Manchester United had done the domestic double and travelled to Nou Camp in Barcelona to take on Bayern Munich to achieve an unprecedented treble. But the Red Devils found themselves trailing 1-0 with a few minutes of injury time remaining. David Beckham put an inch-perfect corner in the dying moments as United made the mother of all comebacks to achieve a European version of a treble.
Free-Kick Against Greece – 2001
It was a scene straight out if a Hollywood blockbuster as a David Beckham free kick in the last seconds of the game against Greece sent his England team to the 2002 World Cup. Trailing 2-1 at Old Trafford with its qualification hope slimming, the Three Lions got a free kick some 30 yards out. Up stepped the English skipper and slammed home a flawless free-kick with the keeper having no chance. The world could not believe the drama that unfolded before their eyes as the fans erupted with ecstasy.
Penalty vs Argentina – 2002
The footballing gods were kind on Beckham considering he got the chance to knock Argentina out of the World Cup after his red card fiasco at the same event four years ago. That lash out at Diego Simeone and the subsequent sending off meant Beckham suffered years of personal abuse and hate back home. But when England were awarded a penalty against the La Albiceleste, Beckham coolly dispatched it to break their hearts.
Cross for Ronaldo Against Real Zaragoza – 2006
David Beckham is considered one of the greatest crossers of the ball in the history of football and his pass for striker Ronaldo against Real Zaragoza is considered up their with the best. His physics-defying pass from the wing had swirl, precision and inch-perfect wright for the Brazilian marksman to put it in the back of the net. The former England captain once again showed the world why it is better to put in an early cross than waste time with one touch passing.
These were some of the highlights from the career of a man idolised by a generation of a budding footballer whose work ethics and desire to succeed on the pitch makes him a legend of the game.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 02, 2019 10:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).