David Beckham is one of the most famous and influential footballers of all time. He has won multiple trophies, captained his country, and become a global icon of fashion and culture. But who is the real David Beckham, and how did he achieve his remarkable success?
A new Netflix documentary, simply titled Beckham, aims to answer these questions by offering an intimate and unprecedented look at his life and career. The four-part series, directed by Oscar winner Fisher Stevens and produced by Beckham’s own company Studio 99, features never-before-seen footage and interviews with his family, friends, teammates, and former manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The documentary covers Beckham’s journey from his humble beginnings in Waltham Forest, where he dreamed of playing for Manchester United, to his meteoric rise to fame and fortune as he played for some of the biggest clubs in the world, such as Real Madrid, AC Milan, and LA Galaxy. It also explores his challenges and controversies, such as his infamous red card at the 1998 World Cup, his rift with Ferguson, and his retirement from the sport in 2013.
But perhaps the most captivating aspect of the documentary is the insight it provides into Beckham’s relationship with his wife, Victoria Beckham, née Adams, who is also a global superstar in her own right. The former Spice Girl and fashion designer has been by Beckham’s side for more than two decades, supporting him through his highs and lows, and raising their four children: sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz, and daughter Harper.
The documentary reveals how the couple first met in 1997 at a soccer game, and how David was instantly smitten by Victoria, who was then known as Posh Spice. He told Ellen DeGeneres in 2008 that he knew he wanted to marry her after seeing her on TV. "I remember turning around — before I’d even met Victoria — and said, ‘I want to marry that one.’ "
The pair got engaged in January 1998, and welcomed their first child, Brooklyn, in March 1999. They tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at Luttrellstown Castle in Ireland on July 4, 1999, wearing matching white outfits and sitting on golden thrones. The wedding was dubbed the “wedding of the year” by the media, and was attended by celebrities such as Elton John, who performed at the reception.
The couple went on to have three more children, and moved to different countries as David pursued his football career. They faced several challenges, such as infidelity rumors, divorce speculation, and media scrutiny, but they always stuck together and showed their love and loyalty to each other. They also supported each other’s professional endeavors, such as Victoria’s successful fashion line and David’s philanthropic work and business ventures.
The documentary shows how the couple has evolved over the years, and how they have maintained their romance and passion. It also showcases their family life, and how they have raised their children with love and values. The couple celebrated their 24th anniversary in July 2023, and shared heartfelt messages on social media. David wrote, “You are my everything and I love you more each day.” Victoria wrote, “I love you David. Happy Anniversary.”
Beckham is a must-watch for fans of David and Victoria Beckham, as it offers a rare glimpse into their personal and professional lives, and their enduring love story. The documentary is available to stream now on Netflix.
