Follow David Beckham through 106 dated historical records for Great Britain.
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
David Beckham entered Manchester United's youth system as a trainee after growing up as a supporter of the club. His technical ability and dedication earned him a place among an unusually promising generation of young players.
Beckham signed professional terms with Manchester United after progressing through the youth team. The agreement marked the transition from academy prospect to a senior footballer competing for first-team opportunities.
Beckham scored directly from a corner during his loan spell at Preston North End. The unusual finish showcased the ball-striking technique that later made his set pieces famous internationally.
During his brief Preston North End loan, Beckham demonstrated his dead-ball accuracy with a free-kick goal. He returned to Manchester United having scored twice in five league appearances for Preston.
Manchester United sent Beckham on loan to Preston North End in February to provide him with regular senior football. The short spell in the lower divisions gave him valuable experience of competitive first-team matches.
Beckham returned from Preston North End after a short but instructive loan in the Football League. His senior playing experience helped prepare him for an increasingly regular place in Manchester United's midfield.
Beckham took part in Manchester United's opening Premier League fixture of the 1995–96 season against Aston Villa. The defeat preceded a season in which the young side overturned criticism and became champions.
Beckham's crossing and long passing offered service to Cantona during United's 1996-97 title-winning season.
Beckham featured as Manchester United defeated Newcastle United in the FA Charity Shield at Wembley. The victory launched a campaign in which United went on to retain the Premier League title.
Beckham started for Manchester United in the FA Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley. Eric Cantona's late goal secured the trophy and completed a domestic league-and-cup double.
Beckham helped Manchester United regain the Premier League crown during his first full season as a regular first-team player. His right-sided delivery supported a young side that overtook Newcastle United in the title race.
Beckham lobbed Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from around the halfway line at Selhurst Park. The extraordinary strike became one of the defining images of his early Manchester United career.
Beckham inherited United's number seven shirt after Cantona retired and became one of the club's most recognisable midfielders.
Beckham represented Manchester United in the Charity Shield against Chelsea at Wembley. United prevailed following a penalty shootout after the sides were level at the end of the match.
Beckham took Manchester United's number seven shirt following Eric Cantona's retirement. The assignment linked the young midfielder to a famous club number associated with previous attacking stars.
The Professional Footballers' Association named Beckham its Young Player of the Year following his breakthrough at Manchester United. The award reflected his influence as an emerging right-sided midfielder with exceptional crossing ability.
Beckham formed part of the Manchester United team that defended its Premier League title in 1996–97. His deliveries and long passing gave the champions a consistent outlet on the right flank.
Beckham played during Manchester United's Champions League campaign that ended against Monaco in the quarter-finals. The setback preceded the team's breakthrough European title the following season.
Beckham was dismissed after an incident involving Diego Simeone in England's round-of-16 encounter with Argentina. England subsequently lost the penalty shootout, and the midfielder faced intense criticism at home.
David Beckham delivered corners that created United's late equaliser and winning goal in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final, helping Manchester United win the competition.
Beckham started in Manchester United's FA Cup final defeat of Newcastle United at Wembley. The victory secured the second trophy of a season that would end with a historic continental treble.
Beckham appeared for Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park. United progressed in extra time through Ryan Giggs's famous solo winner and remained on course for the treble.
Beckham played for Manchester United as the European champions defeated Palmeiras in the Intercontinental Cup. The match in Tokyo gave United a world-level club trophy to follow its European success.
Beckham took part in Manchester United's European semi-final against Juventus during the 1998–99 campaign. His role in the midfield helped United advance to the final after a dramatic comeback in Turin.
David Beckham wins the 1998/99 Premier League championship with Manchester United and delivers crossing and set-piece opportunities from the right side throughout the league campaign.
Beckham helped Manchester United overcome Tottenham Hotspur on the last day of the league season. United's victory secured the Premier League championship ahead of Arsenal and set up the club's treble.
Beckham started England's 1–0 victory over Germany at Euro 2000 in Charleroi. His midfield role contributed to a rare major-tournament win over a longstanding rival.
Beckham represented England at the European Championship co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Despite beating Germany, England were eliminated in the group stage after defeats to Portugal and Romania.
Caretaker coach Peter Taylor selected Beckham to captain England in a friendly against Italy. The responsibility began a lengthy spell in which the Manchester United midfielder led the national side.
Beckham remained a vital wide midfielder as Manchester United won the 1999–2000 Premier League title. His service from the right and accurate distribution complemented the team's attacking depth.
Beckham represented Manchester United during the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich. The elimination challenged the English champions and foreshadowed further squad changes in the following campaigns.
Beckham finished second in the FIFA World Player of the Year voting after an influential year for club and country. The ranking reflected his visibility and performances in Manchester United's midfield and England's qualification campaign.
Beckham helped Manchester United secure a third consecutive Premier League championship at the end of the 2000–01 season. His combination of crossing, free kicks and defensive work remained central to the side's approach.
Beckham captained England in the remarkable 5–1 World Cup qualifying victory over Germany in Munich. The performance became a landmark in England's campaign to reach the 2002 finals.
Beckham struck a curling free kick deep into stoppage time against Greece at Old Trafford. The 2–2 draw secured England's automatic qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
Beckham found the net against Deportivo La Coruña in the Champions League before suffering the metatarsal injury in the same tie. The match illustrated both his attacking contribution and the fragility of England's World Cup preparations.
Beckham captained England to a 3–0 win over Denmark in the 2002 World Cup round of sixteen. The victory carried England into a quarter-final against Brazil after a confident team display.
Beckham captained England during the World Cup jointly hosted by Japan and South Korea. The team reached the quarter-finals before losing 2–1 to eventual winners Brazil.
Beckham completed a demanding 2001–02 campaign with Manchester United while maintaining his role as England captain. He recorded a personal high of sixteen goals in all competitions that season.
Beckham broke a metatarsal in a Champions League quarter-final against Deportivo La Coruña. The injury threatened his participation in the approaching World Cup and became a major focus of English football coverage.
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.