World Cup Winner Against Argentina
Beckham converted a penalty against Argentina during England's World Cup group-stage match in Sapporo. The 1–0 victory was particularly significant after his dismissal against the same opponents four years earlier.
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
David Beckham Biography and Timeline — Page 2
Follow David Beckham through 106 dated historical records for Great Britain.
David Beckham, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
106Distinct records
2 of 3Page
2002–2010Years on this page
2002
2003
England Croatia Friendly Appearance
Beckham continued to captain England as the side prepared for European Championship qualification and the forthcoming finals. His precise passing and set-piece delivery were prominent features of the team.
Final Manchester United Season
Beckham ended his long Manchester United career following the 2002–03 campaign. He left after developing from a youth-team player into a central figure in the club's successful modern era.
Real Madrid League Debut
Beckham made his Spanish league debut after joining Real Madrid from Manchester United. The move placed him in a squad featuring several established international stars.
Real Madrid Super Cup Goal
Beckham scored in the second leg of Real Madrid's Spanish Super Cup tie against Mallorca. The goal offered an early example of his attacking contribution following the transfer from England.
Sixth Premier League Title with United
Beckham collected a sixth Premier League winners' medal as Manchester United overtook Arsenal in the title race. This championship proved to be the final major domestic honour of his Old Trafford career.
Spanish Super Cup Debut Trophy
Beckham helped Real Madrid win the Spanish Super Cup against Mallorca early in his first season. The two-legged success provided his first trophy with the Spanish club.
2004
Euro 2004 France Group Opener
Beckham captained England in the European Championship meeting with France in Lisbon. England led for much of the match before conceding twice in stoppage time.
Missed Penalty Against France
Beckham had a second-half penalty saved by Fabien Barthez during England's Euro 2004 match against France. The missed opportunity proved important as France later overturned England's lead.
Penalty Shootout Against Portugal
Beckham represented England in the Euro 2004 quarter-final against hosts Portugal. His opening shootout attempt missed the target, and England were eliminated after a 2–2 draw.
Real Madrid First Full League Season
Beckham completed his first full season in La Liga with Real Madrid after leaving Manchester United. He adapted to a different tactical environment and frequently operated in a more central midfield position.
2005
England World Cup Qualifying Campaign
Beckham captained England during qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He provided experience and crossing accuracy as the team secured its place at another major tournament.
Real Madrid Midfield Role Under Luxemburgo
Beckham worked under manager Vanderlei Luxemburgo during a period of tactical experimentation at Real Madrid. His long passing remained a feature even as the team's formation and personnel changed.
Sent Off Against Austria in Qualifying
Beckham was dismissed after receiving two yellow cards in England's World Cup qualifier against Austria at Old Trafford. England nevertheless won the match and subsequently completed qualification for the 2006 finals.
2006
One Hundred Champions League Appearances
Becomes the first English player to reach one hundred Champions League appearances.
England Assist Against Trinidad and Tobago
Beckham crossed for Peter Crouch to break the deadlock late in England's World Cup group match against Trinidad and Tobago. The goal helped transform a difficult contest into a 2–0 win.
England Winner Against Paraguay
Beckham delivered the free kick that led to an own goal in England's opening World Cup victory over Paraguay. His dangerous set-piece delivery gave England an early advantage in Frankfurt.
England World Cup Quarter-Final Exit
Beckham started England's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in Gelsenkirchen but had to leave the field injured. England lost on penalties after a goalless draw, ending another campaign at the last-eight stage.
International Caps
Scores a free kick against Ecuador in the 2006 World Cup round of sixteen to send England through to the quarter-finals.
Real Madrid Coaching Change Under Capello
Beckham experienced a difficult start to Fabio Capello's managerial tenure at Real Madrid. He later returned to the side and contributed to a successful Spanish league title challenge.
Relinquishes England Captaincy
Beckham announced that he was stepping down as England captain following the 2006 World Cup. He had led the national team for several years and remained available for future selection.
2007
England Assist Against Estonia
Beckham supplied crosses that led to goals in England's European Championship qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn. The display demonstrated his continuing value as a specialist creator from wide midfield.
England Recall Under McClaren
Beckham returned to England duty after a period outside Steve McClaren's squad. His performances for Real Madrid helped earn a recall before crucial European Championship qualifiers.
First LA Galaxy Competitive Appearance
Beckham made his LA Galaxy debut during the SuperLiga competition after moving from Real Madrid. His arrival attracted unprecedented international attention to the American club.
First LA Galaxy Goal Against DC United
Beckham scored his first goal for LA Galaxy with a free kick against D.C. United in the SuperLiga semi-final. He also helped create another goal as Galaxy advanced to the final.
Return to Madrid Starting Lineup
Beckham regained an important role in Real Madrid's squad during the second half of the 2006–07 season. His passing and set pieces aided the club's late push for the Spanish championship.
SuperLiga Final Appearance
Beckham featured in LA Galaxy's SuperLiga campaign during his first summer in American football. The team reached the final before losing to Pachuca following a penalty shootout.
2008
England Victory in Croatia Qualifier
Beckham remained part of the England squad as Fabio Capello began qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. His international experience helped provide depth during a successful campaign that included a 4–1 away win in Croatia.
First Major League Soccer Full Season
Beckham completed his first full MLS regular season with LA Galaxy after injury disrupted his arrival year. He became a key playmaker while the club adjusted to the attention generated by his signing.
Galaxy Goal Against San Jose
Beckham scored from long range for LA Galaxy against San Jose Earthquakes during the 2008 season. The finish highlighted the technique that had made him famous for spectacular goals from distance.
2009
AC Milan Free Kick Against Genoa
Beckham scored with a free kick during AC Milan's league match against Genoa. His set-piece skill provided the Italian side with an additional attacking weapon.
Final England Appearance Against Belarus
Beckham earned his 115th and final England cap as a substitute in a World Cup qualifier against Belarus. He ended his international playing career with seventeen senior goals.
First AC Milan Loan Debut
Beckham made his Serie A debut for AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy in January. The arrangement allowed him to play in Europe during the American league's off-season.
First Italian League Goal Against Bologna
Beckham scored his first goal for AC Milan during a Serie A victory over Bologna. The strike underlined how quickly he had adapted to the Italian club's midfield.
First MLS Cup Final Appearance
Beckham started for LA Galaxy against Real Salt Lake in the 2009 MLS Cup final. Galaxy lost a penalty shootout after the match finished level, delaying his first American league championship.
MLS Western Conference Championship
Beckham helped LA Galaxy reach the MLS Cup final by winning the Western Conference play-offs. His return from Europe strengthened a team led by Landon Donovan.
Milan Loan Extended Through Season
Beckham arranged to remain with AC Milan beyond the original short loan period. The extension helped him pursue regular high-level football while retaining his LA Galaxy contract.
2010
Achilles Injury Against Chievo
Beckham ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing for AC Milan against Chievo. The serious injury ended his season and ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup as a player.
England World Cup Support Role
Unable to play because of injury, Beckham travelled with the England setup in a supporting capacity at the World Cup in South Africa. His presence offered experience to the squad despite the end of his playing hopes.
Return to LA Galaxy After Injury
Beckham returned to competitive action with LA Galaxy after months of rehabilitation from his Achilles injury. The comeback restored his place in American football toward the end of the season.
Records, sources and methodology
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.