DAVID BECKHAM

Full name: David Robert Joseph Beckham
Date of birth: 2 May 1975 (1975-05-02) (age 32)
Place of birth: Leytonstone, London, England
Heigh:1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) [1]
Playing position: Right winger, Central midfielder
Club information: Current club Los Angeles Galaxy
Numbe: 23
Youth clubs:
1991–1993 Manchester United

David Robert Joseph Beckham, OBE (born 2 May 1975) is an English professional football (soccer) midfielder who plays for and captains Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy.[2] He is also currently a member of the England national team.He has twice been runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year , and as recently as 2004 was the world's highest-paid footballer.[3] He was Google's most searched of all sports topics in both 2003 and 2004.[4] Such global recognition has made him an elite advertising brand and a top fashion icon.[5][6]Beckham was captain of England from 15 November 2000 to 2 July 2006. He made 58 appearances as captain, and ended his tenure in that role after the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals. He continued to make contributions for the England national team in 2007 competitions.[7]

Beckham's career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first-team debut in 1992 aged 17. During his time there, United won the Premiership title six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999. He left Manchester United to sign for Real Madrid in 2003, where he remained for four seasons. In his final season, Real clinched the La Liga title (Beckham's only major trophy with the club) in the final game of the season.In January 2007, it was announced that Beckham would leave Real Madrid and sign a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.[8] He played his final match with Real on 17 June, after which the team was awarded the 2006–07 La Liga championship.

Beckham's new contract with the Galaxy, effective 1 July 2007, gave him the highest salary of any MLS player in history. He debuted for the team on 21 July in a friendly versus Chelsea FC at the Home Depot Center[9], and on 15 August, he had his first start with the team, scoring his first goal and first assist in the 2007 SuperLiga semi-final. His first league start then came on 18 August, where he recorded two more assists against the New York Red Bulls in front of a record crowd at Giants Stadium.

Beckham was born in Leytonstone, London, England; the son of David Edward Alan "Ted" Beckham, a kitchen fitter and Manchester United fan, and Sandra Georgina West,[11] a hairdresser. He regularly played football in Ridgeway Park, Chingford as a child. He attended Chase Lane Primary School and Chingford Foundation School as a child. His mother's family is Jewish,[12] and Beckham has referred to himself as "half Jewish"[13] and spoken of the influence the religion has had on him, although he is not known to practice Judaism or any other faith. In his book Both Feet on the Ground, he stated that growing up he always attended church with his parents and sisters.

His parents were fanatical Manchester United supporters who would frequently travel to Old Trafford from London to attend Manchester United's home matches. David inherited his parents' love of Manchester United and his main sporting passion was football. He attended one of Bobby Charlton's football schools in Manchester and won the chance to take part in a training session at FC Barcelona, as part of a talent competition. As a child he played for a local youth team called the Ridgeway Rovers -coached by his father, Stuart Underwood and Steve Kirby.

He was a Manchester United mascot for a match against West Ham United in 1986. Young Beckham had trials with his local club Leyton Orient, Norwich City and attended Tottenham Hotspur's, which was the first club he played for, school of excellence. During a two-year period in which he played for Brimsdown Rovers' youth team, he was named Under-15 Player of the Year in 1990.[14] He also attended Bradenton Preparatory Academy, but signed schoolboy forms at Manchester United on his fourteenth birthday, and subsequently signed a Youth Training Scheme contract on 8 July 1991.

BECK'S CLUB

MANCHESTER UNITED (1993-2003)



He was part of a group of young players at the club who guided the club to win the FA Youth Cup in May 1992, with Beckham scoring in the second leg[15] of the final against Crystal Palace. He made his first appearance for United's first-team that year, as a substitute in a League Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion, and signed his first professional contract shortly afterwards. United reached the final of the Youth Cup again the following year, with Beckham playing in their defeat by Leeds United, and he won another medal in 1994 when the club's reserve team won their league.

He went to Preston North End on loan in the 1994–95 season to get some first team experience, then made his first Premier League appearance for Manchester United on 2 April 1995, in a goalless draw against Leeds United.

United manager Alex Ferguson had a great deal of confidence in the club's young players. When three of his first-team players left the club at the end of the 1994–95 season, his decision to let youth team players replace them instead of buying players from other clubs, drew a great deal of criticism. The criticism increased when United started the season with a 3–1 defeat at Aston Villa,[16] with Beckham scoring United's only goal of the game; however, United won their next five matches and the young players performed well. Beckham became a regular player on the team and helped them to win the Premiership and FA Cup double that season, scoring the winner in the semi-final against Chelsea and also taking the corner that Éric Cantona scored from in the FA Cup Final. Despite playing regularly for Manchester United, Beckham did not break into the England squad before Euro 96.[17]

At the beginning of the 96/97 season David Beckham was given the number 10 shirt that was last worn by Mark Hughes. In August 1996, Beckham became something of a household name when he scored a spectacular goal in a match against Wimbledon. With United leading 2–0, Beckham noticed that Wimbledon's goalkeeper Neil Sullivan was standing a long way out of his goal, and hit a shot from the halfway line that floated over the goalkeeper and into the net.[18]

With Eric Cantona retiring at the end of the 96/97 season, this left the coveted number 7 shirt free, and with Teddy Sheringham arriving from Tottenham Hotspur, Beckham left his number 10 shirt for Sheringham and picked up the number 7 jersey. Some fans had felt the number 7 shirt should be retired after Cantona had himself retired. United started the 1997–98 season well, but their performance deteriorated and the club finished the season in second place, behind Arsenal.[19]




REAL MADRID (2003-2007)




Beckham (right) and Zinedine Zidane at Real MadridManchester United had been keen to sell Beckham to Barcelona[26] but he refused to go there, instead signing a four-year contract with Real Madrid, worth a potential €35 million.[27] The transfer was completed on 1 July 2003 and made him the third Englishman to play for the club after Laurie Cunningham and Steve McManaman. It was speculated that Real's desire to sign him came from the merchandising opportunities he would bring as well as from his football ability. For example, Real Madrid shirts bearing his name and number sold out in Madrid on the day his transfer was completed and the club was expected to receive €624,000 for the sale of the shirts. Although Beckham had worn the number seven shirt for Manchester United and England, he was unable to wear it at Madrid as Raúl had the right to wear it written into his contract. He decided to wear number 23 instead, citing his admiration of basketball player Michael Jordan, who also wore the number 23 shirt, as the reason behind his decision.[28]

Real Madrid finished the season in fourth place, and were knocked out of the UEFA Champions League at the quarter-final stage. But, Beckham immediately became a favourite with the Real Madrid supporters, scoring five times in his first 16 matches (including scoring less than 3 minutes into his La Liga debut), but the team, whose club president expected them to win either the Spanish league or the Champions League each season, was not performing well. He had further problems in April 2004, when the British tabloid News of the World carried claims by his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos that he and Loos had had an extramarital affair. A week later, the Malaysian-born Australian model Sarah Marbeck claimed that she had slept with Beckham on two occasions. Beckham dismissed both accusations as "ludicrous".[29]




LA GALAXY(2007-present)




It was confirmed on 11 January 2007 that David Beckham would be leaving Real Madrid to join MLS team Los Angeles Galaxy. Beckham said, "After considering several options to stay in Madrid or join other major British and European teams, I have decided to join LA Galaxy.On 12 January, Beckham's official press conference was held in conjunction with the 2007 MLS SuperDraft.[37] Via satellite from Spain, Beckham told reporters "I'm coming there not to be a superstar. I'm coming there to be part of the team, to work hard and to hopefully win things. With me, it's about football. I'm coming there to make a difference. I'm coming there to play football... I'm not saying me [sic] coming over to the States is going to make soccer the biggest sport in America. That would be difficult to achieve. Baseball, basketball, American football, they've been around. But I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't think I could make a difference."[38]

On 26 June, his first major U.S. ad campaign since finishing with Real Madrid made its debut via the web. "Futbol Meets Football" pairs him with the NFL's Reggie Bush in a 13-part video series, with additional television, radio, and online promotion by adidas planned throughout the summer season.His new contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy took effect on 1 July, and on 13 July, he was officially unveiled as a Galaxy player in a ceremony at the Home Depot Center. 5000 invited season-ticket holders and hundreds of international media attended it. Beckham chose to wear number 23 (as he did while at Real Madrid), explaining it was because NBA legend Michael Jordan also wore 23. It was announced that Galaxy jersey sales had already reached a record figure of over 250,000 prior to this formal introduction.[40]

Beckham was featured by the U.S. magazine Sports Illustrated for the first time as a Galaxy player and in his new uniform, on the cover of the 16 July 2007 edition,[41] and was also given his own weekly TV series, "David Beckham's Soccer USA" on Fox Soccer Channel.ESPN produced a 30-second TV promo for Beckham's arrival: "Hello, Goodbye" featuring a Son Volt cover of the Beatles composition of the same name,[43][44] depicting European fans' farewells and Americans' anticipation. The same network then featured him on the cover of the 30 July issue of ESPN The Magazine.[45]

BECK'S WIFE

Birth name:Victoria Caroline Adams
Also known as Posh Spice, Posh
Born:17 April 1974 (1974-04-17) (age 33)[1]
Goff's:Oak, Hertfordshire, England
Genre(s:Pop
Occupation(s):Singer, songwriter, fashion designer, Businesswoman
Label(s):Virgin, 19, Telstar
Associated:acts Spice Girls


Victoria Caroline Beckham (née Adams; born 17 April 1974) is an English Singer, Songwriter, Dancer and occasional Actress turned fashion designer and businesswoman. During her rise to fame with 1990s pop sensation the Spice Girls, she was dubbed Posh Spice. Since the Spice Girls followed separate careers, Beckham has dabbled with a career in pop music, scoring 5 UK Top 10 singles. However, she has found more success as an internationally recognised and photographed Style Icon, Socialite and Entrepreneur. Universally known as "Posh", a moniker first used by the British tabloid press, she is married to English football player David Beckham with whom she has three sons.

Beckham's parents are Anthony William and Jacqueline Adams. She has a younger sister, Louise, and a younger brother, Christian. She attended Jason Theatre School in Hoddesdon. At 17, she started going to the Laine Arts Theatre College in Epsom, Surrey.

Victoria started dating footballer David Beckham in 1997, and the couple were dubbed "Posh and Becks" by the media. Beckham proposed to Victoria on 24 January 1998 in a restaurant in Cheshunt, England, and their first son, Brooklyn Joseph, was born on 4 March 1999 in London, England. The two were married at Luttrellstown Castle, Ireland on 4 July 1999, and the wedding attracted tremendous media coverage. Beckham's teammate Gary Neville was the best man, and the couple's son Brooklyn Joseph Beckham, then four months old, was the ring bearer. Most of the media were kept away from the ceremony, as the Beckhams had an exclusive deal with OK! Magazine, but the couple released photographs showing them sitting on golden thrones.[27] 437 staff were employed for the wedding reception, which was estimated to have cost £500,000.[28] The Beckhams' second son, Romeo James Beckham, was born on 1 September 2002 in London, England; a third son, Cruz David Beckham, followed on 20 February 2005 in Madrid, Spain.[29] Both Brooklyn and Romeo's godfather is Elton John and godmother is Elizabeth Hurley.[30] They have stated that they would like to have more children, especially a daughter. [31]

Beckham's marriage and former career as a singer have made her both the fifty-second richest woman in Britain[32] and the six hundred and nineteenth richest person in Britain with husband David, with an estimated joint wealth of £112 million.[33]

Victoria and David Beckham moved to Los Angeles, California on 12 July 2007 where David had been signed to play for the LA Galaxy football team. On arrival in America on 12 July 2007, the couple were met by hundreds of paparazzi and media representatives, causing a media frenzy. They are now residing in a $22 million Beverly Hills mansion with 10 security guards. To create publicity for their move to America, the couple were photographed in their underwear for the fashion magazine, W. In an interview for the magazine, Victoria Beckham said that David's supposed affair with Rebecca Loos made their relationship stronger.[34] The couple are also known for their close friendship with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Victoria Beckham (then Adams) joined the all-girl group Spice Girls, first called "Touch," in 1994, together with Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm. The group's first single, "Wannabe," went to number one in the UK and the U.S., and would be followed by eight other hugely successful number one singles from their albums Spice and Spiceworld. Each member of the group received a nickname from the media: Victoria became "Posh Spice". The group was one of the most successful pop acts of the 1990s, selling over fifty-five million records worldwide.[2] After the release of their third album, Forever (UK#2), which was much less successful than their previous two albums, the Spice Girls stopped recording, and Victoria tried to build a solo career.

In 2007, the Spice Girls reformed and announced plans for a comeback tour.Just a year earlier on 26 February 2006, Victoria Beckham stated in an interview with the Sunday Mirror: "I'm never going to sing again, unless it was a chance to do something with the Spice Girls. I don't really miss the shows we did together. I miss the girls more. I see Geri a lot — I love her, she's amazing. I speak to the others from time to time. I love them too and miss them." Beckham also said that she and her former Spice colleagues were enjoying their solo careers in various fields. She said: "We're all still doing our own thing." A Greatest Hits album is set to be released in November along with an official documentary that will support the tour.

BECK'S HAIRSTYLE

David Beckham hairstyle no. 1
This is a fabulous look for fine to medium hair. David's hair has been left longer at the top and sides to give the cut more texture. This design will work well on longer face shapes and will keep looking terrific with regular trims.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 2
Here David has chosen a soft and simple design with a beautiful textured color. His hair has been layered right through but left a little longer around the bangs to encourage elevation at the top. This hairstyle will suit fine to medium hair types and is excellent for round and oval face shapes as it will give length to your face.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 3
This is a fabulous cut for hair that needs a little extra body. If you have thick hair it will need a lot of chipping in at the roots to achieve that textured look. This is an excellent option for any face shape.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 4
Becks needs a headband to tame this floppy design when he's on the field. His hair has been left longer with only slight layering through the top. This style is not suitable for round faces or large foreheads, but will work well on fine to medium hair that has a slight wave.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 5
Here Becks has found a great balance between no fuss hair design and shock value! He carries this mohawk very well, and if you're keen to give it a try, you must have a smooth, bump or scar free head to do it justice.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 6
This star of the football field looks brilliant with this fresh hair design. David's razored and chipped hairstyle features color applied on the tips of his hair to achieve great texture and definition. This style is great for smaller face shapes and will suit all hair types.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 7
This is a creative and fresh look for Mr. Beckham. His back and sides have been shaved short and his top section has been cut short to create a half mohawk look with a small amount neatly shaved off to one side. This is a great funky look for all hair types.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 8
David has opted for a long and messy design for his healthy blond locks with this great style. His hair has been left at shoulder length and angled layers have been cut through the top to add more shape to the design. This look will work well on fine to medium hair types.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 9
David's hair always attracts attention, and this hairstyle is no exception. This versatile shoulder length 'do features slightly jagged layers throughout the sides and is a great low maintenance design which will keep looking great with regular trims.




David Beckham hairstyle no. 10
David carries the mohawk look so very well. Here he has chosen a short, but full mo', which has been razored short on the back and sides to add more definition. His top has been jagged cut and thinned, making the cut easy to style.





David Beckham hairstyle no. 11
If you like sophistication with a bit of flair, then this is the hairdo you have been looking for. Beck's hair has been left long and jagged at the back and his top section has been cut at one length all over to achieve this sexy, messy design.





David Beckham hairstyle no. 12
David started a trend with this very short mohawk. His hair has been shaved short through the back and sides and left long only at the centre of his top section, which has been thinned and razor cut to achieve a rugged shape. This look is surprisingly easy to maintain with regular trims




David Beckham hairstyle no. 13
David always looks sexy, and this style from the Los Angeles Galaxy Open House is no exception. David's hair was shaved all over and lightened. This style will be an easy hairdo to maintain with regular trims. ...