Following the news that David Beckham is to hang up his boots at the end of the season, OTP explores some of the standout moments of the ex-England captain’s career.
1. The free-kick against Greece
Having already ran around like a man possessed to play Greece almost by himself for most of the match, Becks sent Wembley into delirium with this late free-kick to ensure England’s automatic qualification for the 2002 World Cup.
2. The goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon
A 21-year-old Beckham announced himself on the Premier League stage by sending this effort sailing over the head of Wimbledon keeper Neil Sullivan on the opening day of the 1996/97 season.
3. The red card against Argentina
Not a pleasant memory, but a standout moment in his career nonetheless. His petulant kick at Diego Simeone earned the sort of backlash that would have ended the international careers of lesser men.
4. The penalty against Argentina
Becks’ redemption was complete when he managed a goal against Argentina rather than a red card in the 2002 World Cup.
5. The free-kick against Colombia
Before the fall from grace came the first international goal. Beckham scored the first of his England free-kicks to help Glenn Hoddle’s side to victory in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup.
6. The Treble-winning corners
It was two Beckham corners that set-up both Manchester United’s last-gasp goals as they came from behind to beat Bayern Munich and complete the Treble.
7. The debut goal against Galatasaray
The 19-year-old Beckham scored on his Manchester United debut, bagging the opening goal in a comfortable 4-0 win against Galatasaray.
8. The equaliser against Tottenham
With United trailing 1-0 at Spurs, Beckham scored the goal that the Treble run-in didn’t fall at the first hurdle. United went on to score again to secure the victory they needed to win the title.
9. The free-kick against Real Sociedad
Having supposedly played his last game for Real Madrid after falling out of favour with Fabio Capello, Beckham immediately repaid the Italian for backtracking with this goal on his return to action.
10. The forgotten goal against Arsenal
Destined to be overshadowed by Ryan Giggs’ stunning injury time winner, this Beckham special opened the scoring against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup semi-final replay. Another key moment in the Treble success.
Have we missed your favourite Becks moment? Give us a shout in the comments section below.
