After bidding Au Revoir to the game following Paris Saint-Germain’s coronation as Ligue 1 champions, world football will surely lose a mega star in David Beckham.

21 year old David Beckham after is winder goal against AFC WimbledonWhen it comes to football stars, there might be very few bigger than David Beckham. He may be no Zidane or Figo or Ronaldo, but world football will sorely miss the presence of a player who did so much for the game both on and off the field. 

Many people still wonder what is that makes Beckham so special even though he has not really managed to win as many individual accolades as legends of yesteryears did during their playing careers. However, his passion and his commitment to the game were second to none and it has been the diminutive moments which truly define him.

1. Making an impression 

The first time people saw that Beckham who would go on to become a true football phenomena was when he made his Champions League bow for Manchester United against Turkish giants, Galtasaray. The Red Devils thrashed the Turks 4-0. Although the score-line was not enough to secure progression, Becks got on the scoresheet and gave a fine account of his skills. 

 

2. The goal which announced his arrival

In only his second season with the first team at Manchester United, at 21 years of age the midfielder scored a goal which made him an instant sensation. His 50 yard strike against AFC Wimbledon was an apparent sign of what football fans could expect of him in the future. A very young yet confident Beckham noticed Neil Sullivan standing way off the goal line and took his chances just behind the halfway line. 

3.The good part of England’s 1998 World Cup campaign

Although Beckham’s part in England’s World Cup campaign in 1998 would always be remembered for the wrong reasons after the impetuous midfielder kicked Diego Simeone to earn a red card, the Englishman still had some good memories. For instance, Becks scored one of the best goals of the tournament in the shape of his trademark free-kick against Colombia during the group stages, and had it not been for Michael Owen’s wonder goal against Argentina, Beckham’s goal would have been in contention for the best goal of the campaign.

4. Defying detractors and winning the treble

Many English fans had not forgiven Beckham for playing his part in England’s ousting at the hands of Argentina at the World Cup. Wherever he went with United in England, Beckham was the symbol of hatred. However, despite being young at that time, Beckham showed a lot of mental strength and defied his detractors by playing a huge role in helping Sir Alex Ferguson’s side win the treble during the 1998/99 campaign.

5. Spicing things up

Perhaps the main event that led to Beckham becoming such a big marketable ‘product’ was his marriage to one part of Spice Girls’ Victoria. Becks’ relationship with Posh was the talk of the town and propelled him to loftier heights. 

6. Atoning for the 98 fiasco

Though his stardom was on the rise, England fans had still not moved on from those scenes at Stade Geoffory-Guichard, Saint-Etienne. And wiping off those memories was always going to take something dramatic, something that Beckham had to be part of. That last gasp equaliser against Greece that sealed England’s place in the 2002 World Cup resulted in a legendary celebration and also plethora of commentary sound bites. Beckham had his redemption finally!

7. Part of the Galacticos 

After falling out with Ferguson, there was only one club that could handle the aura of Beckham. In 2003, the England international sealed a switch to Real Madrid where he joined the likes Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo to form what was expected to be a formidable force. Beckham in his four year sojourn at the club managed to win just one La Liga title, but will always be remembered as being a part of the famous Galacticos. 

8. The Century

During 2008, Beckham was largely a utility player for the Three Lions. However, Beckham went in that long list of England legends to have played more than 100 games for the national side. A classy presentation ahead of the game against USA at Wembley was befitting for a player who has done so much for the game. 

9. Going to Hollywood

Many people were critical of Beckham’s move to MLS. However, this particular move was indeed a marriage of convenience. Though many people saw a move to LA Galaxy as a nearing the end approach, Beckham still claimed a few national honours and showing that he still has it in him. 

10. A glorious end

Beckham’s final choice of club turned out to be Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain. Though many people considered the move as a final fat pay-day, Beckham announced that his entire salary will head straight to charity

Beckham surely has to be commended of giving his 100% in every game with no expectation of any monetary gains. During his short sojourn at Paris, Beckham still got the job done. Despite his teammates and president’s call for playing for one more season, Beckham chose to hang up his boots as a glorious career that saw him win league titles at four clubs came to a fitting end. 

Though he was often criticised for his off the pitch antics especially by Sir Alex Ferguson and also for his limited skills, Beckham still remains one of the best players to have graced the game. His set piece taking abilities were second to none and he definitely was one of the most lethal of players from dead ball situations.

His commitment to the game and his passion were evident on a number of occasions and football will surely miss his presence.