BECKHAM

One of England's most influential football players and a tabloid favorite, former Manchester United's midfielder, David Beckham, has become known for his talent as well as his temperament.

David Robert Joseph Beckham was born May 2, 1975, in Leytonstone, England. As a student in Essex, Beckham won the Bobby Charlton Soccer Skills Award at the age of 11, making his football talent evident at an early age.

After being signed as a trainee July 8, 1991, the Bobby Charlton fan played as a substitute for Andrei Kanchelskis on September 23, 1992. The game against Brighton marked Beckham's debut as a United player.

Winner of the 1992 F.A. Youth Cup and runner-up a year later, Beckham was finally signed as a professional United player in January 1993. The 18-year-old soccer pro played in his first Champions League game and contributed a goal to the team's final win.

Despite his talent, Beckham only made his full debut in April 1995. He became a first team regular in the 1996-'97 seasons as a right midfielder. In 1996, not only did England get a taste of Beckham's crossing, free kick and long shot talent, but the player also won the F.A. Premier League, Cup and Charity Shield; all in the same year.

Back to soccer though: In 1999, Beckham won another F.A. Cup, and came in 2nd in the European Ballon d'Or awards and as FIFA's World Player of the Year. He also won a Champions League title, an Intercontinental Cup and an English league title that same year.

David Beckham: My Story, the United Manchester midfielder's autobiography, was released in 1998.
 

Titles with Manchester United

1992 - FA Youth Cup - Winner (Manchester United)

1993 - FA Youth Cup - Runner-up (Manchester United)

1996 - FA Premier League - Winner (Manchester United)
1996 - FA Cup - Winner (Manchester United)
1996 - FA Charity Shield - Winner (Manchester United)

1997 - FA Premier League - Winner (Manchester United)
1997 - FA Charity Shield - Winner (Manchester United)

1999 - FA Premier League - Winner (Manchester United)
1999 - FA Cup - Winner (Manchester United)
1999 - UEFA Champions League - Winner (Manchester United)
1999 - FA Premier League-Winner (Manchester United)

2000 - FA Premier League-Winner (Manchester United)

2001 - FA Premier League-Winner (Manchester United)

2003 - FA Premier League-Winner (Manchester United)