Ten highs and lows in the memorable career of David Beckham.
Goal from half-way line against Wimbledon
Promising Manchester United youngster David Beckham announces himself to the world with a superb lob from the half way line over Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan on the opening day of the 1996/97 season. The 21-year-old went on to establish himself as a regular in the United side that year, helping them to the Premier League title and winning PFA Young Player of the Year. His excellent strike against Wimbledon is still regarded as one of the best ever goals scored in the Premier League and has been voted number 18 in a list of 100 Greatest Sporting Moments.
His excellent technique and eye for goal with his right foot would go on to be one of the most defining qualities of his career. He was one of many exciting young players coming through at United at that point, alongside the likes of Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers, though it didn’t take long for him to stand out as something special and unique altogether.
Red card in 1998 World Cup
Beckham’s fine form for United soon led to him being an England regular, but he made himself unpopular with the England fans after lashing out at Argentina’s Diego Simeone and getting himself a red card. Glen Hoddle’s side went on to lose on penalties, with Beckham taking a large share of the blame for the defeat due to his moment of madness. There was speculation following this incident that he would leave Manchester United for a move abroad, but he decided to stay, despite often being booed by fans at Premier League opposition grounds around the country.