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(dramatic music)

- [Narrator] David Beckham.

One of the most illustrious careers in modern day football.

From humble beginnings in Leytonstone,

to playing for Goliaths such as Manchester United,

Real Madrid, AC Milan,

and Paris Saint Germain.

Beckham's career has been nothing short of spectacular,

from glamorous red carpets to cold, wet nights in Sheffield,

Beckham proved he could do it all,

paving the way for the first wave

of modern day commercial footballers.

Messi, Ronaldo, Ibrahimovich, and Neymar Jr.

- Legendary status, without a doubt.

I think he's put a long shift in as an England player,

some fantastic performances,

some fantastic goals, memories,

and I've learnt a lot off David, and it's been a pleasure.

- Becks is a fantastic footballer. Everyone knows it.

His capabilities as a player.

His quality's undoubted, and he's a great member

of the squad.

- You know, I think it's easy for people

to shoot people down when they're at the very top,

and for many years, Becks has been at the top, and still is.

You know, he's always been one of the best players

in the world.

(crowd cheering)

- [Narrator] David Beckham, a footballing icon,

Manchester United legend.

And at one point, the most hated man in England.

After the historic 1966 World Cup,

which saw England's first and only win,

England failed to qualify in 1974,

losing to Poland in the qualifying stages.

This World Cup woe was echoed in 1978,

when England failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups.

A hard pill to swallow made even harder

when tournament host and long-time rivals Argentina

took the tournament home.

Determined to restore England's place

as a top flight footballing nation,

Man United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton

set up the Sir Bobby Charlton Soccer School,

a Manchester-based foundation with the aim

to provide young talent with top quality coaching,

who otherwise may not have had the opportunity.

(somber music)

Beckham found early success, when in December of 1986,

he won the soccer school's national skills competition

at the age of 11.

- [Reporter] Why are you special in the sports world?

- I won the Bobby Charlton Soccer School skills finals.

- [Reporter] Brilliant. So where are you off to?

- Barcelona, for two weeks.

- [Reporter] Gosh, is that Maradona?

No, it's the wrong one, isn't it?

Isn't that Argentina?

Who's the star in Barcelona?

- Mark Hughes and Gary Lee.

- [Narrator] Beckham's talents didn't go unnoticed,

and by the time he was 16, he was signed by top flight side,

Manchester United.

- As a rule, wherever you go in the world,

people talk about Manchester United football team.

The last few days are just establishing

more and more as a great team.

- This is where football generates.

Best teams in the world come from the Northwest,

simple as that.

If you know football and you want football,

you come up here.

You live and breathe it. You've no choice.

(dramatic upbeat music)

- [Jamie] They play a style of football for many years

that everyone's enjoyed.

Even if you're not a United fan,

you're still in awe of how they played.

Played against them, and they'll win in everything.

You saw a dynamic football side play great football.

They got off the teams, they outworked every team

they played against.

- A marvelous occasion,

and you can never forget these nights, ever.

(crowd cheering)

- [Narrator] Beckham's success

as a Man United youth player was undoubted,

winning the 1992 Youth FA Cup,

and 1994 reserves leagues.

- Because Beckham, without question,

was the fittest player in United as a kid.

Up and down the pitch.

All the bleep tests, in terms of paces,

he was streets ahead of everyone.

You had to stop him.

- [Narrator] In 1996, Beckham began to break

into the first team,

as many key players came to the end of their careers.

Paul Ince, Mark Hughes, and Andre Kanchelskis most notably.

- He always was a marvelous boy,

and when he joined us at 12 years of age,

he had this fantastic ambition to be a footballer,

which I loved.

And he was part of that great score,

we got through with the group,

we got through with Giggs and Scholes and the Nevilles

and Nicky Butt, Ben Thornley.

It was a wonderful period for Manchester United.

- I look back in the great times that we had together

as six young lads that started out.

All we wanted to do was play football for Man United,

and then we fulfilled that dream.

- [Scholes] He's the one who taught us how to play football

the Manchester United way,

taught us how to handle ourself on and off the pitch,

along with others, you know,

Brian Kidd as well.

These kind of people, but Eric was special.

- [Paul] No, I think we were quite lucky

in all coming through together at a time

when it was a young person's type of boom, really,

and that fresh, new Tony Blair era,

where they were giving youth a chance,

and they wanted to invest in youth,

and it was the end of coming out of a recession.

And we was part of that new regime

that was coming through.

And we were quite lucky.

- [David] There was also Oasis, there was also Stone Roses,

Hacienda, you know?

All of these things, great things going on,

this part of history in Manchester.

And we lived through it, so it was so special.

- [Paul] We came into a Man United team

that was already successful and already had great players

and a great manager.

And we were just playing a small part in it.

- [Narrator] Playing alongside club legends

such as Eric Cantona, Andy Cole,

and Peter Schmeichel,

it wasn't long before Beckham made an impact.

With a deep history in English football,

United gave become the perfect environment

to improve his skills.

Under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson,

Beckham had solidified his place as a first team player.

(dramatic music)

By the '96, '97 season,

Beckham had won the Premier League with Man United

and the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

And it wasn't long before he received his England call-up.

30th of June, 1998, England were to face Argentina

in the FIFA World Cup last 16.

- Whoever wins this has got every chance

of winning the final, haven't they?

Going all the way.

- No, this is the most important game since 1990 World Cup,

or the German semifinal in Euro '96.

It's a massive game.

- You can feel atmosphere in the town.

It is absolutely fantastic.

- We've got to get one back

from when Maradona scored handball, haven't we?

- The hand of God. - The hand of God.

I'd rather forget about it.

- [Narrator] A game steeped in controversy,

after England's 1986 quarterfinal defeat

to Diego Maradona's infamous handball:

the hand of God.

- I thought it was just a joke at the time, you know?

And when he ran off to the left,

I just couldn't believe it, you know?

He gave the goal, and we all know what happened after that.

And he should have been off the field.

- [Reporter] So, what do you want to see today?

- I want to see England win without cheat.

- [Reporter] Will you encourage your players

to follow Maradona's example and cheat, if necessary,

to beat England?

In football, he says, copying isn't authentic.

Every player has to express himself in the best way.

He praised England's young players,

Owen and Beckham, likely to start tomorrow,

in an unchanged lineup.

- Revenge, I'm sure, is one word that's going to be used

an awful lot.

If you want to call it that, you can.

But the most important thing is that we get

the right result.

And if, after the game, we can call it revenge, then great.

(fans singing)

(fans singing in Spanish)

- You'll never take the focus, you'll never take the focus.

- [Reporter] Another flash of brilliance from David Beckham

might help England get the right result,

but the squad isn't underestimating their task.

- We've had a lot of a good players,

so I think we can win easily.

- Two one England, Shearer, golden goal.

- Of course, us- - Two zero.

- Two zero.

I'm very sorry for the English people, but-

- We're going to win. - We are the best.

Sorry, man. You have the money.

We have the quality and the skills. The ability.

- It's bigger than you. It's the same.

I want to win.

All the people in Argentina want to win

because football is the best.

- One nil to England.

- Three two. We're getting stronger and stronger.

- We're going to win here,

and then we're going to win in Marseilles.

And then we'll end up winning the World Cup.

- [Narrator] England quickly experienced early heartbreak,

when Argentina scored a penalty in the sixth minute.

However, it wasn't long before England returned

with a penalty of their own.

- [Man] Go on.

- [Narrator] With England taking the lead

in the 16th minute.

(men shouting)

Argentina were able to equalize on the stroke of the half.

Two two at halftime, England looked the stronger team,

but then disaster struck.

- [Commentator] Quite what was required.

Indeed there was that challenge on Beckham.

Now, whether Beckham accidentally

smacked into the defender, Sineone, the midfielder,

I don't know.

For Beckham, it's a red card, for David Beckham.

Oh no.

- It definitely cost England the match.

I had a great view of the incident.

He lashed out at the guy.

The guy was going to get booked anyway.

There's no need for it whatsoever.

- But I think we're better than the Argies,

but all I can say, like,

just penalties again, isn't it?

Penalty shoot out again. Can't believe it.

- Beckham was out of order, basically.

He should have stayed on the field,

and if he had have done, we'd have got through.

- Last night, mate, gutted. Absolutely gutted.

- To get sent off in a match like that

is a disgrace to anybody.

I'm sorry for his career.

- Whatever.

I mean, I just feel really bad, I mean.

- [Man] We're all disappointed,

and we'll all talk about it for years to come.

- Sending off cost us dearly.

- We played with 10 men for half the game,

and we deserved to win.

- Gutted is the word.

- The best team did win. Best team did win. Well done.

- Good man. Very good.

- [Reporter] England's players left the stadium slowly,

some clearly upset, their World Cup dream and shreds.

Dreams shattered for their children too,

though after three weeks,

they at least had their fathers back.

As David Batty and the rest waited for their bus,

the Argentine team pulled alongside in theirs.

As they passed England's players and families,

they cheered and gestured and chanted.

And then, it was time to go, with pride, said the coach.

- Very proud, and I think the nation should be proud as well

at that performance,

and the way that we've had to go.

- [Narrator] But the nation were anything but proud.

(tense music)

Beckham had his chance at redemption

on the 6th of October, 2001,

when England faced Greece in the 2002 World Cup qualifiers.

- [Commentator] Another attempt at goal.

(crowd shouting)

We've played two and a half minutes of stoppage time.

England trail by two goals to one.

Beckham could raise the roof here with a goal.

- [David] It's something I just want to say.

I know, as England captain that, you know,

I am obligated and I need to talk to the fans,

and that's why I'm here.

But I think I'm not talking about Sky Sports,

because there's a difference between Sky Sports

and the news side,

and I think the way the news side have treated me

in the last few months has been an absolute disgrace.

I've done the same with the News Of The World,

because I think they've tried to,

you know, ruin my family.

I think that I've done the same with the Mail,

because I've been called a bad father,

I've been called a bad husband,

and my wife's been called a bad mother.

- [Reporter] Does it hurt, David,

when these allegations are put about?

- Of course.

As I said, you know, things always hurt

that that said about my family,

and for people to call my wife a bad mother, you know,

is unbelievable.

And you know, that's all I want to say on the matter.

- [Man] Sit down.

- [Man] Come on. - [Man] Sit down.

(people shouting)

- Regretfully, you will have heard that my contract

with the FA has been terminated by mutual consent.

- [Narrator] By 1998, Beckham had won 10 trophies

with Man United.

However, nothing would prepare him for the '98 '99 season.

- [Tannoy] Flight TLA300 to Barcelona.

- [Reporter] A day and a half still to go

till the big match,

but at Manchester Airport fans have been queuing to leave

since three o'clock this morning.

Police now say that up to 50,000 of the red army

will be making the journey to support their heroes,

with only about 35,000 tickets officially allocated.

The rest say they're going simply for the atmosphere.

Authorities believe they'll make this

the biggest ever exodus of British fans abroad

to watch a single football match.

And it's through Manchester Airport today and tomorrow

that the majority are making their way.

- This is the busiest four days in the airport's history.

We've got 225 additional flights over the next four days,

and about 30,000 additional passengers.

- Sold my car to get here.

I've checked everything I have to get here, you know?

It's just one of them things, you've just got to be there.

You'd miss it if you didn't turn up.

- It's history.

It's a one-off match, isn't it?

So will just probably never happen again.

- [Reporter] Bound for Barcelona, then,

hoping their heroes will make that piece

of footballing history and claim a unique treble.

- [Reporter] Thousands of Manchester United fans

have invaded Barcelona,

and some are already camped outside the stadium,

waiting for kickoff.

They've come here from all over the world.

Where've you come from to watch this match?

- Punjab, India.

- All the way from India? Why? - That's right.

Well, Man United supporters.

Lived in England, so this is a unique opportunity

to come down to support the lads.

- [Reporter] Is it worth coming all the way?

- Absolutely.

If you're passionate about your team,

you follow them wherever they are.

- [Reporter] With the clock ticking down to kick off,

the excitement continues to rise here in Barcelona.

Wherever you go, there's a sea of fans who seem

to have taken over the city ahead of the final.

Both Manchester United and Bayern Munich

will have 30,000 inside the ground.

Thousands more who can't get in

say they just want to be here to soak up the atmosphere.

- Fantastic. Absolutely superb.

- [Reporter] Yeah. - It's a joy to be here.

- I mean, the atmosphere alone is worth coming for.

It's superb.

The weather and everything. It's great.

- Soaking up the atmosphere in Barcelona, aren't you?

- [Reporter] There's still new official word

about the fitness of David Beckham.

He finished training with his right leg heavily strapped.

He says he'll be fine.

It's the only fitness doubt Alex Ferguson has to deal with

before he names his side

for the biggest match in his career.

- [Narrator] With Beckham match fit,

United set off to Barcelona with the hopes

of doing the unimaginable.

Dreaming of once again bringing the European Cup

back to old Trafford.

However, their dreams were quickly challenged

when Bayern Munich's right midfielder, Mario Basler,

scored a low driven free kick,

beating Peter Schmeichel at the far post

after six minutes.

- [Commentator] And at half time,

United nil, Bayern Munich one.

As the clock ticks on to,

well, within 10 seconds at the end of the 90.

- [Narrator] With three minutes of added time,

and one goal down,

United needed a miracle.

Rising to the challenge, a 24-year-old David Beckham

steps up to take two corners with his trademark whip.

- [Commentator] They've got that one away,

have they as well.

Giggs plugs it back inside.

Has equalized for Manchester United.

Can you believe this?

Now, just got one last corner, perhaps, to survive.

Beckham to swing this one in again.

Sharing it with Solskjaer.

What a goal for Manchester United.

(crowd cheering)

He's only gone and won the Champion's League for them.

(dramatic music)

The impossible just became reality.

- I was flat after the game,

because I just couldn't believe it.

And when I get back to the hotel

and tell my family, then I was able to enjoy it.

- [Narrator] 1999 marked a turning point

in Beckham's career.

After winning the Champion's League,

to complete the illustrious treble with Man United,

the only time an English club has completed the feat.

- [Reporter] '92 to '99, if you can pick just one moment?

- Winning the treble. It doesn't get any better than that.

- [Man] Unbelievable. You can't beat it.

Never experienced anything like that in our lives.

- [Man] The game is absolutely brilliant.

- [Man] Happiest day of my life.

Happiest day of my life.

- [Man] It's right up there alongside my son being born.

- Well, I think the big problem for me,

I'm a football man, really.

He fell in love with Victoria.

That changed everything, I think.

Well, it was a different type of marriage

from what you would normally expect

of a player and football player.

And because she was quite a famous person, of course,

I mean, part of a pop group like that.

So that changed the dynamics of his life, really.

- [Reporter] He embraced celebrity.

- I think he did. Yeah.

- [Narrator] Beckham had elevated his play

to a world-class level,

and when he married Victoria in 1999,

it was time to do the same to his image.

David Beckham would become Becks.

Taking on brand deals and appearances,

Beckham, with the help from Victoria,

was truly transforming himself from an average footballer

to a global superstar.

- Two questions about England.

- [Reporter] Shall we talk about the haircuts first,

and get it out of the way?

- If you want to. Go on.

- [Richard] A few years back, there was an Ian Botham book,

which was the biggest, and Dicky Bird brought a book out,

which overtook that,

and Alex Ferguson's recent one has sold

as many as that, I think.

So it's a competition between David Beckham

and Alex Ferguson now, I think.

- [Narrator] With a transformation in image and popularity

came a transformation in wage,

when in 2002, Beckham signed a three-year contract,

following months of negotiations with the club,

mostly concerning extra payments for his image rights,

the income from his new contract

and his many endorsement deals made him

the highest paid player in the world.

- [Reporter] Are massive salaries ruining the game?

- I think, you know, with major opportunities,

trying hard to get this financial

fair play into it,

and it's a very difficult area.

I think that there's always ways around these things,

to be honest with you,

but I don't know how far it can go.

It's dangerous times, actually, the game,

because of the amount of money some players

are getting paid.

- David's doing tremendous well outside of the game,

which is obviously, you know,

been a big part of his career, as well as football.

And I think that it was a different era

with Bobby Moore.

There wasn't obviously the money around.

- [Reporter] Do you fear for the future of the game

with these massive salaries swilling around?

- What happened that somewhere along the line,

the game will get a rude awakening,

and it'll level out.

It has to, and stability will come along with that.

And so, you know,

you've got to also admire the premier division.

It's a great league.

It's a fantastic league.

And the television deal allows it to survive,

you know, in terms of being able to pay

the salaries they're paying.

- [Reporter] But it will get a rude awakening.

- It'll get a rude awakening somewhere along, yeah.

- We do realize that we have something to prove.

We will be playing our hearts out tomorrow for our fans,

our country, and ourselves,

and hopefully, we'll come away with the right result.

- Are you at all concerned that you've lost

a bit of sympathy with England supporters

after the events of this week?

- Once we step onto that pitch, you know,

they'll realize and they'll see in the boys' faces

that, you know, everything's behind us,

and we want England to do well.

- You don't think this pampered millionaire image

that has been put about has slightly rebounded on you?

The, "Who the hell do you think you are?" Headlines.

That kind of thing?

- No, because I think that

them headlines will probably always be there,

whilst, you know, the wages are what they are.

But you know, to be honest,

that's always going to be there, as I said.

So, you know, we're prepared to take the criticism,

because you know, we've put ourselves out there,

and we're well prepared to take that.

But once we're on the pitch,

people realize how much football does mean

to every one of us.

And after the World Cup, you know,

I had to come away and do well,

and do well that season.

And I felt I did, and I've come on from there,

and it's made me a stronger person.

- [Commentator] Beckham could raise the roof here

with a goal.

I don't believe it.

David Beckham scores the goal to take England

all the way to the World Cup finals.

Give that man a knighthood.

- Obviously, you know, World Cup,

we all know that anything can happen once you're there.

You've got to have a certain amount of luck.

And obviously people are saying that it is too early

for this team to go and win a major competition.

But I don't feel like it is.

- [Narrator] With Beckham's career on the rise,

it seemed as though nothing would stop him,

both as an illusive right-winger and as a media powerhouse.

Having qualified for the group stages, spirits were high.

- You know, I feel that we can go there,

and if we get through the first stages of the competition,

then I feel that anything can happen.

- [Narrator] With a new manager, Sven-Goran Eriksson,

and new captain David Beckham,

2002 looked like the year football would finally come home.

- Yes.

(crowd chanting)

- [Man] Absolutely fantastic.

It's the best day of my life.

- [Narrator] But then, disaster struck.

Whilst playing for Man United in a Champions League game

against Deportivo La Coruna,

Beckham broke the second metatarsal bone in his left foot,

injuring him for the remainder of the season.

(somber music)

- Well, the metatarsal bones

are some of the major load bearing bones in the foot.

So if he's broken or fractured one of those,

and we see the metatarsal bone here,

flashing in red on the screen,

that means he's going to be unable to take weight

through the bone or through the foot.

And if you can't do that, you certainly can't play football.

- I had a stress fracture in the fifth metatarsal

of my left foot.

I did it in a game, just running.

It just broke down,

and it took me three months exactly

to come back, playing.

- Very difficult to say at this minute.

We're not too sure the type of fracture he has,

but if all goes well and the bone heals up

within the eight weeks,

he's still going to be missing a lot of match fitness.

So I would imagine he'll probably miss

the opening group stages, but if he does come back,

we'll probably see him initially coming in,

playing a substitute role.

- What I think about that?

- [Reporter] You think it can have any effect?

- If it has an effect, please do it, all of you.

(all laughing)

- The whole business of The Sun calling for people

to pray for Beckham,

I hope, hope it's an elaborate joke,

because if it isn't, then we are all doomed.

- [Sven] After the session he had today,

he felt very well, no complaints, no pain at all.

So that's very positive.

- Hopefully this week,

it would be great to welcome a few of the players back

onto the training pitch, and hopefully, David's one of them.

- [Alex] David's slim, tall, angular, human being.

Natural fit boy, natural athlete.

Beckham's natural.

So, after his metatarsal injury,

I was very confident that David would no problem

going to the World Cup.

- [Narrator] A determined Beckham worked hard

to get back from injury in time

for the opening group stage game of the competition.

- [Reporter] How's the foot?

- [David] It's a lot better. A lot better.

I run for the first time two days ago,

on Saturday morning,

and it was a little bit achy after, but it's not a problem.

- [Reporter] How is the x-ray looking?

What are the United physios saying about this?

- Well, the callus is forming around the bone.

So, that's the best sign.

Surgeons are really happy with it.

They've been looking after me for the last four weeks,

watching it, and it's really, really come on a lot.

And United physios have been watching obviously,

and so it's really quite good.

- Metatarsals mended, and old injuries forgotten,

the air around the team and their supporters is optimistic.

- I'm feeling confident.

Now we've got David Beckham back,

that's got to be a very big positive.

- [Narrator] With Beckham back from injury,

his dreams of revenge against the Argentines

were closer than ever.

When England drew Argentina in the group stage

of the competition.

- And H one for Japan.

Argentina.

England,

- [Narrator] However, not everyone was optimistic

about the draw.

- With Argentina, well, it's about time

things turned in favor for us.

So, a bit of luck, a bit of hard work,

and I think probably make the most of it.

- Sweden. We've not beaten them for long time, Sweden.

They're a better team than us.

- When we got Nigeria,

I did think, of all the teams in Africa, to land Nigeria.

It was completely, completely unfair.

They're the best team out there.

So we've picked the best in South America,

the best in Africa, and a reasonably good European team.

I mean, had we had France as well,

that really would have been a bit tough.

- [Reporter] It was off for some training,

a fairly gentle and relaxed affair today,

with Beckham sporting the latest of the Mohicans.

And the news from the camp is all are fit and well.

- I'm going to watch it now.

- [Reporter] You're on your way?

- Yeah.

- I'm missing the first half,

but I'll see the second half when I get in.

- England's going to win about a million nil.

- [Narrator] It wasn't long before Beckham

was given the chance at revenge.

On the 7th of June, 2002,

England played Argentina yet again,

when on the stroke of the half England received a penalty.

(commentator shouting)

- [Narrator] And who else to take it, other than Beckham?

(heart beat)

- [Commentator] You can smash them now.

Beckham has scored for England.

44 minutes, and he's done it again.

(crowd cheering)

David Beckham puts England in front against Argentina

in Sapporo.

- [Reporter] You must be very pleased.

- [David] Very, very pleased.

You know,

I think the whole nation will be pleased tonight.

You know, I think as a footballing nation,

we've been waiting for this result for a long time.

I've been waiting for it for years, but you know,

it means a lot to everyone.

- [Reporter] I was going to say, how sweet is that for you?

- [David] Well, it's a lot better than four years ago.

I can tell you that now.

- Absolutely fantastic. It's the best day of my life.

- Best night of my life. Absolutely amazing.

I just can't believe it.

We're in Japan, it's the most amazing country.

The people have been fantastic.

And we've been the Argies, yes.

- [Narrator] Having solidified his place

as a national team hero,

not everyone was too keen on the new Mohawk-wearing

designer Becks.

- Fell in love with Victoria.

I think that obviously that was a big changing point

in his life.

And me being a football man,

I like to see them totally committed to the team,

and of course that wind went down a bit.

I always remember one of the managers saying to me,

"How is it you get Beckham and Giggsy

to run up and down that pitch, his wife present,

produce such quality?"

I said, "Because desire and ability."

And when David went off that level,

I had to judge whether it was affecting the performance

of the team,

and also the control of the team.

- [Narrator] Following his return

from the metatarsal injury,

Sir Alex Ferguson opted to go with the second string

right-winger Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

- Ole was one of these rare human beings

that watched every game, and he took the notes

in every training session.

And it's obviously, his desire was later on

to be a coach, obviously.

But it's also more than that.

It's about trying to be the best you possibly can be,

and giving yourself the best chance,

and taking all the notes down in the training sessions,

and watching, when he's a sub.

I used to say to the substitutes thereafter,

referring to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, "Watch the game.

Watch the game.

Don't be having a glance round at the stadium

or chatting to each other during the game.

Watch the game." And that's what Ole did.

- [Reporter] Often said of you about your temper

and the hairdryer treatment,

you say in the book, "I had terrible mood storms,

and I would sometimes go home fearing the consequences."

Do you regret those outbursts?

- No. No, I think you are who you are.

- [Reporter] What about the football boot

incident with Beckham?

- [Alex] Yeah. - [Reporter] That was a

loss of temper, wasn't it?

- Yeah, it was an accident, yeah.

But it happened, you know?

And I would have forgotten about,

and the fact it was David,

it was going to end up the papers, wasn't it?

I mean, there was no way out.

And of course it became a bit of an issue at the time.

- [Reporter] Though details were sketchy,

United manager, Alex Ferguson admitted

he had kicked the boot accidentally striking Beckham.

At the time, both sides were keen to play it down.

- [Alex] It was an incident, which was a freakish...

If I tried it 100 times or a million times,

it could not happen again.

If I did, I'd have carried on playing.

He became a great player,

and I think that we've made the right decision,

in terms of,

you know, when we go to Real Madrid,

because we felt it was time.

- [Reporter] Being sold like a piece of meat.

Did that represent your feelings

towards United and Sir Alex Ferguson?

- I think that I will miss the fans

and the players that I've grown up with,

because I've regarded the players at Manchester United

as my family.

And, you know, I've got a lot of very special friends there.

A lot of special people.

Everyone's been very kind to me in Manchester

and looked after me for 13 years.

And obviously, I'm sad to leave them,

but you know, I'm joining Real Madrid,

and that for me is as exciting as it gets, to be honest.

- I don't think he should go.

I can't understand why they want to get rid of him.

The lad's totally devoted to United. He always has been.

And it's not going to be easy to replace that

with some foreigner.

- I came from Greece and I want Beckham

to stay in Manchester.

- It would seem on the surface to be

a very serious conflict of interest.

Obviously, so much money is earned by progress

in the Champions League,

and maybe Manchester United don't believe

they'll play Real Madrid short of the final.

But the whole thing is full of oddities.

It's almost as if Manchester United

have acted like a very desperate seller

to court a very reluctant buyer.

- [Man] It's the worst bit, the worst, very worst

bit of management I've ever seen.

- [Woman] He's won everything at United,

there's nothing more he can win.

And he's gone from one world class team to another.

- It may well be a situation,

last game of the group, for instance,

where, were United not to win the game

against another rival,

that would allow Real Madrid to go through.

And I'm not suggesting any question of impropriety,

but if that happens, certainly questions will be asked.

And that's the last thing United need at the moment,

is EUFA on their back.

- Backhanded really, isn't it?

It's all been done behind everybody's back.

- Beckham never wanted to leave Manchester United.

I think he was pushed out.

- You don't get the wrong side of Alex Ferguson.

I mean, that's what this episode shows,

and it's happened again and again to players.

If they annoy Ferguson, they're out the door.

He never speaks to them again. They have to leave United.

- [Reporter] He might still be an idol,

but the old colors are coming down.

In the city where this global phenomena is a local hero,

they've already started counting the cost.

- [Man] Everything with David Beckham on it

probably is the biggest selling part of Manchester United

merchandise that we do is the David Beckham range.

- [Reporter] So they'll feel it when he doesn't play

for them anymore.

- Quite possibly.

I should think it would be quite substantial,

unless they can get somebody else in with a very big name.

I think they'll feel it definitely.

- He went to Real Madrid, and that was a great move

for him, in the sense of two of the biggest brand names

in the world.

- Why on earth is it? I mean, he's only a footballer.

He's a good footballer, but he is only footballer,

and he's become such a celebrity

that it takes over everything.

- [Reporter] And already, everyone wants a piece of him.

The hospital today didn't just do his medical.

It's sponsored it, and insisted he pose

in front of their logo.

Real spent a lot of money buying one of the world's

most commercially valuable sportsmen.

They're going to want to squeeze every penny

they can from the Beckham bandwagon.

- [Reporter] Figures released this month

put their annual income for last year

at 180,000,000 pounds,

32,000,000 more than Manchester United.

But they still lag behind the English club

when selling in Asia.

Putting Beckham on the books could change that.

- But Manchester United in the Far East

is just phenomenal, really.

It's very, very, very important.

And in certain ways, we're four, five, six, seven years

behind Manchester United in that respect.

You know, Manchester United have got mega stores.

We've got, you know, little shops and things like that.

- [Reporter] Real Madrid shirts are here,

but most are being held back,

the pirates planning to flood the market

within hours of Beckham's new number

being announced in Madrid.

(man speaking foreign language)

- [Translator] We have the shirts in the shops

the day after we know his new number.

We have to meet the demand for the Real Madrid kit.

People are already asking, "Beckham, Beckham, Beckham.

What's his new number?"

(woman speaking foreign language)

- [Translator] We'll sell more Real Madrid shirts now.

Beckham is a superstar forever. All the girls like him.

- [Reporter] There's little dispute in Japan

over just who is the world's greatest football star.

- David Beckham.

- [Narrator] It wasn't long before Madrid

capitalized on their new star's image,

organizing a pre-season tour to south Asia.

It is estimated Beckham's 2003 18 day pre-season tour

to Asia earned Madrid over 10,000,000 Euro.

In 2001, before Beckham's arrival,

Madrid had a revenue of 93.2 million pounds.

By 2005, they doubled that.

However, when Beckham signed for Madrid,

they were a club in a mess.

They were nearly 280,000,000 Euros in debt,

and had become stagnant in the transfer market.

Club president Florentino Perez had the perfect answer.

The Galacticos, a group of high profile players

brought into the club in an attempt

to create football's biggest spectacle.

Playing alongside Ronaldo, Zidane, and Louis Vigo,

Roberto Carlos, Raul, and Ika Cassius,

Beckham did not require much time to settle in,

scoring five times in his first 16 matches

for the Galacticos.

However, despite an impressive start,

Beckham's time at Madrid didn't run as smoothly as planned,

with a poor end to the 2005, 2006 season,

which saw Madrid finish second

to longtime rivals Barcelona,

forcing club president Florentino Perez to resign,

and big changes were to come.

- [Reporter] Hopefully you have a thought now

that you could win this World Cup, David?

- [David] Well, we're not even thinking about that

at the moment, to be honest.

We let other people do that,

because I'm sure other people have been getting

sort of carried away with that.

- Brazil is going to be very difficult,

but if we can do them, that's it.

- If they can get past Brazil, they go the whole way.

But obviously that's a bit of an if,

but there's a good chance.

It's a good chance.

So it we'll be there in the final-

- Bring on Brazil. Next round.

- The cup's ours, I think. - Yeah.

- It's coming home.

(upbeat trumpet music)

- [Reporter] If it is Brazil,

it promises to be an epic encounter.

England have never beaten them when it matters,

but this is the World Cup, when you should never say never.

- Well, what we're looking at is there's three more games

to the World Cup final.

And hopefully, if we can play like we have done,

then you never know.

- [Reporter] Are we getting better as a side?

Are you pleased with the way we're getting better?

- I think we're getting better and better.

And you see that, when the comes up, those difficult games,

we are ready.

- [Narrator] After a monumental win against Argentina,

knocking them out of the World Cup,

England had a lackluster remainder of the tournament,

beating Denmark in the last 16

to ultimately be knocked out by eventual winners, Brazil,

after a catastrophic error from goalkeeper David Seaman

saw Ronaldinho score a 40 yard free kick.

- [Reporter] Seaman left the stadium, still tearful,

without speaking.

But his captain was quick to jump to his defense.

- I think if he gets made a scapegoat,

I think it's an absolute disgrace,

because I think he's been the best goalkeeper

in this tournament,

and the goal that they did score,

I feel that it was a fluke goal,

but you know, the Brazilians are a great players.

And as I said, I hope they go on to win the tournament now.

- Dave is a world class keeper.

No one's putting the blame on him

or any of the other players.

You know, it's just one of them things.

- I wouldn't put any blame on David Seaman,

or any goalkeeper that that happened to.

I've never seen a corner kick taken like that.

It was whipped with more pace and accuracy

than I've ever seen.

- David is a fantastic professional.

You know, he's been there for England over the years,

and made fantastic saves for club and country.

- What can you say? I think we deserved it.

- We'll be back.

- What are we going to do?

- We'll win the Euros.

- [Reporter] They burnt a Brazilian shirt,

cheered as if England had won.

For others, silent thoughts and soft words of consolation.

- [Reporter] So, as the team kit was being loaded

this evening for the flight home,

Sven-Goran Eriksson spoke of how he's told his players

to think of the future.

- I told them that I think 90, 95% of you

sitting here today,

very sad with the head downs.

You have a big chance to be in it in four years' time.

- [Narrator] Four years later,

the England squad set off to the 2006 World Cup

with high hopes.

- [Reporter] This airline's used to flying the flag,

but today that job fell to its most famous passenger.

Lots of luck, David.

But get back to your seat.

The other captain wants to get moving.

(fans chanting)

- [Reporter] Mr. D. Beckham, Mr. S. G. Eriksson,

and 22 of the most talented footballers

England has produced for a generation.

- [Narrator] However, despite the squad's potential,

unfortunately, the spotlight wasn't on them.

- And we'll block the question.

- [Reporter] But Sven, there are reports

coming out of Sweden today

suggesting you're going to quit after the game tomorrow.

Would you set the record straight, please?

- Nick. - No.

- Let's get on the game, please.

No questions apart from the football match today.

- [Reporter] Launching the FA's All Together Now

campaign today,

the England boss has written the intro

to a government-sponsored World Cup guidebook,

which tries to address the problem of anti-German sentiment

among English fans.

- It's important that we behave on the pitch

and off the pitch.

We want to make a good public relation for England,

as a football team and as a football fan.

- [Narrator] On top of the uncertainty

around Sven-Goran Eriksson,

England fans were once again being singled out

for their behavior abroad.

- Well, I know that English people don't expect

that we have a good sense of humor in Germany,

but I'm sure it's still an issue of sport,

of fun, of making party and they won't take it

for serious, I'm sure.

- [Reporter] What you're seeing here,

you're seeing people who've been drinking all day.

It's over 30 degrees here. It's absolutely scorching hot.

And these people, both the English and German fans,

have been drinking since nine or 10 o'clock this morning.

And you will always have this sort of

baiting and taunting and teasing of the opposition fans.

(fans shouting)

- [Reporter] Do you think that references

to Germany's Nazi past,

to the Second World War will cause offense now

to German fans?

- It might be offensive for some of the people.

Mostly elderly people, I think.

- There were two German bombers in the air,

there were two German bombers in the air.

- [Reporter] The British police told them not to do it,

as did the German police.

The FA pleaded with them as well, but by mid-afternoon,

10 German bombers had made its debut.

Inflatable Spitfires were also on view.

The city hall came under sustained attack

from fans punting footballs at the windows,

but police did nothing about it.

So we went to see what the mayor's office made of it all.

- [Reporter] They were aiming footballs at the windows

of the city hall.

I mean, it's not very respectful.

- My colleague throw the ball back

so that they can play down on the ground again.

- [Narrator] England's first footballing challenge

came in the quarter finals against a prime Portugal team.

- Everything has to be right tomorrow.

In other way, it's difficult,

because Portugal has a fantastic team.

We know that, and individual skill,

good organized.

It's a very good team, good pace, good technique.

So everything has to be right,

you have to keep the ball attacking.

You have to defend well.

In other way, you don't win quarterfinals, in a World Cup.

- [Reporter] Convinced this time the curse

of the quarterfinal would be broken.

But it was the curse of the red card that struck first.

Fury and despair in equal measure,

as Rooney trudges off.

England's fighting efforts with 10 men

so reminiscent of Argentina eight years ago.

By the end, the crowd were glad

to have hung on for penalties,

though all but the youngest perhaps

should have known better.

Hargreaves briefly had them believing that this time

it will be different.

But for Lampard and then Gerrard to miss,

the nightmare was recurring.

No matter how many times England fans go through this,

it doesn't get any easier.

- And I'm sorry for the team.

I'm sorry for the squad.

I'm sorry for the fans.

Really sorry, because I think,

with all the fans we have out there,

they deserve to have a team in the semifinal

or in the final.

- He'll tell you all about it. He'll tell you all about it.

What it means.

- I don't know what it is about penalties.

I don't know what it is about having players sent off.

Just seems to happen every time to us.

(melancholy music)

- [Narrator] England team went on to lose the match

on penalties.

The next day, Beckham faced the press in an interview

that shocked the world.

- If you bear with me, because I wrote this late last night.

On November 15th, 2000,

Peter Taylor gave me the greatest honor of my career,

in making me captain of England,

and fulfilling my childhood dream.

Now almost six years later,

having been captain for 58 of my 95 caps,

I feel the time is right to pass on the armband,

as we enter in a new era under Steve McClaren.

This decision has been the most difficult

of my career to date,

but after discussing it with my family

and the closest to me, I feel the time is right.

- I spoke with David last Monday,

notified him of my decision,

and said that I was planning for the future,

looking to change things,

looking to go in a different direction,

and David wasn't included.

- [Reporter] The way perhaps he's feeling right now?

- [Steve] I think any questions on David Beckham

is rather unfair on the new captain.

- [Narrator] As the English squad changed its structure,

so did Madrid.

Ramon Calderon became the new Real president,

keeping none of the club officials

who served under the previous president,

including head coach Lopez Caro.

Having proved himself to the previous manager,

Beckham had to do it all again, when in July, 2006,

Fabio Capello was appointed as new Madrid manager.

Much like the 2002-3 season,

Beckham failed to regain his place in the squad,

as the speedier Jose Antonio Reyes

was normally preferred on the right wing,

and fans didn't feel any different.

- [Man] Definitely he has been a very important player

for merchandising, for publicity,

for the economy of the club, it's true.

But the fans are looking to the pitch,

and they're not looking to the merchandising, you know?

And he has not been, I think,

a player that make the difference in the team.

- You know, I've joined a club that is a massive club.

If I was going to leave Manchester United

at any time in my career, then to join a massive club,

like Real Madrid is a dream.

- [Narrator] Beckham was now

the most globally recognized footballer in the world.

Amassing fanbases in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

- [Reporter] There's little dispute in Japan

over just who is the world's greatest football star.

- David Beckham.

- David Beckham. - David Beckham.

- David Beckham.

- [Reporter] What about the hair?

- My favorite thing in the world is soccer.

- To play soccer, like David Beckham.

- [Narrator] However, there was one market

still left to crack.

- [Man] Just a moment.

At this time, I'd like to introduce Los Angeles Galaxy

midfielder, David Beckham.

(upbeat music)

- [Bush] There's no doubt in my mind.

No doubt in my mind.

We'll bring Al Qaeda to justice,

peace or no peace in the Middle East.

- [Reporter] On this stretch of the US Mexico border,

there is already a physical barrier.

Miles of fence, reinforcing miles of wall.

- Good afternoon.

I'm honored to be here in a great city,

one of my most favorite cities in the world.

Not just saying that because I'm here,

and I have to say that, but I really believe that,

and I'm honored to be here as a Galaxy player.

- If he had asked my advice about leaving Real Madrid

to go to LA Galaxy,

I would have told him exactly what I thought.

How can you leave Real Madrid to go to LA Galaxy?

You know?

- [Narrator] A far cry from the hostile hooligan culture

of European football,

the MLS has a more family friendly atmosphere.

- We are Sounders, mighty Sounders.

We are Sounders.

(fans chanting)

(people shouting)

- DC United.

DC United.

- [Announcer] Number 12, Ryan Roe. And the captain.

- [Narrator] With Beckham seemingly set by the wayside

by European football,

he set himself the goal of increasing the popularity

of the MLS.

- I want to achieve something that is definitely possible,

within the fact of raising the profile of the MLS,

raising the profile of soccer as a sport.

You know, I'm not silly enough to sit up here

and say that it's going to be bigger than baseball,

basketball, American football, and ice hockey, you know?

Because I'm never going to say it is going to be.

But the decision to join the Galaxy wasn't hard,

because I've been to LA,

I've met the owners of the Galaxy,

I've become friends of the owners of the Galaxy.

And I think there's a huge opportunity out there.

And as Tim said, I think that with me,

it's about the football.

That's what I'm all about.

I'm coming there to make a difference.

I'm coming there to play football.

And that's the biggest thing for me.

- [Narrator] With their new star man,

LA Galaxy were able to pull off

a new five-year shirt sponsorship deal

worth $20 million US,

as well as 11,000 new season tickets holders,

and sold out luxury suites.

However, after five seasons and two MLS cup titles,

there was still something missing:

the coveted FIFA World Cup.

With Becks' sights firmly set on another World Cup run,

big changes were needed.

- Playing international football and regular football,

you know, at the highest level.

I think he's got to be a playing at a different level

to what he would do in the States to have any chance.

- [Reporter] Has Fabio Capello talked to you

about the importance of staying in Milan?

- No, it's not at all.

It's just something that, when I first was thinking

about going on loan,

obviously I asked his advice,

his experience on where I should go and where I should play.

And he said,

"All I can say to you is play at the highest level."

And obviously, I hope I'm doing that.

I think I'm doing that.

- [Narrator] In July, 2009,

in hopes of keeping his World Cup dream alive,

Beckham made a shock move to AC Milan

in an effort to get back into top tier football.

- After being an AC Milan now,

it gives me more of a chance to be at that higher level,

to play at international level,

which is always important.

But we'll see, we'll see.

I'm enjoying being with the squad at the moment.

And hopefully, it continues.

- Becks is a fantastic footballer. Everyone knows that.

His capabilities as a player.

It's just about him being fit,

I think the managers said.

If I'm right, in seeing what is said in the media.

And he looks to be doing that now at Milan.

He looks very happy.

He looks like he's enjoying his football.

Alex has asked about him,

and speaking to him since he's been there,

he seems like he's having the time of his life.

So, his quality's undoubted, and he's a great member

of the squad.

- [Reporter] Just how much has that move to Milan

improved your game, do you think?

- I think it's improved my fitness more than anything else,

because I said, when I first arrived in Dubai,

with Milan, my body fat was 13.7,

and now it's 8.5, I think.

So you know, I think it was more about the fitness side

than anything else.

- And also, I think towards the end,

he probably did miss the big time football.

That's a decision he made himself.

Maybe in years to come, he'll look back and say,

"Well, maybe I should have stayed Real Madrid."

Whatever.

- [Reporter] Are talking to the MLS,

but we understand that Milan

are talking to the MLS and the Galaxy.

Is that correct?

- I would think so by now they are, yeah.

Because both clubs know my feeling

on staying here in Milan now.

And it's out of my hands now.

It's down to obviously both teams.

- I mean, he's not getting any younger.

I mean, there's a lot of competition around these days.

- [Reporter] Fabio Capello has told English TV

that he thinks David Beckham's probably too old now.

If that is the case,

how do you think David Beckham will be remembered

as an England player?

- Legendary status, without a doubt.

I think he's put a long shift in as an England player,

some fantastic performances, some fantastic goals, memories.

And you know, he was a fantastic captain.

I've learnt a lot off David,

and it's been a pleasure to play alongside him.

If he has played his last game,

he'd certainly be missed,

because both on and off the pitch, he's a great guy.

- [Reporter] He's the sort of player

who's proved everybody wrong before,

when people have written him off

at club and international level, so you never know.

- [Steven] Yeah, you never know with David.

- Fabio Capella has got to look to the World Cup,

and it remains to be seen how he sees David's role,

whether he sees him as a permanent member of his first team,

or whether he sees him as a squad player,

and is going to use him in a substitute capacity.

- [Reporter] There's been a lot of debate

about the future of David Beckham in the England setup.

If he plays in February, it will be his 100th cap.

He's also said he wants to play on

through to the next World Cup.

Is he guaranteed to get his 100th cap,

and do you see them going forward to play

as long as the next World Cup?

(Fabio speaking Spanish)

- [Translator] We have a contrasting relationship

with David Beckham at Real Madrid,

but in the end, he actually demonstrated to be a great man

and a great player.

He's also the kind of person who believes,

when he sets himself something, he will achieve it.

And so, you never know,

but obviously Mr. Capello will have to make choices.

He believes that basically,

David's behavior is important.

However, there is obviously still over a month

until the first game,

so there's plenty of time for these important decisions

to be made.

- There's only one David Beckham.

There's only one David Beckham.

- [Reporter] Welcome to Paris,

and the David Beckham tribute show.

- For what he's done for his country

over the past 10 years, he's fantastic.

- I hope he does a good reception.

I expect it for him.

- In my opinion, it's all about Beckham.

100th cap, he deserves it.

- [Narrator] Beckham soon earned his 100th England cap,

presented to him by none other than Sir Bobby Charlton.

However, his World Cup future was still uncertain.

- [Reporter] When Fabio Capello swept into Soho Square,

he made it clear he had little time for sentimentality,

saying players would be picked on form and fitness,

not star status.

If David Beckham steps out on this pitch

in the country he once called home,

he'll equal a record that will see him

further propelled into the history books,

ensuring that although he wants to leave the Galaxy,

his star will keep on rising.

- [Reporter] He wants to start on Wednesday.

Would be his 100th start for England,

and obviously his 108th cap.

He's got it (indistinct).

What sort of achievement is that, do you think?

- Just to get to 100's an unbelievable achievement,

but then to equal a man of the stature of Bobby Moore

is just phenomenal,

and I'm sure Becks in his wildest dreams

would never imagine that as a kid,

putting on his boots, when he was a seven,

eight year old, I'm sure.

- [Reporter] The headlines tomorrow may well be about race,

but Beckham will be hoping it's his race to glory instead.

His rejuvenation at AC Milan has seen him

brought back into the England team on merit,

and now all the talk is about equaling

Bobby Moore's record of 108 caps.

- [Reporter] We've talked about Steven Gerrard.

We've talked about Wayne Rooney.

We haven't mentioned David Beckham yet,

so do you want to get onto that?

- No, no, I think, you never ask me about the Slovakia,

the Ukrainia.

Always Gerrard, Rooney, Redknapp.

The others.

- [Reporter] Do you see a fitter David Beckham?

A David Beckham that can realistically go on to 2010 now?

- Yeah, Beckham is in very good moment.

I watch it in TV, the last two games that he played

with AC Milan, is a good moment of form.

He play always the first 11,

and I check him here during the training.

It's a very, very good moment for him.

- I mean, anybody gets over 100 caps,

especially an outfield player,

it's a fantastic achievement,

and at one point we didn't think

David was going to get 100,

having been left out by McClaren,

and then going to the States.

- [Reporter] You've lost Lowe and Hargreaves.

Still no David Beckham. Why?

- I feel that we've got other players that can come in,

and can do the job, and looking to the future to do that.

- He's rejuvenated, really,

since Fabio Capello's brought him back into the squad,

and obviously,

it looks as though it's going to get to that landmark.

- [Reporter] David, last time was obviously

all about equaling Bobby Moore.

This time, it's about becoming

the most capped outfield player ever for England.

Can you even fathom what that means?

- [Reporter] No.

You know, every time I meet up with England,

obviously it's a huge honor.

Every player feels like that when they meet up

with the squad, but you know,

to be on the amount of caps and the games that I am

at the moment, it was a great honor for me, of course.

But I think that every time

that I personally meet up with the team,

it's a bonus,

because being on probably 94, 95 caps,

I never expected to make 100,

and then obviously making 100,

people expected me to retire them.

So, to be on 108 now, and hopefully get 109,

I'm happy with that.

- Yeah, I mean, I think he's had a lot of challenges

all through his career.

He seems to have come through them all with flying colors.

People said he was finished a couple of years ago.

He's come back, and he's an integral member

of the squad still.

So, Becks is a fantastic footballer.

Everyone knows it, his capabilities as a player.

- [John] I think as a player, playing with Becks,

and training with him,

and realize how much this means to him.

I think it's easy for people to shoot people down

when they're at the very top.

And for many years, Becks has been at the top and still is.

He's always been one of the best players in the world.

I think it's easy for people to try and kick him

and knock him down, but they've not succeeded.

And he's one of the best,

and that's why he's up there and still in the England squad.

- [David] I want to have a chance of being involved in 2010.

And I believe, obviously, my best chance of doing that

would be by staying here.

But you know, like I said, it's out of my hands now.

I hope it can be sorted, but we'll see.

- [Reporter] The woes of Rustenburg have been forgotten

in Cape Town.

This is now considered the real start

of England's World Cup campaign.

The turnout has even impressed FIFA,

which is rapidly revising its downbeat estimate

of how many foreign fans would come.

- It seems that we are on the way to 500,000

international visitors coming to South Africa.

- [Reporter] So, more of a success than you'd hoped for?

- I think more than anyone has expected

from this World Cup, even us.

- [Reporter] But England's definitely

winning the war for territory.

Cape Town is decked out in red and white.

- You got to get there early.

We're flying anoraks, so you got to get there early,

get the flag up, otherwise you lose all the best spaces.

- [Reporter] The world's biggest England shirt

has even made it here,

a sign of the huge expectations that 2010

will live up to the past.

- We're at our best when our backs are to the wall,

and I think the lads will make sure

that they rub a few noses in it after this one.

- [Reporter] They know this is make or break time

for England, but they're convinced the team

will light up the Cape Town stadium tonight.

(tense music)

- [Narrator] On the 14th of March, 2010,

Beckham's dreams at a World Cup comeback were shattered

after he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon,

playing against the Kievo in Serie A.

Unbeknownst to him, Beckham had played his last game

in the famous three lions Jersey.

- I know the country is in mourning,

I think mainly because everyone admires David Beckham

as a person, and for what he's done for England in the past.

- You obviously need the experienced players

to boost the younger players.

So missing out on David Beckham,

it would probably be a bit of a shame.

- I'm so sorry for here for him,

because I know how he wanted to go.

And the workup, he went.

He came last year in Milan, above all for this,

to show his quality for the England team.

I'm so sorry for this.

- [Narrator] After a brief six month spell at PSG,

the day finally came to hang up the boots,

and public opinion was ever contrasting

to that of 1998.

- I think that was right moment to stop.

You have to expect this.

Of course, not just PSG,

but the football world lost a fantastic player.

Lost a fantastic professional player. Lost a good man.

- Well, it's a sad day.

I can imagine that there are many boys, men and women,

all over the world that are mourning the loss

of a football star.

He's an absolute icon.

- Beckham was out of order, basically.

He should have stayed on the field,

and if he had have done, we'd have got through.

- Professional footballer committed to the cause,

loved the clubs that he played for.

Today, footballers, you know, you could question

some of their motivations.

You never had your questions about him

and his motivations at all.

- To get sent off in a match like that

is a disgrace to anybody.

I'm sorry for his career.

- Say, for football in England.

So he'll continue his role as an ambassador.

I know he's in a lot of work in the Far East,

in his training roles, you know, for kids and stuff.

So he'll still be around.

He'll be around for a long time, forever, you know?

Till he's well old. So you never lose them.

(children shouting)

- [Alex] He's become fantastic.

How can I argue with how he's turned out as a human being?

He's an icon to every kid in the world,

he's a very wealthy guy.

So how can I possibly argue with that?

- [Narrator] Amid the fame, red carpets and brand deals,

Beckham pioneered a fresh new look

of what a modern day footballer is.

With the odds stacked against him,

the young boy from Leytonstone went on

to win a long list of silverware,

including six PL titles, two FA cups,

one La Liga, one Champions League,

and one PFA Young Player of the Year.

He conquered England, Italy and America,

both commercially and as an athlete,

became the third highest capped English player of all time,

and smashed shirt sale records at Madrid and LA Galaxy,

whilst also becoming the highest paid player of all time.

There is no doubting the financial success

of Beckham's career.

And when a player wins as many trophies as Becks,

there's no doubting their playing career either.

(gentle piano music)

- [Reporter] Back home in England

as the excitement builds,

one 10-year-old by has taken his love of the game

a little too far.

Tom Sylvester chose to go bald before his years,

to look like his hero, Sven.

- There's quite a lot of people in the school

who dress up as David Beckham,

and I thought Sven would be different.

Because when I first had it done,

it was almost bald, and I fought everyone would laugh at me.

But they haven't. They've started liking it.