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David Beckham's biggest moments in football

We’re going to miss that right foot of his you know.

Beckham down through the years. Credit: PA Wire/PA Wire/Press Association Images

As a child, he wins the Bobby Charlton soccer school skills finals

He was destined for great things from a young age.

Credit: ThamesTv

His first senior goal for Manchester United – v Galatasaray in 1994 Champions League

Not his best but a milestone nonetheless.

YouTube credit: batka2007

He then announces himself in the Premier League with that strike from the halfway line

Spotting Wimbledon stopper Neil Sullivan off his line with an audacious lob with an icon goal.

YouTube credit: Chinmaya Bharadwaj

Beckham becomes Public Enemy No1 after being sent off at World Cup 98

Leading Argentina in the quarter-finals in St Etienne thanks to a wondergoal from 18-year-old Michael Owen, Beckham kicks out at Diego Simeone after being bundled to the ground by the hard-hitting midfielder. Danish referee Kim Milton Nielsen shows him a straight red card and England go out on penalties.


He wins the Champions League a year later

In one of the greatest ever finales to a game, Manchester United come back from a 1-0 lead with two injuries-time goals – both created from Beckham corners.

Credit: Camay Sungu/AP/Press Association Images

Sending England to the 2002 World Cup

Trailing 2-1 to Greece and staring the embarrassment of not qualifying for the Japan & South Korea, the England captain saves the day with a 93rd-minute free-kick.

YouTube credit: FAEditor

In 2003, he’s booted out of United…

United go out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 defeat by Arsenal and Beckham bore the brunt of Alex Ferguson’s anger – allegedly taking a flying football boot to the forehead. The pair’s relationship had broken down and Fergie decided to offload his prized asset to Spain that summer.

Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images

And departs for Real Madrid

President Florentino Perez forks out €35m for his latest 'Galactico', adding to the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and Luis Figo.

Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Wire/Press Association Images

where he wins La Liga... eventually

Having announced that he would be joining LA Galaxy in January 2007, Madrid manager Fabio Capello claimed Beckham had played his last game for the club. However, he did a U-turn on the decision and Beckham played an important role in their first league title win since he had arrived.

Credit: ALVARO BARRIENTOS/AP/Press Association Images

Then came a shock move to LA Galaxy and success in the US

Criticised for deciding to leave European football for a substandard league, Beckham helped push the MLS brand and won to MLS Cups during his five years there.

Credit: Lynne Cameron/PA Wire/Press Association Images

There were also couple of brief spells in Milan

While the MLS was in their off-season, he twice joined AC Milan on loan and returned to Old Trafford in 2003 when they met in the Champions League. That game brought us the famous image of Beckham wearing the green and gold scarf, which fans see as a protest to the Glazers.

Credit: Martin Rickett/PA Archive/Press Association Images

One final move to France ends with league triumph

Credit: Laurent Cipriani/AP/Press Association Images

At 37, Beckham arrived in Ligue 1 with nouveau riche club Paris Saint-Germain and, although he only played a bit part, won French title last week.

MLS keeper heads the ball into his own net… with Robbie Keane lurking

Bye bye Becks… England midfielder announces retirement from football

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