1998: Engaged To Posh Spice(01 of08)
Open Image ModalBeckham sealed his celebrity brand with his courtship, then marriage to pop star Posh Spice Victoria Adams. 'Posh n Becks' were the butt of many a joke, with their bling, matching outfits and ostentatious poses of affection, but have impressed even their harshest critics with their work ethic and dedication to family life over nearly two decades.
1998: Social pariah after a World Cup red card(02 of08)
Open Image ModalBeckham's England dream turned to nightmare in 1998 when he was red-carded after lashing out at Argentinian player Diego Simeone. Although the Argentine later admitted trying to incite this reaction, it didn't stop Beckham getting the blame for England's loss. He became the target of abuse everywhere, including the hanging of an effigy in a London pub and the Daily Mirror making a dartboard of his face. He also received death threats.
2001: National hero(03 of08)
Open Image ModalEngland needed to win or draw the match to qualify for the World Cup Finals, but were losing 2–1 with little time remaining. When Teddy Sheringham was fouled eight yards outside the Greek penalty area, England were awarded a free-kick and Beckham rescued his team with one of his trademark killer strikes. Beckham was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2001, and 1998 was forever put to bed.
2003: Rowing with Sir Alex Ferguson(04 of08)
Open Image ModalWhen Beckham's relationship with his Man United manager Alex Ferguson deteriorated to the point where Fergie kicked a boot, Beckham made no attempt to downplay the incident, showing off his resulting wound to the curious public. His departure from the legendary club was sealed - he was signed to Real Madrid by the following season.
2007: Coming to America(05 of08)
Open Image ModalWhen David and Victoria decided to take their brand (and family) stateside following Becks' signing with LA Galaxy, they were greeted with open arms by the waiting A-list. Their global celebrity was sealed by the likes of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Will and Jada Pinkett Smith. And Victoria was equally ready with LA-friendly tan, a colour we've not seen on her since.
2008: Building the brand(06 of08)
Open Image ModalDavid Beckham has been no stranger to the fashion shot, starring in many a campaign for the likes of Emporio Armani to H&M, but this was one of the first, and included his wife. Beyond his footballing career, his endorsement of products from knick-knocks to whisky, football boots to cologne, is estimated to have made him a tidy $350million.
2011: And Harper makes four...(07 of08)
Open Image ModalBecause Beckham retired only a couple of years after Harper was born in 2011, his fans have seen more pictures of him with his only daughter than with his previous children. Her arrival sealed his status as one of the most famous faces in the world - belonging to a dedicated family man.
2015: Next, the world(08 of08)
Open Image ModalAlthough Becks has long been a supporter of UNICEF, more recently he pledged his support for the 'Unite For Children, Unite Against Aids' campaign, which he's followed with trips across the world, including Manila (pic). He said recently, My career has led me to exactly this point. The hard work that I’ve done on the [football] field has led me into a situation where I can help Unicef, and help children around the world, because it opens doors.”