Why David Beckham is Actually the Best
Artwork: Joey Snippes
Inspired by the release of the documentary film series Beckham on Netflix, here are a few reasons why David Beckham, or ‘Becks’ as I (and the tabloids) like to call him, is actually the best. Now, you may be wondering, the best what? Some might say the best soccer player, the best businessman, the best father, or the best husband. After dedicating four of my lunch breaks to watching and seriously analyzing each one-hour episode, I’d say he clears the board.
Film Synopsis
Directed by Fisher Stevens, the documentary series touches on David’s early life as a budding soccer star, the height of his career as he began building his brand, the fall of his public opinion, and how he came back to continue his legacy. This documentary has captured many individuals spanning generations of Beckham’s life and career, including numerous features of his wife, Victoria, and their children.
According to rottentomatoes.com, the series received a 91% on the Tomatometer, and a 97% audience score. Top critics from publications including The New Yorker and Times UK have come to a general consensus. Many suggest that this is a refreshing watch and fascinating story that can capture anyone.
But, like any other celebrity documentary, there’s gonna be the lovers (me) and the haters like Nicholas Quah of Vulture, who claims that it’s “too neat to feel honest... Stevens may find flashes of real emotion staring into Beckham’s face, but that’s as far as he’s allowed to go.” I respect how Mr. Quah articulates his understanding of the vulnerability that Becks shows throughout the show. However, I would urge him to consider that this may be the first time that a younger audience — who would much rather watch a docuseries than read old memoirs —is getting to hear some of the most intimate stories in David and Victoria’s lives.
With that being said, let’s get into a few of the reasons why David Beckham is actually the best.
The best soccer player?
20-year career, 700+ matches, 19 major trophies, 129 goals. Becks is known for playing on the best teams in the world, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and AC Milan. He is most famously known for his six years as England’s team captain. He earned his way into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021.
Along with his career, David has devoted some time to philanthropy. He has a partnership with UNICEF to support the Unite Against AIDS Campaign. He also joined Malaria No More as a founding member of their UK leadership council to boost the global initiative to end malaria. These, along with many other charitable organizations, programs, and movements have been recognized throughout David’s career.
The best businessman?
As he continued into the latter years of his soccer career, Beckham realized he needed to set himself up for success after retiring from the pitch (or “the field” for us non-UK soccer fans). He had already become popular in non-athletic circles for being a good-looking, fashion icon even before his fashion evolution with Victoria.
In the docuseries, he mentions his decision to venture into fashion as he began to take control of his career. His business decisions were seen to pay off as Beckham’s brand tripled the revenue of Real Madrid, which demonstrated the power of branding to those who had reservations about his ventures. It also helps to be in a power couple with a member of one of the most famous girl groups, who is now a respected fashion icon and designer. With the release of Beckham on Netflix, a new generation of viewers have been introduced to the Beckhams, their careers, and their stories.
The best husband?
Victoria Adams and David Beckham were rumored to begin seeing each other around 1997. Victoria was Posh Spice in the world-renowned girl group, The Spice Girls. This group was at the height of fame in ‘97 after the release of their album Spiceworld. At the time, David was going on to play his fifth season with Manchester United. As I mentioned before, the tabloids called David “Becks,” which paired perfectly with Victoria’s “Posh.” Rebecca Mead, from The New Yorker, suggested that “Posh and Becks [were] nice short words, great big headlines.”
From being challenged by distance, business, an affair scandal, and the constant buzz of the press, the couple takes time on camera to discuss how they relied on each other and the strength of their relationship in the hardest of times. As they describe their relationship journey, the series features content from the press and their own personal footage.
Along with their four children, Posh and Becks have dedicated some of their efforts to creating the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust, which offers grants to individuals and organizations in need of wheelchairs and other aid resources.
Tell Me Something I Don’t Know!
In their 24 years of marriage, Victoria has acquired 15 engagement rings (that we know of)! Some of these rings feature different stones, such as diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires! As both David's and Victoria’s looks have changed over the years, it only makes sense to me that her rings reflect their style and relationship evolution.
The best father?
The recounting of these crazy life moments happens in the Beckham family household. David and Victoria are interviewed sitting comfortably in different rooms throughout the house. Incorporated for the sake of transition, and almost a break from the recalling of old memories, are candid moments with the Beckham couple. Towards the end of the series, you see the whole family interacting in their home.
When you discount that their house is worth £40 million, their life at home seems pretty normal. “You become less important and it’s all about your children”, Beckham shares with Luke Benedictus of The Father Hood. He shares that he continues to learn from his own parents; therefore, he values the example he is setting for his own kids, as that is what they will remember. Beckham ends the docuseries Beckham with a shared moment that went viral on TikTok. It shows Victoria and David dancing to “Islands in the Stream” by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers (my parents' favorite song) and spending time with their children. James Dellingpole, of The Spectator, summarizes it best: “It makes a jolly enjoyable fairy story with a heartwarming ending and a moral which says that if you put family first you’ll live happily ever after.”