David Beckham turns 50: Revisiting 10 most-memorable moments from his glorious career (PHOTOS)

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David Beckham Celebrates 50th Birthday

Footballing icon David Beckham turned 50 on Friday, marking a milestone birthday for a man whose name transcends sport. From audacious goals and emotional redemptions to international heartbreak and ultimate triumphs, Beckham's two-decade-long playing career was nothing short of extraordinary.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, the PA news agency takes a nostalgic look back at 10 of the most iconic moments from the career of the former England captain, who not only defined a generation on the pitch but became a cultural phenomenon off it.

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1. Long-Range Wonder Goal (1996)

The moment that catapulted Beckham into the footballing spotlight came on the opening day of the 1996-97 Premier League season. Having already played a role in Manchester United’s 1995-96 domestic double, the then 21-year-old announced himself on a global stage by lobbing Wimbledon’s Neil Sullivan from the halfway line at Selhurst Park. The audacity and execution of the goal became instantly legendary and cemented Beckham’s reputation as a special talent.

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2. The Argentina Red Card (1998)

Arguably the lowest moment of his career, Beckham faced public vilification following England’s elimination from the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In the Round of 16 clash against Argentina, he was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone in a moment of petulance. England would go on to lose in a penalty shootout, and Beckham bore the brunt of the nation’s frustration, with effigies burned and headlines condemning him. It was a brutal episode that shaped his resolve and resilience.

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3. Treble Triumph with Manchester United (1999)

Beckham played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s historic 1998-99 season, when the club captured an unprecedented treble: the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. His most significant contribution came in the Champions League final in Barcelona, where his pinpoint corner kicks in stoppage time led to both goals in United’s dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Bayern Munich. It was a crowning moment for both club and player.

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4. Appointed England Captain (2000)

Few recall that caretaker manager Peter Taylor made the decisive call to hand Beckham the England captaincy for a friendly against Italy in 2000. It was a turning point in Beckham’s international career, as he went on to captain the Three Lions 59 times, becoming a unifying figure and a national leader during a turbulent period for English football.

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5. Last-Gasp Free-Kick vs Greece (2001)

In what is widely considered his greatest moment in an England shirt, Beckham delivered when it mattered most. With England trailing 2-1 to Greece in their final World Cup qualifier and facing a play-off, the then-captain curled in a sensational free-kick in stoppage time at Old Trafford to secure a place in the 2002 World Cup. The goal not only ensured qualification but also helped redeem Beckham in the eyes of a previously unforgiving public.

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6. Penalty Redemption Against Argentina (2002)

Four years after his infamous red card, Beckham was handed a shot at personal redemption. In the 2002 World Cup group stage, he scored the only goal — a composed penalty — against Argentina. The outpouring of emotion in his celebration captured the gravity of the moment and marked the exorcising of one of the most painful memories in his career.

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7. Boot Incident with Sir Alex Ferguson (2003)

One of the most talked-about off-field incidents in Premier League history came when a furious Sir Alex Ferguson accidentally struck Beckham with a kicked football boot in the Manchester United dressing room following an FA Cup loss to Arsenal. The cut above Beckham’s eye made headlines and was seen as a sign of fraying relations. He would leave for Real Madrid later that summer, closing a trophy-laden chapter at Old Trafford.

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8. LaLiga Glory with Real Madrid (2007)

Though part of Madrid’s famed "Galactico" era alongside Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos, Beckham had to wait until his final season in Spain to lift the LaLiga trophy. Having initially been dropped by manager Fabio Capello, Beckham earned his way back into the squad and played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s late-season surge to clinch the title — a fitting farewell after a tumultuous yet glittering spell in Spain.

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9. 100th Cap for England (2008)

Beckham became just the fifth player in history to earn 100 caps for England, reaching the landmark in a friendly against France in Paris. It was a testament to his enduring commitment to the national side, and he would go on to finish his international career with 115 appearances — the most by an outfield player at the time.

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10. Emotional Farewell in Paris (2013)

After a storied career that spanned Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, Beckham played his final professional match for PSG against Brest in May 2013. The sight of him leaving the pitch in tears, embraced by teammates and applauded by fans, was a poignant end to a remarkable career — 724 games, countless trophies, and an indelible impact on world football.

While Beckham’s playing days are long behind him, his influence endures — as co-owner of Inter Miami CF, global ambassador, philanthropist, and style icon. Turning 50 may be a milestone, but for David Beckham, the legacy continues to grow, rooted in a career that gave fans unforgettable memories and moments that transcended sport.