Beckhams:Victoria Is Key to "Brand Beckham"

**Panda** Sat 1 Dec - 13:25

Beckhams: Victoria Is Key To 'Brand Beckham'

David Beckham is hoping for a glorious end to his LA Galaxy career, as he and Victoria plot the family's next move.

10:46am UK, Saturday 01 December 2012

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Video: LA Farewell For Beckham
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David Beckham began his footballing career at Manchester United in 1993.

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He won six Premier League titles during his 10 years at the club, as well as the Champions League in 1999.

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Beckham married former Spice Girl Victoria Adams at a ceremony in Ireland in July 1999. The couple are seen here at the 2003 MTV Movie Awards.

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David Beckham's England career began in September 1996 with a 3-0 win against Moldova.

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A low point of his international career was this sending off against Argentina during the 1998 World Cup. He was shown a red card for lashing out at Diego Simeone.

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But his England career has had many highlights, too. He scored 17 goals for the national side, including a free kick against Ecuador during the 2005 World Cup in Germany, and captained the team 58 times.

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One of his most important strikes came during injury time in England's World Cup qualification match against Greece at Old Trafford, Manchester. England sealed qualification after the game ended 2-2.

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David Beckham switched from Manchester United to Real Madrid in June 2003. The Spanish side paid more than £24m for the midfielder.

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Beckham, then 28, received a hero's welcome when he was unveiled to Real Madrid supporters.

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In 2007, Beckham switched from Real Madrid to Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy. His five-year contract with the US club was reportedly worth more than $32m (£19m).

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His first goal for Galaxy came in the SuperLiga semi-final against DC United in August 2007.

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Beckham was twice loaned out to AC Milan and tore his Achilles tendon in March 2010 during his second spell at the Italian club. The injury kept him out of action for several months.

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He travelled with the England squad to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but his injury kept him on the sidelines throughout the tournament.

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In May 2010, David Beckham travelled to Afghanistan to meet British troops based in Helmand Province.

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Speaking after his visit, he said: "It was really life changing."

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The Beckhams' fourth child, Harper Seven, was born in July 2011.

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The couple also have three boys - (L to R) Cruz, Romeo and Brooklyn.

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Beckham played a starring role in London 2012, bringing the torch down the River Thames in a speedboat to the Olympic Stadium.

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He helped promote the Olympic bid but was unable to work the same magic on England's failed attempt to host the 2018 World Cup.

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Beckham has also held an ambassadorial role with Unicef. In December 2009, he took time out of his schedule to visit a hospice in South Africa.

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This statue on New York's 5th Avenue was part of a publicity stunt for fashion retailer H&M. His underwear range launched in February 2012.

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He has also advertised underwear for Armani, appearing on billboards around the world, including on the front of the Selfridges department store in London.

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Beckham announced he was leaving LA Galaxy in November 2012. He said he was not retiring but "wanted to experience one last challenge" before the end of his playing career.

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Gallery: Life And Times Of David Beckham
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US Correspondent

More from Greg | Follow Greg on Twitter

David Beckham says farewell to his football career in the United States tonight, but "Brand Beckham" is continuing its meteoric American success story.

The former England captain will play his final game for LA Galaxy in their MLS Championship match against the Houston Dynamos at the Galaxy's Home Depot stadium.

He has already said he wants one more football challenge, with offers on the table from Australia, Russia, China as well as the Premier League. He is also expected to announce he will buy a football franchise in the US.

But the booming business interests of Beckham and his wife Victoria continue to be the talk of Hollywood.

From men's underwear to women's high fashion, "Brand Beckham" has defied those who thought the Brit couple would struggle to make it on the A-list.

Entertainment consultant Ruth Hilton told Sky News: "I think David Beckham has definitely reached the point of being a real celebrity here in America. And Brand Beckham has been a great success story in Los Angeles.
Victoria has made a name for herself as a fashon designer
"But you really need to look at Victoria's success. I think everyone thought, when she was initially doing her fashion line, that maybe it was just a hobby, maybe it would be a flash in the pan.

"In this country in particular it has been hugely well-regarded.

"Women, major celebrities here, specifically ask for her gowns on the red carpet. She is within the fashion elite as well so together they have really been very successful here."

The couple are said to enjoy being able to lead reasonably normal lives in a city full to bursting with the most famous entertainment figures in the world.

There has even been speculation that Victoria will ask her husband to front a new men's fashion line she is planning.

Jennifer Chan, senior fashion editor for E! Online, told Sky News: "I don't have any confirmation of that project happening, but I do think that Victoria has garnered a huge fan base here as a fashion designer and obviously David is very popular.
The Beckhams' children have grown up in the US
"So if the two were to join forces in the fashion world I think it would go over tremendously well especially here in the States."

The buzz around Beckham's final appearance for the Galaxy has not even been dampened by dismal weather and torrential rain that have hit LA in the build-up to the game.

Bosses at Major League Soccer have credited the star with increasing interest in the league and are confident his legacy will improve the profile of the game in the country.

But it has not been without its rough moments. Beckham has clashed with fans, fellow players and rival coaches during his multimillion-dollar five-year career with the club.

**Panda** Sat 1 Dec - 13:35

Pity about those Tattoos........they look bl***y awful. Beckhams:Victoria Is Key to "Brand Beckham" 52433

Beckhams:Victoria Is Key to "Brand Beckham"

Beckhams:Victoria Is Key to "Brand Beckham"

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