09:20PM
BECKHAM

David Beckham is a multi-millionaire football phenomenon, fashion icon and global celebrity. His life reads like a Hollywood movie script where he has been both hero and villain.

His incredible story has had many twists and turns, which includes soccer bust ups, and a jet-set lifestyle as one of the most famous celebrity couples.

Beckham is the most recognised footballer in the world. He's played with two of the biggest teams in the world and is married to a 'Posh' Spice Girl. Now he is moving to Los Angeles in a bid to boost the image of soccer in America. But how did an East End boy go from the grim suburbs of London to the glamour of LA, via Manchester and Madrid?

This documentary charts Beckham's life, from growing up in London to playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid and captaining England.

The documentary uses rare footage of Beckham's childhood, playing for local youth team Ridgeway Rovers and family testimony to reveal Beckham's love of Manchester United and his fears he may never play for them. Friends, teachers and youth team coaches give an invaluable insight into the young Beckham, and his obsession with football.

Beckham's career at Manchester United and Real Madrid is assessed by journalists who have been following him on every step of his epic journey, as well as footballer luminaries such as Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson, Gordon Strachan, Eric Cantona, John Barnes and Rodney Marsh to name just a few.

Beckham stands on the brink of greatness, heading off to LA to break America; sports journalists, gossip columnists and marketers all give their thoughts on Beckham's quest with LA Galaxy, and his chances of succeeding.

Repeated on Wed, Dec 5th at 8.30pm on ABC2

PRODUCTION DETAILS: Filmed, produced and directed by Carl Callam. A ZigZag production distributed by Channel 4 International