By Manoj Damodar Ashok Ranjit

Contents Introduction Autobiography Style

Introduction David Robert Joseph Beckham (born 2 May 1975), an iconic figure in the modern sporting era, is an English professional footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid. Beckham has been recognized by Time magazine as one of 2004's Time 100(Heroes and Icons) as well as an elite global advertising brand. Twice the runner up in the FIFA World Player Of The Year Award in 1999 and 2001 in addition to being the only Englishman to score in three different World Cups. He was captain of the English national team from 15 November 2000 to 2 July 2006.

Introduction Beckham's career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first first- team appearance in 1992, at the age of 17. Played a key role in their dominance of the FA Premier League in the 1990s and early 2000s, being pivotal in accomplishing The Treble of the League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in He left the club to become only the third Englishman to sign for Real Madrid in On 11 January 2007, Beckham agreed to a move to the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Los Angeles Galaxy on a five year contract beginning on 1 July 2007, becoming the highest paid footballer in the world.

Autobiography The book starts with Beckham describing his move to his present club, Real Madrid and his feelings in a new country, Spain. He then drifts to his own childhood when talking about his son, Brooklyn. Soccer was his passion right from his childhood owing to his dad’s inspiration. He always dreamed of playing professional football and wondered “What would it be like, to be out there actually playing a game? ”

Autobiography Started playing for Ridgeway Rovers in a Sunday league at the tender age of seven. “We learned about commitment and dedication right from the start. It was all about the team.” Signed a youth contract with Manchester United, his dream club for 4 years at the age of 13 in spite of having more lucrative offers from other clubs.

Autobiography He reveals the temptation of signing for clubs closer to home and offering more money than United. In his own words: “ By the time I’m eighteen, I could be driving a Porsche”. “In my head, though, I was shouting out: United! It’s got to be United!”

Autobiography When offered the chance to sign for United he speaks of his great joy “ I’d been ready waiting for that moment for the best part of ten years.” “I don’t remember us driving back to London at all. At least Dad didn’t forget we were on a busy highway. I couldn’t have thought about anything else that evening, and I didn’t want to. I’d just lived through the happiest day of my life.”

Autobiography Living away from home he made new friends in the youth team and began a more glamorous life. “ We were all miles from home, in the same boat, and that made it easier for us all to get on, even if, in the back of our minds, we knew we were in competition with each other as well. Apart from loving soccer and having the ambition to play for United, there were things in our backgrounds that brought us together as well.” Met Eric Harisson, the youth team coach, who he admits as being one of the three people who influenced his career most. Was made the captain for the youth team which won the Milk cup. Was part of the squad which won the FA Youth Cup.

Autobiography In 1995,he was called into the first team squad of Manchester United and never looked back from there. “The season 1995/96 was the making of me. It was the making of all of us, thanks to a boss who believed in us even before we believed in ourselves.” With him in the team United began dominating the domestic league and his fame began to rise. His impressive performances earned him a call to the national team.

Vilification Represented England in 1998 FIFA World Cup at France. In the Second Round (last 16) of that competition, he received a red card for violent conduct in England's match against Argentina and England were eliminated in a penalty shootout. Many supporters and journalists blamed him for England's elimination and he became the target of criticism and abuse, including the hanging of an effigy outside a London pub, and the Daily Mirror printing a dartboard with a picture of him centered on the bulls eye.

Back to the hero days saw the transformation from a villain to a hero. Helped Manchester United win the treble cups, an unprecedented achievement. Married Posh Spice “Victoria Adams” and they were the most talked about couple in England. Was voted the BBC Sports Personality of the Year for Was Responsible for England’s Qualification to the world Cup 2002.

Back to the hero days His transformation from villain to hero was complete when he scored the winning goal of the match against Argentina causing Argentina to get disqualified from the playoffs His fame led to deterioration of his relationship with his manager, who deemed him as neglecting his profession of playing football. Great deal of transfer speculation involving Beckham. Eventually he signed for Real Madrid in a deal worth €35 million.€

Style Very simple, funny at times. “The schedule had my first stop as the hospital where I was due to have my medical. If we did crash, at least I was headed towards the right place. It wasn’t until much later in the day that I realized it wasn’t just the police and the press: everybody in Madrid drives like they’re chasing pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.” No flash words & no attempt to sound artistically good or grab attention with great quotes. Just about a boy with great ambitions who went on to achieve everything he dreamed of.

Style He explains the highs and lows of his life, on and off the pitch. Provides a fair assessment of all the major characters in Beckham's life, especially his manager and mentor for many years, Sir Alex Ferguson. Provides a refreshingly honest and eye-opening account of life in the dressing room and beyond. The book offers much more than just a catalogue of golden goals and match performances.

Review Beckham was an emotional person and was very much attached to his family, who were instrumental to his career all the way. He was determined to make it to Man Utd. right from his childhood and had to reject many lucrative offers. He believed in hard work even after obtaining a 4 yr contract at Man Utd., & realized at the young age that gaining the position he always dreamt is going to be a struggle.