JockBio: David Beckham Facts

JockBio Vital Stats
• Los Angeles Galaxy	• Midfielder	• #23
• Height: 6' 0"	• Weight: 163	• Born: 5/2/75

IDavid says that art was his favorite class in elementary school.
David was an excellent distance runner as a kid, including his participation in Essex County cross country races.
When David was 12, he was made Manchester United's team mascot for a game against Ham.
David knew Victoria Adams would be his wife long before he met her. When he saw the video for “Say You'll Be There” in 1997, he told friends he had just seen the "girl of his dreams."
David proposed to Victoria at Chesire's swanky Rookery Hall Hotel. He gave her a three-plus-carat diamond ring worth $65,000. She did him one better with a three-tiered band of 96 diamonds valued at $80,000.
David’s first number with Manchester United was 10. He switched to #7 after Eric Cantona left the team.
In a television poll held after David's foul against Argentina at the World Cup 98, nearly half of respondents said they could not forgive him for his lapse in judgment.
David has twice finished second in voting for the World Footballer of the Year, in 2000 and 2001.
When David traveled with Manchester United on a tour of the Far East in 2001, he required round-the-clock security—including a pair of bodyguards.
"Bend It Like Beckham" opened in London in April of 2002. Directed by Gurinder Chadha, the movie chronicles the story of a young girl who hopes to master the free kick the same way her idol has.
David has his own "attraction" at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in London. The exhibit recreates his dramatic goal against Greece in qualifying for World Cup 2002.
David and his family live in an estate outside of London known as "Beckingham Palace." The Beckhams also have two dogs, Snoopy and Puffy.
David and Victoria had their third boy, Cruz, in 2005. The couple was stunned when Spanish officials suggested they change the baby's name. In Spain, it's illegal to give a boy a girl's name. David and Victoria refused to take any action.
David says he will continue playing for England as long as he is wanted. Galaxy GM Alexi Lalas has stated that the team would not stand in the way of any L.A. player who is asked to represent his country in an important game.
Among David's endorsement deals are Adidas, Pepsi and Police sunglasses. Published reports estimate that he has made more than $20 million from his interests outside of soccer.
David is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
David played an important role in lobbying for the 2012 Olympics, which will be held in London.
David owns a soccer academy in Los Angeles.
With his goal against Ecuador in World Cup 06, David became the first English player to score in three different World Cups.
At the end of World Cup 06, only four English footballers had appeared in more international matches than David.
David starred in a Futbol Meets Football ad campaign with Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints for Adidas in 2007.
More than a quarter-million Beckham Galaxy jerseys were sold before David joined the team in July of 2007.
David and Victoria purchased a home in Beverly Hills for $22 million. Their neighbors include Jay Leno and Tom Cruise.
David's business manager is Simon Fuller of "American Idol" fame.

Eric Cantona, 1993 Barratt's

Alexi Lalas, 1994 Upper Deck

Reggie Bush, 2006 Sports Illustrated