David Beckham's Career in Photos

After a stint playing for the youth team the Brimsdown Rovers, Beckham signed as a trainee with Manchester United in 1991, where he'd represent their youth team until 1994. He had a strong performance out of the gate, and alongside his team members took Man Utd to an FA Youth Cup win. Beckham scored the second goal of their 3-1 first leg win.

Beckham had already won two impressive championships in his first three years. Man U lost to Leeds United in the finals in 1993, but won the FA Youth Cup again in 1994. Beckham was officially signed as a professional Manchester United player in 1993, and after he finished his youth career, Beckham joined the club Preston North End on loan from Man U to get some first-team experience.

Beckham played four matches for Man Utd in 1995, but began to really draw attention the following year. On the opening day of the Premier League in August of 1996, Beckham scored an epic 57-yard goal from the halfway line against Wimbledon and quickly established himself as a first-choice player in the team's lineup.

Beckham celebrates a goal he just scored against Derby County. Here he's seen alongside legendary player Eric Cantona, known affectionately as "King Eric" by fans of Manchester United. Beckham would go onto inherit Cantona's iconic No. 7 jersey when Cantona retired in 1997.

Taking a break while training with Team England for his debut FIFA World Cup appearance. And honestly, he's rocking the bowl cut.

Beckham is pictured here with Victoria Adams (now Beckham), cementing their power couple status as the soccer player and pop star announce their engagement.

Beckham began his longtime partnership with sportswear brand Adidas in 1998 with his own custom shoes. He has been featured in several great commercials by the brand, and signed a hefty $160 million lifetime contract with them in 2003. He has tons of endorsement deals to his name now, but Adidas was an early investor that helped spread his image and recognition beyond English football fans.

Here's Beckham (middle row, look for the bright blond hair), with his teammates and the full staff of Team England. Unfortunately, Beckham and the England team lost in the second round of the 1998 FIFA World Cup against Argentina in a penalty shoot-out.

Even though they didn't last long in the tournament, Beckham scored a standout goal that raised his profile. In England's first-round match against Colombia, Beckham scored the second goal of their 2-0 win with an impressive bending shot from a free kick.

Beckham is no stranger to trophies even at this young age. As a part of Manchester United, Beckham won two FA Cups, six Premier League titles and one Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Championships League.

You gotta give it to Footballers, they're never afraid to hug it out when the ball hits the net. Beckham remains close friends with his Man Utd teammates from this period and the youth team days, including Phil Neville pictured here.

Beckham was not an oft-disciplined player through much of his career. Besides a few standout red cards, like when he kicked Argentinian Player Diego Simeone's leg in the 1998 FIFA World Cub, Beckham was not known for fouling often at all.

Beckham fractured his ankle and foot in 2002 and had to take 48 days off to recover. He avoided any major injuries for most of the decade, and then suffered a more severe Achilles tendon rupture, which led to an 180 day break, and caused Beckham to have to sit out of England's matches in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Beckham celebrates a goal against Everton with Roy Keane. He ended his time with the legendary team on a high note by winning the FA Premiership trophy in a 2-1 victory.

Stretching with Luis Figo before a Spanish Super Cup match against Real Mallorca. Beckham played for Real Madrid from 2003-2007.

Beckham continued to play for Team England internationally, and began serving in a leadership role as its captain. He amassed a total of 58 appearances as part of the team over his career.