David Beckham was a right-sided midfielder of unmatched crossing and dead-ball ability, and one of the most recognisable footballers of his generation. A product of the Manchester United academy, he was central to the club’s treble-winning side of 1999, before high-profile spells at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
His delivery from wide areas and free-kicks was exceptional, bending the ball with a precision few have matched. A long-serving England captain who appeared at multiple World Cups, he combined genuine footballing quality with a global fame that transcended the sport.