David Beckham

Why is He famous
David Beckham is famous because he can build a walnut treasure chest from scratch faster than anyone else on the planet. OK, we're kidding. The truth is, if we have to tell you why David Beckham is famous, we probably have to feed you your food through a straw too. For well over a decade, Becks -- as he's known to his rabid global fan base -- has cultivated an image that transcends football. As one of the most decorated and recognizable athletes of his generation, Beckham's on-field accomplishments have learned to take a back seat to the off-field spectacle that has become his life. Since marrying Victoria "Posh" Adams, Beckham has emerged as an international icon, whose life is a dizzying mosaic of fame, fortune and excess. As one of the most bankable brand names in sports, Beckham could never wear a pair of cleats again and still watch the scratch roll in. But the man loves football, and after a career resurgence had him on pace to play in his fourth World Cup, Beckham suffered a torn Achilles tendon that will relegate him to the sidelines in South Africa, as England's assistant coach. Now open wide, these pureed bananas are getting chalky.

David Beckham - top goals

95 Magnetism
If there's one thing David Beckham has perfected more than being a model footballer, it's being a, well, model. His impossibly symmetrical, square-jawed visage has appeared on countless billboards over the years, perched atop his oiled-up impeccable pecs and those Situation-esque abs. The Armani-clad icon and self-professed metrosexual has sported more buzzed about hairdos (cornrows, anyone?) than Lady Gaga, and is one of the most imitated style icons since James Dean.

Though his roots belong to a sport fueled by the working class, Beckham has immersed himself in a life teeming with luxury. As one half of "Posh and Becks," Beckham's blood may not be blue, but he sure is royalty. Not even a series of alleged infidelities -- his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos claims to have slept with him -- have derailed the heartthrob's worldwide appeal. With three sons to look after, a rejuvenated football career, a series of product lines, and a whole whack of endorsement deals, it's a wonder Beckham still finds time to get his nails did.

87 Success
The only way David Beckham could possibly be more successful is if he found a cure for cancer and developed a method of space travel using an empty bottle of wine and some orange peel. Throughout his soccer career he's achieved more than most players could ever dream of, winning a whopping six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, a Champions League crown with Manchester United, and a La Liga title with Real Madrid. Though he's never led England to major international glory, he's their all-time leading captain with 59 caps, and is the only English player to score in three separate World Cups. That was certainly enough for the Queen, who made Beckham an Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 2003. The two-time runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year is also a member of the English Football Hall of Fame, and was named to Time magazine's list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2008.

Aside from Beckham's many accomplishments on the pitch, his biggest success has been the shrewd marketing skills he's used to develop himself into a massive global brand on par with the likes of Pepsi and Nike. With major endorsement deals falling out of his pocket on his morning jogs, David Beckham has used the many gifts that God gave him to become one if the richest, most identifiable and sought-after men on the planet.

David Beckham Biography
Though David Beckham was born in London, England, he grew up supporting Manchester United, influenced heavily by his parents' undying love for the Red Devils. From an early age, Beckham had designs for the pitch, and began playing football as early as 5 years old. After attending one of English legend Bobby Charlton's football schools, Beckham earned the right to participate in a training session with FC Bacerlona before playing for local youth team the Ridgeway Rovers. At this time, Beckham was showing poise way beyond his years, landing him a spot in Tottenham Hotspur's school of excellence followed by a two-year stint on the Brimsdown Rovers' youth club.

During his time there, Beckham excelled, and in 1990 was named the Under-15 Player of the Year. By now, Beckham had grabbed the attention of England's biggest clubs, but there was never any doubt as to where he would end up. On his 14th birthday, David Beckham signed schoolboy forms with Manchester United, and was implemented in their Youth Training Scheme shortly thereafter.