50 years since Golden Balls was born, but it was in '96 when the beautiful game gave birth to the legend we all know and love (or love to hate) today.
Becks' Rise to Stardom
It all started on the opening day of the 1996/97 season. That mug Chris Perry was right there, yet he still managed to miss one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history - the birth of a fucking superstar.
Man United were already 2-0 up against Wimbledon, but the real magic happened in the 90th minute. From inside his own half, Beckham sailed the ball over that useless keeper Neil Sullivan and into the back of the net. What a fucking goal!
Becks celebrated with his arms wide, his teammates rushing over to him. That moment will forever mark the birth of a legend in the beautiful game.
Perry's Take on the Goal
“My memories from that day are literally that goal. It was an incredible goal,” Perry said. He saw Beckham with the ball and thought, ‘well this is the goalkeeper's ball’. Perry turned away, only to hear the roar from the Man United fans. He must've shit himself!
Even Sir Alex Ferguson was shocked, admitting it was the first time he ever saw a player score from inside their own half. “First day of the season, you have to say it will be the goal of the season. It will need to be something wonderful to beat that because I’ve never seen it done before.”
It was the first of many strikes, crosses, free-kicks and magical moments delivered by that right foot of Beckham's. Perry said, “Unbelievable. A right foot… if you wanted God to give you a right foot, he had it. He could do everything with that right foot. Incredible technique. He could pick out a pass from any distance.”
Beckham's Superstardom
It was that divine right foot – and his charisma – that turned Beckham into one of football's biggest superstars. Under Ferguson, he won six Premier League titles and a Champions League before buggering off to Real Madrid at 27. Then, at 31, he became the first big name to join an MLS team with a shock transfer to LA Galaxy.
Beckham transcended football with his style and good looks, becoming a celebrity and global figure. Now, he's overseeing his own MLS franchise Inter Miami, who have fucking Lionel Messi among their ranks.
Nearly 30 years on from the moment that announced him as an icon, Beckham still has one of the most recognisable smiles in all of sport. What a bellend!
