Beckham - Lucie Cave

Three years after his petulent sending-off against Argentina in the World Cup in St Etienne 1998, an incident that many people blamed for England's exit from the tournament, David Beckham stood with the ball at his feet moments from the end of England's last 2002 World Cup qualification match against Greece at Old Trafford. He was 30 yards from goal. The nation held its breath. As the ball arced towards goal it was as if time had been suspended. Then the net bulged, Beckham wheeled away in celebration and the whole nation roared out its approval. The disgrace of St Etienne was banished forever, Captain Marvel had arrived.....

David Beckham is probably one of the most famous people in the world. His recent transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid, his celebrity lifestyle, his flamboyant hairstyles and his status as the 21st century's first major icon keep him and his wife Victoria on the covers of hundreds of magazines and newspapers. He is not just a footballer. He is a family man, a model, a style icon, a celebrity, a philanthropist, a public figure, a hero and many other things besides.