Biography of David Beckham

 (born May 2, 1975) is an English footballer who 

has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, in the US soccer league and Paris St Germain. Outside of football, he also created his own brand of clothing and is one of the most iconic sportsmen.

Beckham is the 2nd most capped England player of all time (115). He is also the only Englishman to score in three different World Cups. Beckham has twice been voted the runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year.  He was captain of the English national team from 15 November 2000 to 2 July 2006.

Beckham’s career began when he signed a professional contract with Manchester United, making his first first-team appearance in 1992, at the age of 17. While with Manchester United he played a key role in their dominance of the FA Premier League, being pivotal in accomplishing The Treble of the League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League in 1999. During this time, he was managed by Alex Ferguson. Allegedly Ferguson once threw a shoe at Beckham in the changing room. Though, despite their differences, they have mutual respect.

“Alex Ferguson is the best manager I’ve ever had at this level. Well, he’s the only manager I’ve actually had at this level. But he’s the best manager I’ve ever had.”

– David Beckham.

In 1999, he married Victoria (one of the Spice Girls). The marriage attracted great media attention. His football manager, Alex Ferguson later criticised this by saying:

“He was never a problem until he got married. He used to go into work with the academy coaches at night time, he was a fantastic young lad. Getting married into that entertainment scene was a difficult thing – from that moment, his life was never going to be the same. He is such a big celebrity, football is only a small part.”

The couple have four children.

However, Ferguson also later paid tribute to how hard David Beckham worked – in particular at gaining accuracy in free kicks.

“David Beckham is Britain’s finest striker of a football not because of God-given talent but because he practises with a relentless application that the vast majority of less gifted players wouldn’t contemplate.” (May 17, 2013, Guardian)

He left Man Utd to become only the third Englishman to sign for Real Madrid in 2003, after Laurie Cunningham and Steve McManaman.

In 2006, after England’s exit at the World Cup in Germany, he stood down as captain and was then succeeded by Chelsea captain John Terry. Beckham was dropped from the England national team selected by coach Steve McClaren on 11 August 2006.

World Cup

In his first world cup, David Beckham was sent off in the quarter-final against Argentina for a petulant kick – a game England went on to lose. This made him a public enemy number one. However, he redeemed himself during the next few seasons. In particular, his spectacular last-minute free kick against Greece to enable England to qualify for the 2002 World Cup finals.

“People react to criticism in different ways, and my way is definitely to come out fighting.”

– David Beckham

David Beckham and Los Angeles Galaxy 2007-08

At the end of the 2006 -07 Spanish season, David was unable to negotiate a new contract with Real Madrid. Therefore, he was free to negotiate a new contract. The best offer came from American football team LA Galaxy. The money was very good and his wife Victoria was keen on the idea of moving to America.

After negotiating the contract there was a sudden improvement in the form of David Beckham. He even earned a recall to the England team under Steve McClaren. There were also last-minute attempts by Real Madrid to secure the services of Beckham. However, the contract was done and Beckham moved to America.

David Beckham and A.C. Milan

In the US, Beckham felt he was missing out on European football, and that this had cost him a better chance of being picked for England. In 2010, he managed to secure a temporary loan to A.C. Milan. This has become a source of friction with his L.A. Galaxy employers as he seems to place playing in Europe above America.

David Beckham and World Cup bid

David Beckham, as one of England’s highest-profile players, was used in the successful 2012, London Olympic bid, and the unsuccessful 2018, England World Cup bid.

2012 Olympics

To the disappointment of many, David Beckham was left out of the Great Britain squad playing in the London Olympics. It was felt after Beckham’s efforts to bring the Olympics to London, he deserved a fitting international swansong. However, the manager, Stuart Pearce didn’t pick him. Beckham played a role in the opening ceremony and was visible during the games.

2013 Signing for Paris St Germain

In January 2013, David Beckham signed a five-month contract to play for French La Ligue 1 side – Paris St Germain. The 37 year old said he would donate his £1 million salary to a local children’s charity. Despite speculation about when Beckham may retire, he says he’s motivated by his desire to continue playing football for as long as he can. As Beckham says:

“People have been speculating about that for a number of years, but I continue to play and sign contracts. I will see how I feel but I want to play as long as possible. My passion is football. It always has been. When I play football it is not about the biggest contract.” (BBC)

Recently, Beckham has been based in the US where he plans to start a new MLS franchise in Miami, with Beckham as the principal owner. Beckham has also launched his own line of fragrance for men and has 40 tattoos. He has appeared on the front of many magazine covers and is an influential fashion figure.

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan. “Biography of David Beckham”, Oxford, www.biographyonline.net, 9th Aug 2014. Last updated 2 February 2018.

Senior Career David Beckham

Team – Appearances (Goals)

• Manchester United – 265 – (62)
• Preston North End (loan) – 5 – (2)
• Real Madrid -116 – (13)
• Los Angeles Galaxy – 98 – (18)
• Milan (loan) – 29 – (2)
• Paris Saint-Germain – 10 – (0)

Total 523 appearances  (97 goals)

England 115 appearances – (17 goals

Career highlights with Manchester United

• UEFA Champions League (1): 1998–99
• Premier League Titles (6): 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03
• FA Cup (2): 1995–96, 1998–99

Career highlights with Real Madrid

• La Liga (1): 2006–07

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Lionel Messi Biography

Lionel Messi 

Newest child song

Lionel Messi is an Argentinian footballer widely regarded as one of the greatest players of the modern generation. He plays for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. He has won FIFA world player of the year four times (a record already). He has often been described as Diego Maradona’s successor because of his prolific goal scoring record and ability to dribble past opponents.

“I have seen the player who will inherit my place in Argentine football and his name is Messi. Messi is a genius, and he can become an even better player.”

His potential is limitless, and I think he’s got everything it takes to become Argentina’s greatest player.

Short Biography Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi was born, 24 June 1987, in Rosario, Argentina to a working-class family. His father was a factory steel worker, and his mother a cleaner.

He began playing from an early age, and his talent was soon apparent. However, at the age of 11, Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). This was a condition that stunted growth and required expensive medical treatment, including the use of the drug Human growth hormone.

His local club, River Plate were interested in signing Messi but didn’t want to pay for his medical treatment. However, Messi was given a trial with Barcelona, and coach Carles Rexach was impressed – offering Messi a contract (written on a paper napkin!) which included paying for Messi’s treatment in Spain. Messi moved to Barcelona with his father and became part of the prestigious FC Barcelona youth academy.

“I made a lot of sacrifices by leaving Argentina, leaving my family to start a new life. But everything I did, I did for football, to achieve my dream. That’s why I didn’t go out partying, or do a lot of other things.”

– Lionel Messi

Messi progressed through the ranks and was given his first appearance in the 2004/05 season becoming the youngest player to score a league goal. In 2006, Messi was part of the double winning team which won both La Liga (Spanish League) and Champions League. By next season, (2006-07) aged just 20, Messi was the first choice striker and an essential part of the Barcelona team – scoring 14 goals in 26 league games.

In the 2009-10 season, Messi scored 47 goals in all competitions, equalling Ronaldo’s record total for Barcelona. As the seasons have progressed, Messi kept improving and breaking his own records. In the calendar year of 2012, he broke the all-time world record for most goals scored in a calendar year. His final total of goals in 2012 was 91 – beating the previous record of 85 by German Gerd Muller, and Pele’s milestone of 75 in 1958.

“My record stood for 40 years – 85 goals in a year – and now the best player in the world has broken it, and I’m delighted for him. He is an incredible player, gigantic.”

– Gerd Muller

At the start of 2013, in club football, Messi has scored 292 goals from a total of 359 appearances, and in international football, 31 goals from 76 appearances.

At the end of 2012, Messi turned down a very lucrative offer to play for an unnamed Russian side. It would have given Messi a salary of €20 million a year and made Messi the most expensive player in the world (Barcelona would have been paid €250 million). He turned down the offer because he was unsure if he would be playing in major European championships and the difficulties in moving to Russia. Instead, he signed a contract with Barcelona until the end of 2018. When asked about moving to the English Premier League, Messi revealed his sense of commitment to Barcelona.

“Barcelona is my life. They have brought me to where I am today. I could not leave, I don’t want to leave. I know the Premier League is very good. But I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always.”

– Lionel Messi

International Career

Because Messi was brought up in Spain, since he was 11 years old, he has Spanish nationality. In 2004, he was offered the chance to play for Spain’s Under 20 side, but Messi decided to play for Argentina, the country of his birth. He led Argentina to victory in the 2005 FIFA Youth Championship. Messi made his full international debut in August 2005, during a friendly against Hungary. In his first game, Messi was sent off for allegedly elbowing a player. The decision was contentious and not in keeping with Messi’s style of play which is generally clean and in the spirit of fair play; he has very rarely been accused of diving.

In 2006, he participated in the World Cup, becoming Argentina’s youngest player to play in the world cup. Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals. In 2008, he won an Olympic gold medal for Argentina in football at the Beijing Olympics. Initially, Barcelona had not allowed him permission to play, but new coach Pep Guardiola allowed him time off.

In the 2010 World Cup, Messi wore the number 10 shirt and played well to help Argentina reach the quarter-finals, but Messi struggled to score, and Argentina disappointingly lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-final. Messi has admitted he is desperate to play in a world cup final. Success for Messi in the World Cup would be the last test of greatness. Pele, by contrast, was part of Brazil’s three times winning World Cup side ’58, ’62 and ’70.

Messi is widely regarded as one of the most exciting players of the modern age – in fact, any age. He has a peerless ability to dribble and take on opponents. Maradona has described his ball control as supremely good. “The ball stays glued to his foot; I’ve seen great players in my career, but I’ve never seen anyone with Messi’s ball control.” Messi has said he wishes to retain the joy of how a child plays football

“I have changed nothing, my style of play is still that of a child. I know that above all it is my job and that I should approach it in another way, but one must not lose sight of the fact that football is a game. It is imperative one plays to amuse oneself, to be happy. That is what children do and I do the same thing.” (total Barca)

– Lionel Messi

After winning the Ballon d’Or for the fourth time in January 2013, Messi said:

“To tell you the truth this is really quite unbelievable. The fourth award that I have had is just too great for words. ” (BBC)

Messi and Ronaldo

Messi has often been compared to prolific Real Madrid goalscorer Christiano Ronaldo, but both have been keen to downplay the rivalry.

“Messi has his personality and I have mine. He has his game and I have mine. I also play in a big club like him. We are different in every aspect. But right now, he is the best.”

—Christiano Ronaldo, in September 2011

Messi’s goalscoring record

By any standards, Messi’s goal scoring record is exceptional. By February 2013, he has scored 301 goals in 365 official matches for Barcelona FC.

• In 2012/13, Messi set an all-time world record of scoring in 21 consecutive games (33 goals from 21 games)
• He holds the Guinness World Record for most goals in a calendar year – 86 goals during 2012.
• He is the only player to score in four consecutive Champions League campaigns.
• As of February 2014, Messi has scored 343 club goals out of 434 appearances (including Barcelona B team)
• His international record for Argentina is 37 goals from 83 appearances.

Messi major honours

Barcelona

• Spanish La Liga title(*8) : 2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16
• Spanish Cup (*2)– Copa del Rey: 2008–09, 2011–12; Runner-up 2010–11
• Supercopa de España (*6): 2005, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013; Runner-up 2012
• UEFA Champions League (*4) : 2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014-15
• UEFA Super Cup (*2): 2009, 2011; Runner-up 2006
• FIFA Club World Cup (2): 2009, 2011

Argentina

• Olympic Gold Medal: 2008
• FIFA U-20 World Cup: 2005
• 2006 World Cup – QF
• 2010 World Cup – QF
• 2014 World Cup – Runners-up.

Wealth and income

Messi has frequently been the target of other football clubs with big transfer budgets, but he has remained loyal to Barcelona FC. He is one of the highest paid footballers in the world. His base salary is estimated at €16 million net a year, until 2018. His net wealth is estimated at €110m.

Private life

By the standards of modern football, Messi has a relatively private and modest lifestyle. He makes efforts to keep links to his hometown of Rosario. He has an Argentinian girlfriend Antonella Roccuzzo, and they have one child Thiago, born in November 2012.

Messi acts as an ambassador for Unicef, and also runs his own charitable foundation – supporting access to education and sport for children. Because of his own expensive medical treatment, he has also helped Argentinian hospitals with paying for similar treatment to his own.

World Cup 2014

Many commentators have stated that Lionel Messi has performed at his best in all competitions, except the World Cup. In both the 2006 and 2010 World Cup, Argentina were knocked out in the quarter-finals, with Messi not at his best.

The 2014 World Cup in Brazil is an opportunity for Messi to make an impact on the highest stage of them all. In the opening game against, Bosnia – Herzegovina, Messi scored a great goal to give Argentina a winning start. He scored four goals to help Argentina reach the World Cup Final. In the final, Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany. Messi was awarded ‘Golden Ball’ player of the tournament, though the decision was not universally supported. After the tournament, Messi replied:

“I do not care about the Golden Ball. I am just upset by the wasted chances. We had the best chances. We knew we could not dominate the game but we knew what we wanted to do. Right now I do not care about my prize. I just wanted to lift the cup and bring it to Argentina. The pain is very great.”

In June 2016, a very disappointed Messi announced his retirement from international football, after missing a penalty as Argentina got knocked out of the Copa America final. However, Messi later reversed his decision, saying he loved playing for Argentina too much, and “I see there are many problems in Argentinian football and I don’t intend to create another one.”

Stats.

• Full name Lionel Andrés Messi
• Date of birth 24 June 1987 (1987-06-24)
• Place of birth Rosario, Argentina
• Height 1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
• Playing Position: Forward

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Biography Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo

Newest child song

children songs (see my garden)

children songs (my cat).

children songs (ride the wagon...)

children songs (a mother's...love)

children songs (top of the mou )

children songs (little Star).

Cristiano Ronaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer who has played for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Portugal. Along with Lionel Messi, he is regularly considered to be one of the top two players in the world. He became the world’s most expensive player when Real Madrid signed him for 94 million Euros in 2009 from Manchester United. His sustained performance has enabled him to break numerous records for goal scoring and has been named FIFA player of the year (Ballon d’Or) five times. He has become an iconic figure in the sport.

“Fans jeer me because I’m good-looking, rich and a great player.” 

Short Biography Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro was born in Portugal 5 February 1985.

His second name ‘Ronaldo’ was named after his father’s favourite American actor – Ronald Reagan.

From an early age, he loved playing football. His talent, enthusiasm and love for the game soon became apparent. By the age of ten, his talent was becoming well known in Portugal and he was signed for Nacional, a Portuguese side from Madeira. He later signed for Sporting Lisbon – one of the biggest clubs in Portugal.

His first international exposure came when representing Portugal under 17s at the UEFA championships. His performance caused him to be marked by leading European football managers. In 2003, he played against Manchester United when Sporting beat them 3-1 in a friendly.

After the departure of David Beckham, Sir Alex Ferguson decided to buy the youngster for a fee of £12.24 million. He started playing for Manchester in the 2003/04 season. Despite initially asking for the number 28 shirt, Ferguson insisted that he wear the famous number 7 shirt.

At Manchester United, his career steadily progressed. In the 2006/07 season, Ronaldo was a key figure in Manchester’s successful league campaign. Ronaldo scored over 20 goals, as he won his first championship. In March 2007, his prowess helped him to gain a record-breaking £120,000 a week five-year contract. He also won PFA player of the year award.

The 2007-08 season was even better, with Cristiano Ronaldo being named the player of the tournament, as Manchester United won the coveted Champions League trophy. The most prestigious club competition in the world. Sir Alex Ferguson said of Ronaldo:

“We’ve had some great players at this club in my 20 years, but he’s up with the best.”

However, despite the success, Ronaldo expressed a desire to leave the club, and move to Real Madrid. In 2009, Manchester United accepted an offer of £80 million from Real Madrid, making Ronaldo the most expensive player in the world.

Despite intense pressure, Ronaldo thrived in the atmosphere at Real Madrid reaching 100 La Liga goals in just three seasons at Real Madrid. He has gone on to become Real Madrid’s top goal scorer of all time. At times, Real Madrid have been overshadowed by their more successful rivals at Barcelona, who won more titles and competitions. With Ronaldo, Real Madrid have won the La Liga just twice – 2011–12, 2016–17. However, he has guided Real Madrid to three UEFA Champions League: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17.

His prolific goal scoring record has lead to frequent comparison with Barcelona’s exceptional Lionel Messi. Sometimes, Ronaldo played up the rivalry, but at other times played it down.

Ronaldo represented Portugal at The World Cup in 2006 and 2010 and the Euros 2004, 2008, 2012. Despite being a marked man, he helped Portugal to a consistently good performance. He is already Portugal’s third most capped player.

Ronaldo’s style of play creates both widespread admirations, and also criticism. He has the capacity to dribble and beat players, like few apart from Messi do. He is sometimes accused of being petulant (not helped in England because of his altercation with David Beckham, where he winked after getting Beckham sent off in the 2010 world cup.)

Outside of football, he is often photographed with his model girlfriends and in his many sports car. Perhaps unfairly, he is characterised as the ultimate ‘playboy’ footballer, with his styled hair, and expensive clothes. In 2009, he was involved in a crash whilst driving his Ferrari. However, after reacting to newspaper claims he was involved in drinking in England, he replied,

“I don’t smoke or drink, and I’m not a big spender. I live in a rural part of Cheshire and my nearest neighbours are squirrels, birds and cows. Much of my time is spent at home with friends and family. I enjoy being peaceful and often sit by the candlelight to relax. Tranquillity is important to me.”

However, Ronaldo has a strong work ethic, and has been able to maintain a consistently high standard of play for several seasons:

“I am not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well. More important than that, I feel an endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans, but also to feel satisfied with myself. It is my conviction that there are no limits to learning, and that it can never stop, no matter what our age.”

– Cristiano Ronaldo.

The legendary George Best said of Ronaldo:

“There have been a few players described as the new George Best over the years, but this is the first time it’s been a compliment to me.”

Cristiano Ronaldo was a key member of the Real Madrid side winning the UEFA Champions League 2013–14. In 2013-14, Ronaldo was top scorer in the UEFA Champions League for the second year running. The 2014 World Cup was a disappointment with Portugal going out in the group stages. However, Ronaldo was the first Portuguese player to play and score in three World Cup tournaments

Some of Ronaldo’s Records

• Most goals scored in a single calendar year for club and country: 63 goals (2012)
• Winner of five FIFA Ballon d’Or awards (given to world’s best player)

World

• At the time (2009) The most expensive footballer in history £80 million – Man Utd to Real Madrid
• Only player in history to have scored 60 or more goals in a calendar year four times (consecutively from 2011 to 2014)

Europe

• The only player to have won the European Golden Shoe in two different leagues (English Premier League and Spanish La Liga)
• Only player to score 50 goals or more in six different seasons

Real Madrid

• Most goals scored in a season in all competitions: 60 goals
• Most goals scored in a single La Liga season: 46 goals
• Most goals scored in a single UEFA Champions League season: 17 goals

England

• Highest strike rate recording in winning the Premier League Golden Boot (31 goals over 34 games)

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