Overview
He may live in Madrid but he continues to make front-page headlines. This is David Beckham's own story of his career to date, for Manchester United, Real Madrid and England, and of his childhood, family and private life. Featuring David's first full account of a turbulent year in Spain, on and off the field, and England's fortunes in Euro 2004.This is Beckham's fascinating life story in his own words. His rise through the ranks at the biggest club side in the world. His complex relationship with United boss Alex Ferguson. The England story, from being vilified by the nation before returning as the prodigal son to eventually captaining his country. His acrimonious falling-out with his manager and departure from Old Trafford in June 2003. And starting a new chapter of his life on foreign soil in the glare of the world’s press.Now from Beckham himself, we gain a vivid and eye-opening insight into the family man behind the famous footballer, the international model and fashion leader. He describes how he first met and then married ex-Spice girl Victoria Adams, and the upbringing of their two children Brooklyn and Romeo. How his family's every step is monitored by a posse of newshounds and paparazzi. Also, the influence of his parents, growing up as a shy youngster in the family home, and how their subsequent split affected him.Intimate and soul-searching, this is the real David Beckham like we have never seen before.Synopsis
David Beckham is one of the world's foremost media icons, his popularity transcending sport and cultural divides. This is his own in-depth account of his career to date, for Manchester United and England, and of his childhood, family and personal life.
This is Beckham's fascinating life story in his own words. His rise through the ranks at the biggest club side in the world. His complex relationship with United boss Alex Ferguson. The England story, from being vilified by the nation before returning as the prodigal son to eventually captaining his country. His acrimonious falling-out with his manager and departure from Old Trafford in June 2003. And starting a new chapter of his life on foreign soil in the glare of the world’s press.
Now from Beckham himself, we gain a vivid and eye-opening insight into the family man behind the famous footballer, the international model and fashion leader. He describes how he first met and then married ex-Spice girl Victoria Adams, and the upbringing of their two children Brooklyn and Romeo. How his family's every step is monitored by a posse of newshounds and paparazzi. Also, the influence of his parents, growing up as a shy youngster in the family home, and how their subsequent split affected him.
Intimate and soul-searching, this is the real David Beckham like we have never seen before.
Editorials
VOYA
Oh, soccer! The world loves you. But in the United States, the sport takes a lowly backseat to football, basketball, baseball, and, well, any other televised game. Despite David Beckham being the world's most popular soccer player-and having a sweeping pass so sweet it makes grown men weep-this reviewer doubts that many Americans could pick him out of a police lineup. But last year's sleeper film Bend it Like Beckham, his marriage to Spice Girl Posh Spice, and his $41 million trade to Spanish heavyweight Real Madrid might have increased his stateside profile somewhat. Beckham and coauthor Watt write with a conversational ease about his role in the beautiful game, chronicling his career from talented youngster to professional athlete on a global market. Each chapter drops a lot of names and references many games, which will delight fans but could be a bit off-putting to those unfamiliar with soccer history. The book's length might be prohibitive as well. Soccer-loving teens, however, will relish the first-person storytelling. The photos are top notch, showing the scrawny boy who became a father, husband, and world-renowned celebrity. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults). 2003, HarperCollins, 386p.; Photos., Ages 15 to Adult.—Travis Fristoe