David Beckham is quite possibly the most recognizable face in the entire world – the marketing gold standard. What often gets lost in conversations about Beckham is his illustrious playing career. Six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one Champions League title, one La Liga title, two MLS Cups, one Ligue 1 title, one UEFA Club Player of the Year award, two UEFA Team of the Year honors and four PFA Team of the year honors.
And on the day that the English superstar called an end to his playing career, we give a nod to Becks, the winner.
Beckham's fiery goal celebrations were a staple of his entire career, beginning with his early days at Manchester United. [Action Images]
Manchester United teammate Gary Neville was the best man at David and Victoria Beckham's wedding in 1999, so it's no surprise the two often found each other to celebrate on the field. [Action Images]
Beckham buried one of his trademark curling free kicks in this FA Cup third-round matchup against Chelsea. [Action Images]
It didn't take long for global brands to enlist Beckham for marketing work. This is from an early photo shoot Becks did with adidas. [Action Images]
One of the lowlights of his career came when Beckham was sent off in the 1998 World Cup against Argentina. [USA Today]
Beckham won three trophies – Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League (above) – in the span of ten days with Man. United in 1999. [Action Images]
Perhaps the most famous goal of his career, this stoppage time free kick against Greece at Old Trafford sent England to the 2002 World Cup. [Action Images]
Beckham sprints to the touchline and celebrates England's automatic berth in the 2002 World Cup, as well as his own redemption. [Action Images]
Beckham scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to give England a 1-0 victory against Argentina in the 2002 World Cup. [Action Images]
Beckham exits stage left following England's 2-1 defeat against Brazil at the 2002 World Cup. [Action Images]
Beckham left Man. United after the 2003 season and helped Real Madrid return to the top of La Liga in Spain, winning the 2006-07 league title. [Action Images]
Beckham celebrates with teammates and his three sons after winning the 2006-07 La Liga title. [Action Images]
The relationship between Beckham and then-Galaxy captain Landon Donovan wasn't always picture perfect, but the two found ways to co-exist and win MLS hardware. (Getty Images)
Beckham got his first taste of American glory in 2011, winning MLS Cup with the Galaxy. (Getty Images)
Beckham walks off an MLS field for the last time, late in the 2012 MLS Cup final. [USA Today]
Beckham celebrates back-to-back MLS Cups with his three sons Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo. [USA Today]
Beckham signed for French mega-club Paris St.-Germain in January 2013. He confirmed his retirement from the club and the game, effective at the end of the season, on May 16, 2013. (Getty Images)
