David Beckham's Iconic Career in Pictures.

David Beckham announced his retirement from football in May. As the former England captain, he was one of the most iconic footballers and personalities of the noughties. During this long summer break from football before the new season starts,  we thought it was a good time to reflect on his career.

David Beckham's career at his first club Manchester United began when he signed a professional contract in 1994, after a short loan spell at Preston he began gaining regular first team football in 1995. However it was not until 1996 and scoring a spectacular goal against Wimbledon from the halfway line, that he really announced himself to the footballing world.

1) England vs Argentina, June 1998.

Whilst the Wimbledon goal announced him to the footballing world, this was the moment that penetrated the consciousness of the whole nation. England lost to Argentina on penalties after a 2-2 draw and Michael Owen wonder goal. Beckham’s famous sending off in this game made him a national villain for a period and pushed him onto the front and back pages of all the newspapers.

2) Made England Captain, November 2000.

After 1998 the rehabilitation of Beckham’s public image was now in full swing, with temporary England manager Peter Taylor making him the England captain, a position which he held for six years.

3) Last minute Free Kick vs Greece, October 2001.

This will probably remain Beckham’s most iconic moment in an England shirt. During the last World Cup qualifier of the campaign, England desperately needed at least a draw to go through to the finals. Beckham playing out of his skin dragged the team to the brink of qualification, with the 90th minute approaching Beckham stepped up to score a trademark free kick which sent England to the finals and sent the fans delirious.

4) Penalty vs Argentina, June 2002.

Beckhams redemption in the public mind was finally complete, scoring a penalty against old rivals Argentina which won the game and sent England through to the next round.

5) Beckham join Real Madrid, June 2003.

Beckham left his boyhood club Manchester United to join possibly the only bigger team in the world. The Spanish giants rewarded him with a huge contract and Beckham joined the cast of ‘Galacticos’ including Zidane and Figo.

6) Resigns as England Captain, July 2006.

After missing a penalty against Portugal in the World Cup, England crashed out of the tournament. Beckham felt it was time to step down as captain and allow new coach Steve McLaren the opportunity to appoint his own man.

7) Signs for LA Galaxy, January 2007.

At 31 Beckham made the move to America and received a bumper £128 million contract. Beckham was such a big name on the world stage by now, that he was brought to America for his ability to attract new American fans as much as his footballing prowess. Although he suffered several injuries early on at Galaxy, he later went on to win two Major League Cups. During his time at Galaxy he also spent time on loan at another iconic European club, AC Milan.

8) Breaks the record for England Caps, March 2009.

During a friendly with Slovakia, one of his last ever England games, Beckham became the most capped England outfield player ever. Receiving a standing ovation from the fans for his historic feet.

9) Beckham Retires,  May 2013.

At the age of 38 Beckham bowed out of football with his final club Paris Saint-Germain, by winning the league with PSG he had now won the league in four different countries. His emotional retirement was rounded off nicely by the news that he had donated his entire wages earned at PSG to charity.