The “Beckham” documentary series was an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. Starring the former professional soccer player from England, David Beckham, the series gives viewers insight to the footballer’s rise to fame. Making his first appearance in the professional club soccer world at only 17 years old, Beckham went on to win countless trophies and titles, naming him one of the greatest midfielders of his time. While the ins and outs of Beckham’s soccer career were extremely interesting to learn about, the people’s overall obsession with Beckham himself was the most entertaining and, evidently, fascinating portion of the documentary.
Before watching this documentary, I had heard of Beckham but knew little about him, as the height of his career and fame occurred before my time. However, Beckham’s rapid rise to stardom during his 20s blew me away. I was so astonished with how consumed Beckham’s fans and the press were with him. The obsession started within England but then over the course of his career spread worldwide as he hopped around from team to team and landed himself the role as husband of the one and only Posh Spice — also known as Victoria Adams from the Spice Girls.
I found the Beckhams’ relationship particularly captivating. The documentary is structured in an interview style, switching from spokesperson to spokesperson, all centering around the man himself. Victoria is a consistent interviewee as she played a major role in Beckham’s career and overall life. The two met when they were only 22 years old. Both of them were only at the beginning of their careers but were also extremely well-known in their respective fields. After seeing how Victoria and Beckham spoke about the same situations, it became apparent to me that for the longest time the two of them have been the center of each other’s worlds. While soccer was at the forefront of the documentary, so was Victoria, emphasizing how she was a guiding force in one of the overall themes of the series which is Beckham’s transformation from a young boy to a man.
Beckham’s formative years all occurred in the public eye. He grew up in a small town, with few friends and minimal hobbies, as soccer was all he ever focused on. Then suddenly, the world was completely taken by him. Everything Beckham did was scrutinized by the press. There were times during his career where he was so ostracized that it seemed as though the whole world hated him. Let me just tell you, I don’t know how he did it sometimes — people were so horrible to him for making what seemed like the smallest mistakes. Time and time again, over the course of the few episodes, I was shocked with how much drama constantly seemed to follow Beckham and all that were linked to him.
Even though some of his decisions were questionable from time to time, I give the guy so much credit as I cannot even imagine what it would be like to live a life that I’m sure at many times doesn’t feel like your own. I’m glad Victoria was also at the forefront of the documentary as I feel like hearing the multiple versions and opinions of the couple’s lives were really important in understanding the overall experiences depicted in the series. I have so much respect for Victoria as she was Beckham’s lifeline during so many of the hard times he experienced all while she too was being talked about and criticized by association to his name. However, together the Beckhams were a driving force. All the ups and downs Beckham experienced during his career made him into the man he is today, which is someone he says he is very proud of.
Beckham and his life’s journey of finding himself and making a career out of arguably one of the most loved sports worldwide, disrupted the media time and time again, changing the lives of many. Now through four intense episodes, each spanning around 70 minutes, he is sharing in depth his story with the world. The “Beckham” documentary series is a must watch if you are in the mood for some intense drama alongside a history lesson about an absolute soccer legend and all those who helped him throughout his incredible career.
