David Beckham surprises mum on 60th birthday

Footballer sneaks in through restaurant kitchen

David Beckham made a surprise appearance at his mum’s birthday party.

Sandra Beckham was celebrating her 60th at the Blue Bridge restaurant in Essex on Friday.

David, 34, wife Victoria, 35, and their three sons are thought to have crept in via the back door.

‘There were gasps of delight when they walked in with a lot of hugs and kisses,’ a source tells the Sunday Mirror.

‘After the meal, David gave a speech. It was just like any other family birthday party. The kids were running around with all the other kids.’ Source

NEW Galleries
Two new galleries for you to enjoy!
Beckham Celebrates Mom's 60th Birthday
David Beckham in France


Beckham Faces ‘Inevitable’ Negative Reaction, Gulati Says

David Beckham can expect a negative reaction from some fans when he returns to Major League Soccer next month, U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said.

Beckham missed the start of the MLS season after negotiating an extension to his loan at AC Milan that expired today. The former England captain is due to make his comeback on July 16 when the Los Angeles Galaxy visits the New York Red Bulls.

“I’m sure there will be some negative reaction from some fans,” Gulati said in an interview in Johannesburg where he was traveling with the U.S. national team for the Confederations Cup. “That’s inevitable, but in the end he’s a good player, a soccer icon and I think he’ll help his team and the league. But are there going to be some people that are upset? Sure.” Continue reading

NEGATIVE OPINION ALERT: How Beckham Blew It
I told you from time to time I will post thought provoking critical pieces for you to take a look (or not) and to do with what you may. One of the best ways to make your voice as a Beckham fan heard with critics like this is to comment on the posts or articles with your thoughts! In this case we have an excerpt from Grant Wahl's book The Beckham Experiment. So if you're up for a challenge the piece is here.


England Stars David Beckham & John Terry Send On Best Wishes To Under-21 Squad

National captain John Terry and former Three Lions skipper David Beckham have both wished the Under-21 side well ahead of their European Championship final against Germany[...]

Young Lions manager Stuart Pearce revealed how both John Terry and David Beckham had sent messages of support for him to pass on to his burgeoning troops.

Pearce is quoted by The People as saying, "When I came out of the stadium the other night after the Sweden game I looked at my telephone and there were a lot of messages of support.

"It is nice that people take an interest. I had a text message before the tournament from John Terry.

"It was nice that the England captain wanted me to pass on his regards to my squad, which I did. David Beckham has been on as well, and obviously Fabio [Capello]."

He continued by concluding, "People have a real buy-in to this group of players wanting to be successful, and that is nice to know." Source

David Beckham receives apology from former nanny

David Beckham and his wife, Victoria, received an apology from a former nanny in London’s High Court yesterday over her disclosures of confidential information about the celebrity couple, the Associated Press reports. The case resulted from allegations made by Abbie Gibson about the private lives of the LA Galaxy player and his former Spice Girl wife after Gibson resigned from her job. Her claims were printed in a newspaper article in April 2005, captioned “Beckhams behind closed doors.” On Tuesday, the couple’s lawyer, Gerrard Tyrrell, told the High Court that Gibson had now agreed to “permanent undertakings of confidentiality.” Source

Galaxy 1 - 0 Houston
The LA Galaxy performed exactly what they needed to do and enjoyed a win at home over the weekend. Congrats to the Galaxy!! It won't be long now before Becks is back in action.

Labels: ac milan, book, david beckham, david beckham photos, la galaxy, mls, serie a

Los Angeles v Houston
Tonight the struggling Galaxy take on the Dynamo at 7pm local, 12pm ET. While Becks isn't playing, he will be soon, so I'm trying to get back into the habit of bringing you guys the games! Preview the match here and here.

Good luck Galaxy!

TV: ESPN Deportes, ESPN2

Online: Often ESPN carries MLS games on ESPN360.com, so if your provider carries it, check the page's schedule for LA Galaxy. Justin.tv - visit the page and use the search function to find either "la galaxy" (or "galaxy") or "houston dynamo" (or "dynamo") closer to kickoff. Atdhe.net says they will have one link here.

Radio: KLAC, KWKW

Text: ESPN live text commentary or graphic Gamecast.

Labels: david beckham, david beckham football video, football video, la galaxy, mls

David Strikes Back...and Wins!!!

David Beckham won it on a penalty.

The world's most famous soccer star and hubby of Posh Spice was today awarded "substantial" damages in London's High Court from a U.K. tabloid that published a false story claiming he "made a play" for model Mariann Fogarasy.

Per the BBC, Express Group Newspapers was forced to issue a retraction and apologize to the 34-year-old Beckham and his family after its Daily Star reported he sent emails to the Hungarian-born beauty inviting her to a "private party" after they met at an AC Milan soccer match.

Newspaper rep Kate Wilson acknowledged the fabricated tale—featured on the Star's front page and website with the headline "Becks and the Blonde Beauty: Topless Model Claims She Was Chatted Up by Footie Star"—caused the Beckhams embarassment, distress and inury. The newspaper will also pick up his legal bills.

"Ninety percent of what is written about us is invented. The last one was this story about the Hungarian model," Beckham recently told the Italian paper
La Stampa. "I have never been out to dinner with this young lady. If I took the time to deny every story, I wouldn't have time to be a footballer." Source

Bye Bye, Banner :`(

Two nights of secret work on a giant banner hanging from the facade of Selfridge's in London has culminated in the grand unveiling of Armani's latest underwear collection.

Yet only a few hours later, workers began taking it all down. [...]

The banner was reinforced, edged and eyeletted before two nights of clandestine work by Global Erecting Sign Services (GESS), setting up 20 tonnes of scaffolding to support the image some 4m off the Selfridges building to avoid damaging it.

On the following day (11 June), Beckham attended the unveiling ceremony where the cover was lowered.

However, just hours later, workers began dismantling the site due to council restrictions and, by the following morning, Selfridges was returned to its normal appearance and the banner was sent to be recycled. Read more

LA Galaxy Coverage Resumes...

Vote LA!
David's teammates (unfortunately not David himself due to his stunted season) are on the ballot for the MLS All Star team, who will play Everton on July 29th. Voting is closing soon so get your votes in & help determine who will play to represent MLS! Vote here now.


Beckham Video: Talks of Future, Foes
View the video here.

Labels: david beckham, david beckham football video, david beckham photos, la galaxy, mls, rumor

Hi guys,
Things have been relatively quiet in the world of Beckham, so I'm going to give you a substantial piece of news/announcement, and then some clearly labeled silly stuff.

Also, enjoy a compilation video from a Beckham fan!

This coming week I will begin to post the times & availability of LA Galaxy games again.

2009 Golden Foot Award

After three weeks of voting, 2009 GOLDEN FOOT, the International career award, reaches its most important moment.

35,000 votes have already been made, a record compared to previous editions. Uncertainty reigns between our stars, this means the GOLDEN FOOT jury made the right nominations. All the candidates are all very close, so the competition will get harder and harder until September 18th, the day the winner will be decided.

[...] The ten candidates are David Beckham (England), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Luís Figo (Portugal), Steven Gerrard (England), Ryan Giggs (Wales), Thierry Henry (France), Raúl González Blanco (Spain), Ronaldinho (Brazil), Francesco Totti (Italy) and David Trezeguet (France).

Ten football heroes, but only one will shake his hand with Prince Albert II, receving the GOLDEN FOOT award, as a legendary footballer, on September 21st. Source

VOTE FOR BECKS
If you want to vote for David in this year's Golden Foot competition, go here!


GOSSIP: DAVID BECKHAM London househunting with Victoria

David and Victoria Beckham are looking for a house in London. The superstar couple, who already own a mansion in Hertfordshire dubbed ‘Beckingham Palace’, are keen to splash out on a second home in the UK. A source said: “Victoria and David have business interests in London. They want somewhere more convenient than Hertfordshire.” The pair have instructed estate agents to compile a list of suitable properties for them to view. David (34) and Victoria (35) have also been looking at schools in the UK capital for their three sons - ten-year-old Brooklyn, Romeo (6) and four-year-old Cruz. The house-hunt has sparked reports David could return to his home country to play football. Source

GOSSIP: Beckhams plan to sell France home

Soccer star David Beckham and wife Victoria are planning to put their house in the south of France on sale.

The couple bought the stunning 19th century villa surrounded by woods in France's Var region for 1.5 million pounds six years ago, reported thesun.co.uk.

"They fell in love with the place when they first saw it but now Victoria thinks it's a too far away from the action," said a source.

The celebrity couple are also house hunting in London for when Beckham's LA Galaxy football season ends in November. Source

Compilation Video

Labels: david beckham, football video, Goldenfoot

NEW Gallery: England vs. Andorra
We've got the match gallery up, so enjoy the photos of David's reappearance in the starting 11. Does all feel right with the world? ;)


England vs. Andorra Highlights
Here's a clip of the match's goals and highlights!



Chelsea will become super-fit under Carlo Ancelotti - David Beckham

David Beckham thinks Chelsea will become one of the fittest teams in the world under Carlo Ancelotti.

Ancelotti, Beckham's former boss at AC Milan, will arrive at the Blues' Cobham training centre next month armed with the secrets of the Milanello complex in Italy.

And Beckham, who refuses to rule out a return to the Premier League and could yet be reunited with the Italian at Stamford Bridge, has had personal experience of the Ancelotti effect - his fitness levels improving enormously under the coach.

Beckham said: "Milan is one of the best clubs for fitness and for working that I've ever been at. Having spent a long time at Manchester United, that is saying something.

"It helped me a lot. A lot of the things to do with fitness were his idea. I'm sure he'll take that into Chelsea.

"It will be good for them. He'll make sure that a lot of hard work goes on at the club.

"Italian managers are renowned for a lot of technical work. He'll improve that area at Chelsea as well." Keep reading

Manchester United's #7's - a History
Reader Sita pointed out this article about notable #7s in United's history, as the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid unfolds. Becks is discussed:

The Third - Graduated

David Beckham possessed all the necessary credentials of a future Manchester United captain had it not been for a lifestyle outside of football that increasingly worried Ferguson due to it's Hollywood nature.

His dedication, drive, and professionalism were unrivalled. He was proud to wear the famous red strip of United whether he was playing Barcelona or Barnsley. He was a constant threat from dead-ball situations, a long-range passer, and an inspiration to others in the squad due to his attitude during training.

His acrimonious departure in 2003 paved a further road of seasons without league titles, and Ferguson's ability to continue at the top level was even, unfairly, doubted by some sections of the media, as well as the supporters as United did not claim a further top flight honour until 2007, that title was to be followed by two more. The second Premier League treble. Oh, and another Champions League win.

All aided by the next heir to the no.7 jersey; Cristiano Ronaldo. Read more here

Labels: ac milan, chelsea, david beckham, david beckham football photos, david beckham football video, david beckham images, england, world cup qualifiers

England 6 - 0 Andorra
WOW! England are undeniably on a role as they steamrolled Andorra on Wednesday night. One more win and they automatically qualify for the WC 2010!

Probably the best news for Beckham fans is that he was back in Capello's starting 11, and in his tried & true #7 shirt. He also played to full time. You can read a match recap here.


NEW Galleries!
Here are 2 new galleries for you! We'll have a match gallery up quickly.
Training in London
New Armani Ad Unveiled


David Beckham’s New Underwear Ad

David Beckham has taken his clothes off again for a new Armani advert.

The midfielder- who yesterday played in England’s 6-0 win over Andorra- has once again found himself snapped with only his pants on.

This time oiled up Becks is reclining on a huge rope and sporting a slick side-parting to advertise the designer underwear.

Fans of the LA Galaxy footballer’s body can see the ad’ in great detail on a billboard at Selfridges on Oxford St, London where Beckham today appeared to unveil the raunchy pic. Source

England return on the radar as David Beckham prepares Galaxy goodbye

David Beckham will end his brief spell in Major League Soccer by leaving Los Angeles Galaxy in December to secure a transfer back to Europe and, while Milan would be his first-choice destination, he has not ruled out a move back to the Premier League.

The former England captain spent the last few months of the season on loan at San Siro and is due to return to the United States to resume playing with LA Galaxy in mid-July. However, the 34-year-old has spoken with the national coach Fabio Capello and has been left under no illusions that he must be featuring regularly in a competitive European league if he is to secure a place in the Italian's squad to compete at next summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Whether Milan will opt to secure him on a longer-term basis next season remains to be seen, particularly following the manager Carlo Ancelotti's departure to Chelsea. "It has not been finalised although Milan are one of the clubs that have shown an interest," said Beckham. "Nothing has been finalised but I will definitely be coming back to Europe though because of the World Cup. The manager [Capello] has always said to me, 'Wherever you go, play at the highest level'. Most places in Europe are at the top level." Read more here

The Beautiful Game: a new tribute

Successful actor, writer and broadcaster Tom Watt has written a new book called ‘A Beautiful Game’ - football through the eyes of the world’s greatest players.

For this unique collaborative project, Watt talked to some of the world’s greatest players including Lionel Messi, Fabio Cannavaro and Franck Ribery.

The players’ own words are brought into life with over 130 colour images which offer rare, emotive and striking insights into childhood all over the world. They celebrate football’s ability to touch the lives of children, and adults, wherever the beautiful game is played.

Other players Watt spoke to included David James, Craig Gordon, Benni McCarthy, Kanu, Shunsuke Nakamura, Iker Casillas and David Beckham (Watt actually ghost-wrote My Side – Beckham’s best-selling autobiography), and a percentage of sales from the book worldwide will go towards UNICEF - related sports projects. Read more here

Labels: david beckham, david beckham football photos, david beckham images, england, fabio capello, la galaxy

I apologise I've been having some serious Internet issues. Ironically I'm able to get on tonight in the middle of a big thunderstorm.

Sadly this means I was absolutely devastated to have missed the qualifier on the 6th; not only because Becks played, but because I have been waiting for years to see Robert Green be England's #1 with a serious look at keeping the position for good. But without internet, I couldn't see the game; without the game, I couldn't see Greeny's debut, or David's substitution.

Kazakhstan 0 - 4 England
David began on the subs bench and came in during the 75th minute for Glen Johnson. Find the match report here.

If you'd like to see the current group standings for this round of WC 2010 qualifiers, click here.


Becks Blogs

Hi everyone,

Well, the Serie A season is over and although we eventually finished third it was great to end on a high with a win. The most important thing is that the club also qualified for the Champions League, which was the plan when I came here, so I’m delighted with how things worked out. I’ve had an incredible experience with Milan, playing with some equally incredible players, and I have been honoured to wear the Milan shirt over the past six months.
Next up are two World Cup qualifiers, which, if we win, will take us closer to qualification for next year’s World Cup finals in South Arica. Kazakhstan away is a tough match. Andorra, I know it sounds like a cliché, but there are no easy games in football. The goal, of course, is to get maximum points from both games.
After that I’ve four weeks off before I join up once again with the Galaxy for the rest of the MLS season. I’ll still be working to keep fit during that rest period though, as I want to be in perfect condition for the Galaxy when I arrive back mid-July.
That’s all for now.

Take care,

David

NEW Galleries
Three new galleries for you to enjoy!
Match vs Kazakhstan
Training Session in Almaty
Training Session at London


Football video: Becks Inteview After England Win



David Beckham convinced me to join Real Madrid - Kaka

On joining Real Madrid for a world record £59m, Brazilian playmaker Kaka revealed that England's David Beckham, a former team-mate at AC Milan, convinced him to move to the Spanish captial. [..]

"I spoke to some friends, like Beckham, who has already played for Real. He said it's a fantastic place to play. I spoke to him this past week and he kept helping me, he said I made a positive choice for my career's growth. Read article here

Labels: ac milan, david beckham, david beckham blogs, david beckham football photos, david beckham football video, david beckham images, england, real madrid, serie a, world cup qualifiers