e is one of the most iconic footballers of all time. He redefined sportsmen’s branding long before the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo took it to the next level. Beckham’s journey has taken him from the grounds of football royalty to a country where ‘football’ is played with hands. Now, he owns the club where Lionel Messi graces the pitch. Known for his brilliance with set pieces, especially free kicks, he even coined a unique phrase for his artistry. His marriage to a pop culture icon solidified their status as one of the most recognisable couples worldwide. In fact, a British newspaper once humorously claimed that the only person on the planet who hadn’t heard of him was a shepherd in Chad.

While his life has been the subject of countless books, movies and TV shows, the recently released Netflix documentary BECKHAM sheds new light on the man. After all, no one else can quite ‘bend it’ like him.

The documentary, a four-part series with 70-minute episodes, delves into the personal and professional life of David Beckham, the former England captain. It focuses on his humble beginnings; the goal that changed everything; and his 24-year marriage to pop sensation Victoria Beckham.

Beckham holds a unique distinction as the first English player to win league titles in four countries: England, Spain, the United States and France. His journey led him to some of the world’s top football clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. With 115 career appearances for England and participation in multiple FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship tournaments, Beckham’s legacy is firmly established. His connection to Inter Miami, founded as part of his transfer deal to LA Galaxy, took a surprising turn when they signed Lionel Messi in the spotlight this year. It showed that while Beckham’s professional career may have ended a decade ago, his influence continues to shape the football landscape.

“This is the 10th anniversary of my retirement,” Beckham told Netflix. “This documentary is not just about my football career; it’s about my family, my journey and being married to a Spice Girl. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions, but it’s been a special ride.”

Directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens (the PR man Hugo in Succession), the documentary provides an intimate look at Beckham’s life. Stevens mentions that he felt like Beckham’s therapist during the two-year interviewing and filming process. He says he believed he could explore any facet of Beckham’s life.

The series takes the audience from Beckham’s football-focused days at school to his rise through Manchester United under the influential Sir Alex Ferguson. The portrayal of their relationship over the years is interesting, especially considering the infamous 2003 boot-kicking incident that led to Beckham’s departure from the club. Both men discuss their unique bond with Beckham appearing more emotionally invested. Sir Alex’s participation in the series is unexpected and his selective responses suggest that he participated on his terms, addressing only what he wished to discuss.

If there’s one recurring theme throughout the entire series, it’s the importance of family in Beckhams’ lives, a value that has been consistent. David Beckham married Victoria, who rose to prominence in the 1990s as a member of the girl band, the Spice Girls, where she was famously known as Posh Spice. The Spice Girls remain the all time best-selling female band.

The documentary, a four-part series with 70-minute episodes, delves into the personal and professional life of David Beckham, the former England captain. It focuses on his humble beginnings; the goal that changed everything; and his 24-year marriage to pop sensation Victoria Beckham.

While much has been said about their marriage, at its core, theirs is a love story. Despite their hectic and successful careers, they shared a desire to be together and raise a family. Their journey wasn’t always smooth, with rumours of Beckham’s alleged affairs and challenges during his time in Spain. Nevertheless, they stood by each other, nurturing a family of four. It’s worth noting that the documentary doesn’t delve into the alleged extramarital affairs. There’s no direct acknowledgement or denial from either of them. They do discuss this challenging period in their lives, but the episode concludes without delving into specific details. Understandably, the documentary doesn’t aim to be a tabloid expose. Most people are likely aware of this part of their story. However, from a documentary perspective, the lack of detail weakens the production. Additionally, the director never directly addresses the issue with Beckhams during the interviews.

Beckham discusses his immense pride in representing England, particularly focusing on the painful 1998 World Cup red card incident against Argentina. He openly takes aim at the English team manager of that time. However, there is a noticeable absence of any substantial mention of the 2002 and 2006 World Cups when he captained the team.

Beyond the family aspect, the documentary features an array of notable figures from the sports world. Beckham’s Manchester United and Real Madrid teammates and managers, including Cantona, Ronaldo Nazário, Paul Scholes, Figo, Roberto Carlos, Simione, Ince, Roy Keane and Rio Ferdinand, make appearances. It’s not just star-studded players; even the kit designer and a front desk receptionist from ManU share their experiences. Gary Neville, a close friend of Beckham, is a highlight throughout the series.

Beckham’s candid, honest and emotionally revealing nature shines through in various aspects of the documentary. He shares details about his unique obsessions, from maintaining clean kitchens to meticulously organised wardrobes. Beckham consistently underscores the importance of never giving up, a mantra that defines his life. This dedication is evident in his strong work ethic, notably during his period of sidelining at Real Madrid for over a month. Despite this setback, he made a triumphant return, ultimately securing his only La Liga medal.

The documentary also delves into more vulnerable moments from his life including the abuse and threats he received following the 1998 red card incident. Beckham’s unwavering determination and refusal to back down from challenges become apparent, particularly during his redemption with English fans, highlighted by his last-minute free-kick against Greece, securing a place in the 2002 World Cup. While Beckham may not hold the most accolades, his relentless determination and never-say-die attitude are aspects of his character that may not have been well-documented before this documentary. His move to the USA faced mockery and was labelled as a money-motivated plan at the time, but a decade later, it has proven to be a rewarding endeavour.

Considering that one of the producers of the series is Beckham’s own company, it becomes evident that this is the narrative he aimed to promote. His intention was to set the record straight and share his story in the way he wanted. He just wanted to bend it all like Beckham.

The writer is a digital communication expert and consultant currently working in the public sector. He is the mastermind behind the digital platforms, Sukhan, Mani’s Cricket Myths and Over The Line