A look back at David Beckham's incredible playing career

David Beckham is undoubtedly one of the biggest football stars of recent decades. The Englishman did not only shine off the pitch, but certainly on it too. Let's have a look at 'Becks' impressive career.

Beckham took his first steps in football at Ridgeway Rovers, before moving to Tottenham Hotspur's youth academy. After a spell at Brimsdown Rovers, however, the London-born talent was headed for Manchester.

Beckham joined the Manchester United youth academy and immediately had an impact. Alongside other big talents such as Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Gary and Phil Neville, Beckham won the 1991-92 FA Youth Cup. The future of Manchester United looked very bright.

It did not take long before Beckham made his first team debut at Old Trafford. He came onto the field in a League Cup fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion. United drew against the Seagulls, but the world got to see a first glimpse of an exceptional talent.

Subsequently, Beckham went to play for Preston North End on a loan spell during the 1994-95 campaign. He played five games for the club, impressing and scoring two goals in total.

Beckham was called back by United in 1995, making his Premier League debut against Leeds United.

The next season, Beckham established himself as a regular in United's starting line-up. He played 39 games in total (8 goals, 5 assists), winning his first ever Premier League title.

Soon after, Beckham would make his England debut on the 9th of September 1996. He played 90 minutes in a World Cup qualifier against Moldova (0-3 win).

Showing his class regularly at United, Beckham also became an integral part of the England national team. The Three Lions qualified for the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, where they made it to the last sixteen, facing Argentina. The tournament ended dramatically for Beckham, as he was sent off for a challenge on Diego Simeone. England drew 2-2, but would go on to lose on penalties (4-3).

The 1998-99 season would be a memorable one for Beckham and United. The Red Devils took the Premier League and the FA Cup, and completed a historic treble by beating Bayern Munich in dramatic fashion in the Champions League final.

Next up for Beckham: EURO 2000. England had some big names in their team, but failed to impress. After losing against Portugal and winning against Germany, the English saw their hopes dashed in the last group match against Romania (2-3).

Disappointing results with England did not stop Beckham at United, however. He had already expanded his trophy cabinet with several titles and cups, adding the 2001 and 2003 Premier League title.

In 2002 the eyes of the football world were set on Japan and South Korea, the countries that hosted that year's world cup. England survived in a group with Sweden, Argentina and Nigeria and beat Denmark in the round of 16. In the quarter-finals, The Three Lions faced Brazil, losing 1-2 after a brilliant Ronaldinho free-kick. Beckham's generation, once again, stayed behind empty-handed.

After more than 10 successful years in Manchester, Beckham's story at United came to an end in 2003. His next destination? Spain!

Beckham signed an astronomical deal with Spanish and European giant Real Madrid, where he would wear number 23.

In Madrid, Beckham was an integral part of Florentino Pérez's Galácticos project. Becks played alongside big names such as Zinédine Zidane, Luis Figo and Ronaldo.

A year after his move to Madrid, international duty was calling once again. Beckham and England competed at EURO 2004, where they ended runners-up in group B. In the quarter-finals, England faced host Portugal. The game went all the way to penalties. Beckham took his responsibility as a captain, but missed. Portugal scored six spot kicks, eliminating England and booking its ticket for the semi-finals.

In 2006 the Real Madrid player represented his country at the FIFA World Cup in Germany. England topped their group after three games, and went on to beat Ecuador in the round of last sixteen. In the quarter-finals, The Three Lions faced a familiar opponent: Portugal. After a goalless draw, it was the Southern Europeans that proceeded to the next round. Later, the 2006 World Cup would prove to have been Beckham's last international tournament.

Back to Spain, where Real Madrid were chasing their first title since the 2002-03 season. Beckham and his fellow stars ended the title drought in 2006-07, after a thrilling season ending. After the 2003 Supercopa de España win, Beckham managed to take home a second trophy with Los Merengues.

The 2006-07 title success with Real Madrid marked the end of Beckham's Spanish adventure. He signed for MLS giant LA Galaxy, where he would win several trophies. Becks won three MLS Western Conference titles, two MLS Cup and two MLS Supporters' Shields, earning himself a statue outside the club's stadium.

During his time in the MLS, Beckham would also return to Europe on a loan spell. He spent one year in total at AC Milan, making 33 appearances for the Rossoneri.

After his Italian adventure, another chapter of Beckham's impressive career came to an end. On the 14th of October 2009 he made his last England appearance, playing 32 minutes in a 3-0 win against Belarus.

Beckham's LA Galaxy contract expired in the beginning of 2013, but that was not the end of his career. He was signed by French Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.

In Paris, Beckham only played 14 games, contributing two assists and winning the 2012-13 Ligue 1 title.

At the end of that season, Beckham decided to retire and put an end to his phenomenal career. He played his last game on the 18th of May 2013 against Stade Brestois, captaining his team to a 3-1 win. After the last whistle, Beckham let his emotions run freely, realising he was ending an important chapter of his life.

After his active footballing career, Beckham proved to be a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded and co-owns MLS club Inter Miami, trying to bring the club to the top of American football.

For almost two decades, David Beckham was one of the biggest names in world football. During his career, the former midfielder conquered football hearts with brilliant free-kicks and inch-perfect crosses, and continues to do so as an entrepreneur.