David Beckham OBE (b. 1975) contributed to nineteen major footballing trophy wins in a career where he played for Manchester United (1992–2003), Real Madrid (2003–07), LA Galaxy (2007–12) and Paris Saint-Germain (2013). He captained the English national team 58 times over a six-year period. Alongside this, Beckham has modelled extensively, appearing in campaigns for his own clothing lines, fragrances and whisky. His instantly recognisable appearance has become a desirable brand.
This close-up head-and-shoulders photograph and the accompanying contact sheet were taken by Lorenzo Agius (b. 1962) in 1998, the same year Beckham proposed to Victoria Adams, then a member of the Spice Girls. Known as ‘Posh and Becks’, their relationship has been the subject of considerable media attention ever since.
National Portrait Gallery, London.
Purchased, 2000
© Lorenzo Agius
Joanna Gilmour travels through time to explore the National Portrait Gallery London’s masterpieces in Shakespeare to Winehouse.
From Shakespeare to Winehouse, Darwin to Dickens, the Beatles, Brontë sisters and Beckham, the National Portrait Gallery London holds the world’s most extensive collection of portraits.
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