Global football icon David Beckham recently gave fans a cool insight into his playing career and football opinions. He revealed his best team-mate that he ever played with, as well as a past legend who he wished that he shared the pitch with.
A Manchester United youth academy product, Beckham made his Red Devils debut back in 1992. He stayed on the fringes of the first team for a couple of years before heading out on loan to Preston North End in January 1995.
Upon his return to Old Trafford, Beckham established himself as a first team regular, becoming one of the “Class of ‘92” to successfully make the step up from youth team to the first team.
The former England captain was a fundamental part of the United sides that dominated the Premier League in the late 1990s; Beckham has six league titles and a historic treble to his name as a result.
Career outside of England
In 2003, Beckham swapped Manchester for Madrid, moving to Real and becoming a ‘Galactico’. In Spain, the wide midfielder won one La Liga title and a Supercopa de Espana. Following this, Becks moved to LA Galaxy in the MLS, where his worldwide fame helped football’s standing in the US no end. He also won two MLS Cups as captain of the Galaxy.
During his six-year stint across the pond, David Beckham also returned to Europe on a couple of occasions. He had two loan spells with AC Milan in 2009 and 2010. Then, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer at the end of his LA deal.
PSG would be Beckham’s last club, and he would make 14 appearances for the French side. He retired as a legend of the game and one of the world’s most recognisable faces.
Besides the fame and massive trophy collection, David Beckham also played alongside some incredible footballers during his 20-year career. So, who was the best?
David Beckham names his best team-mate
Becks joined his good friend and former United team-mate Gary Neville on the Sky Sports pundit’s podcast. On ‘The Overlap Xtra’, Neville asked Beckham 29 questions – including the best player he ever played with.
From stints with Man United, Milan, and PSG, Beckham had many options to choose from. But he went with a man from his days at Real Madrid instead.
“The best player I’ve ever played with, apart from you [Gary Neville], Zinedine Zidane,” revealed Beckham in a humorous response.
His answer may not surprise some, as Zinedine Zidane was an incredible footballer. A three-time FIFA Men’s Player of the Year, the French attacking midfielder is one of the all-time greats. In an illustrious career, ‘Zizou’ won the Champions League, World Cup, the European Championship, and many other accolades. A true legend of the game.
However, Beckham and Zidane did not play together for many years. They shared the pitch for three seasons at Madrid before the Frenchman retired from football in 2006.
Just like the previous one, Neville’s next question on the podcast did not require Becks to think long either.
Becks picks fellow Man United legend
When asked which player he would have liked to play with, the former England captain instantly knew his answer. It was former Manchester United icon and England World Cup winner Bobby Charlton.
“He was my dad’s hero,” said Beckham. “It’s why my middle name’s Robert. So, I’d have loved to have played with Sir Bobby.”
One of the Red Devils’ best-ever players, Charlton was one of the legendary ‘Busby Babes’. In addition, he is United’s second all-time leading scorer – just behind Wayne Rooney.
But Sir Bobby will also go down in history for his international success. He was the star man for England as they won the World Cup in 1966, scoring three goals as England lifted the Jules Rimet trophy.
As a Man United fan, it is no surprise that Beckham chose Charlton as his dream team-mate.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
