David Beckham plays soccer.
David Robert Joseph Beckham , ( [ ˈbɛkəm ] born 2 May 1975 ) is an English former professional footballer . He played for Manchester United , Preston North End , Real Madrid , Milan , LA Galaxy , Paris Saint-Germain , and the England national team for which he held the appearance record for an outfield player until 2016 when Wayne Rooney surpassed his total . In July 2007 Beckham signed a five-year contract with Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy . He was the first British footballer to play 100 UEFA Champions League games . The FIFA World Player of the Year was an association football award presented annually by the sport 's governing body , FIFA , since 1991 .