David Beckham played professional football.
David Beckham . Known for his range of passing , crossing ability and bending free-kicks as a right winger , Beckham was runner up in the Ballon d'Or , twice runner-up for FIFA World Player of the Year and in 2004 he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world 's greatest living players . The FIFA World Player of the Year was an association football award presented annually by the sport 's governing body , FIFA , since 1991 .