David Beckham is an athlete.
David Robert Joseph Beckham , ( [ ˈbɛkəm ] born 2 May 1975 ) is an English former professional footballer . 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 . He was the first British footballer to play 100 UEFA Champions League games . Beckham has consistently ranked among the highest earners in football , and in 2013 he was listed as the highest-paid player in the world , earning over $ 50 million in the previous 12 months .