David Beckham at 50: A look at 10 memorable moments from his playing career
Long-range stunner
Beckham helped Manchester United win the domestic double in 1995-96 but truly announced himself on the opening day of the following season when he lobbed Wimbledon goalkeeper Neil Sullivan from the halfway line.
Argentina nadir
The lowpoint of Beckham's career came as he was sent off for petulantly kicking out at Diego Simeone during England's defeat by Argentina in the last 16 of the 1998 World Cup. Many fans blamed him for the loss and he suffered a very public vilification.
Treble triumph
Beckham enjoyed a glittering career at Old Trafford, the highlight being the team's famous treble-winning campaign of 1998-99, when they scooped the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Beckham shone in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, delivering both stoppage-time corners from which United scored twice to claim a dramatic 2-1 win in Barcelona.
Skipper's armband
It may be easily forgotten that Peter Taylor stepped in as England caretaker manager for one game against Italy in 2000, but he left quite a legacy by appointing Beckham as captain. He went on to lead the side 59 times.
Greece glory
Beckham achieved full redemption in the eyes of the English public when he secured a spot in the 2002 World Cup with a stunning free-kick in stoppage time of the last qualifier against Greece at Old Trafford. England were trailing 2-1 and staring at the prospect of a play-off when Beckham curled home in spectacular, trademark style.
Argentina high
Beckham banished his own personal demons when he stepped up to fire home a penalty against Argentina in the group stage of the 2002 World Cup. The build-up to the game had been dominated by what occurred four years previously and the relief was obvious in his jubilant celebration.
Boot blow
One of the most enduring images from Beckham's career came after he emerged from Old Trafford with a cut above his eye following a defeat to Arsenal in 2003. It later transpired United manager Sir Alex Ferguson had kicked a boot in frustration and it struck Beckham, who went on to join Real Madrid later that year.
Ends long Madrid title wait
Despite playing a prominent role in Madrid's 'galactico' era alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, it was not until Beckham's fourth and final season at the Bernabeu he finally won LaLiga. It came in heroic fashion as, after a spell out of the side following a disagreement with manager Fabio Capello, he was recalled to play a pivotal role in the run-in.
100th cap
Beckham became just the fifth player to earn 100 England caps when he featured against France in Paris in 2008. The last of his 115 international appearances came in 2009.
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Emotional final appearance
After playing 724 games in a professional career that also included spells at Preston, Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris St Germain, Beckham broke down in tears as he made his final outing for the French side against Brest in May 2013.
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I think it will be very similar."But considering everything that's on the line, this has to be one of the biggest games in Shelbourne's history, right?O'Brien smiled as that pesky 'outside noise' tried to infiltrate Shelbourne ranks again, but said: 'I suppose it is when you step away and think about what's at stake.'But as manager and players, you don't wake up every minute of the day thinking, 'Jesus, this is the biggest game we've ever played!'You wouldn't be able to play. That's not what it's about. It's about focusing on your performance, focusing on what has got us to where we are. Our performance in Europe has been really, really good. It's about implementing that tonight and having no regrets after the game.' WHERE IS THE GAME BEING PLAYED? Tolka Park is the venue for this Europa Conference League playoff round, first-leg. The second-leg will take place at Windsor Park in Belfast next Thursday, August 28. WHAT TIME IS KICK-OFF? 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