David Beckham, soccer legend, was the subject of an Emmy award-winning Netflix documentary titled “Beckham,” which took fans on a journey behind the scenes of one of the most polarizing athletes of the century. Despite the success of the documentary, Beckham revealed that he “hated almost every moment of making it,” as it made him and his wife nervous. The decision to create the documentary came after Beckham’s retirement, as he was not ready to discuss his career at the time, and the pandemic had led to a surge in the popularity of documentaries. The documentary delved into Beckham’s personal life, his family, and his legendary soccer career, starting at Manchester United and ending with Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, as well as his international games with England.
The four-part series explored Beckham’s trials and tribulations, both personally and professionally, and required the right director to portray his story accurately. Beckham chose Fisher Stevens as the director, who was recommended by Leonardo DiCaprio. Beckham wanted someone who would not sugarcoat his life’s journey and would present it in a raw and authentic way. Although Beckham felt uncomfortable reliving tough personal moments and traumatizing times on the pitch during the documentary, he believed it was necessary to create a compelling narrative. Despite some criticism for overlooking Beckham’s rumored affair with his former assistant Rebecca Loos, the documentary was well-received by fans and critics.
Beckham did not see the finished product of the documentary until it was released, as he wanted Stevens to have full control over the editing process. He did not interfere with the creative direction or the content of the documentary, allowing Stevens to craft the narrative as he saw fit. Beckham’s decision to trust the director’s vision ultimately paid off, as both he and his wife loved the final results. The critical acclaim and positive reception of the documentary further cemented its success. Studio 99, Beckham’s production company, is currently working on another untitled documentary with Netflix that will focus on his wife Victoria’s life.
Despite initially hating the process of making the documentary, Beckham’s decision to open up about his personal and professional journey on camera proved to be a rewarding experience. By allowing himself to feel uncomfortable and vulnerable, Beckham was able to create a compelling narrative that resonated with audiences around the world. The documentary not only shed light on Beckham’s career highlights but also explored the challenges and setbacks he faced along the way. Through his honesty and authenticity, Beckham was able to connect with viewers on a deeper level, showcasing the human side of a sports legend. Ultimately, “Beckham” served as a testament to Beckham’s resilience, determination, and unwavering passion for the game of soccer.
