David Beckham

David Robert Joseph Beckham was born on the 2nd of May 1975, in Leytonstone, London, England, and if this was a movie commercial, I guess it would say: "He was born to be a soccer player!" - Because that is what he always wanted to be.

His talent was obvious at an early age, but talent alone is not enough, because the world is full of talented people who didn't become anything. But his father would make sure David's talent wasn't wasted, as he was doing a lot of practicing with his son, especially passing and crossing the ball - the very trademark of Beckham today: the pinpoint accurate crosses.

All this training was soon to pay off. In 1986, aged 11, David Beckham won a Bobby Charlton Soccer Skills Award. The trophy was presented at Old Trafford; a place that would later become like another home to David. Also included in the prize for winning the Soccer Skills Award was a trip to FC Barcelona to train with them for two weeks under Terry Venables, Barcelona’s coach at that time.

Strengths: An incredible crosser of the ball, Beckham has the ability to put the ball where he wants it and creates numerous scoring chances with his vision. He also boasts one of the deadliest free-kicks in the business.

Weaknesses: A lack of pace has hindered his impact somewhat at the highest level, but Beckham's real weakness is a hot-headed temperament which has seen him sent off for petulance in the past.

Career high: Captaining England and sealing their progress to the 2002 World Cup with a last-minute free-kick winner against Greece.

Career low: Being sent off for flicking out at Argentina's Diego Simeone at the 1998 World Cup and consequently becoming the subject of a nation's abuse for his behaviour. Missing out on the 2010 World Cup through injury was also a crushing blow.

Style: Hard working, unselfish, inspirational and a real team player.

Quotes: "The spotlight will always be on me, but it's something I'm learning to live with as the years go by." David Beckham, April 2009.

Trivia: Beckham holds the English appearance record for an outfield player, beating Bobby Moore's haul of 108 caps when he played against Slovakia in March 2009.