David Beckham's brilliant career in pictures

After 21 incredible years on the soccer field, David Beckham has announced he is hanging up his boots for good.

David, 38, said he wanted to retire while he was still at the top of his game, and said he never could have dreamed he would become so successful.

David’s wife Victoria paid tribute to her famous husband, declaring him an “inspiration” to millions.

“The children and I are so proud of David. It’s been an incredible journey for us all. We are all excited about the next chapter in our lives and the adventures we will explore as a family.”

David Beckham has announced his retirement from professional football.

A baby-faced Beckham playing for Manchester United Youth in 1993.

Beckham celebrating a goal for Manchester United in 1996.

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Beckham with the FA Cup in 1997.

Beckham celebrating at goal at the 1998 Soccer World Cup.

With new fiancee Victoria Adams in 1998.

Playing for Manchester United in 1998.

With the European Cup in 1999.

Beckham after a UEFA Champions League match in 1999.

David and Victoria in 1999.

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These pictures prove that Home and Away sweethearts Luke Mitchell and Rebecca Breeds are the soap’s biggest success story

On the field with son Brooklyn in 2000.

Beckham in 2000.

Beckham celebrates after a win for Manchester United in 2000.

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Beckham at a press conference in 2001.

Showing off platinum locks in the Champions League in 2002.

Beckham with the FA Cup in 2003.

After signing with Real Madrid in 2003.

“I would give up every gold medal I’ve ever won to have a child”: Ariarne Titmus sheds light on her ovarian tumour surgery

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These pictures prove that Home and Away sweethearts Luke Mitchell and Rebecca Breeds are the soap’s biggest success story

With plaited cornrows in 2003.

Playing for Real Madrid in 2004.

Beckham for Real Madrid in 2007.

Playing for the LA Galaxy after his move Stateside in 2008.

Playing for the LA Galaxy in 2008.

Playing for AC Milan in the UEFA Cup in 2009.

Playing for the LA Galaxy in 2011.

“I would give up every gold medal I’ve ever won to have a child”: Ariarne Titmus sheds light on her ovarian tumour surgery

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

These pictures prove that Home and Away sweethearts Luke Mitchell and Rebecca Breeds are the soap’s biggest success story

Beckham’s first training session with Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2013.

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“I would give up every gold medal I’ve ever won to have a child”: Ariarne Titmus sheds light on her ovarian tumour surgery

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Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

David Beckham has announced his retirement from professional football.

A baby-faced Beckham playing for Manchester United Youth in 1993.

Beckham celebrating a goal for Manchester United in 1996.

Beckham in his England gear in 1997.

Beckham with the FA Cup in 1997.

Beckham celebrating at goal at the 1998 Soccer World Cup.

With new fiancee Victoria Adams in 1998.

Playing for Manchester United in 1998.

With the European Cup in 1999.

Beckham after a UEFA Champions League match in 1999.

David and Victoria in 1999.

David Beckham in 1999.

On the field with son Brooklyn in 2000.

Beckham in 2000.

Beckham celebrates after a win for Manchester United in 2000.

Beckham at a press conference in 2001.

Showing off platinum locks in the Champions League in 2002.

Beckham with the FA Cup in 2003.

After signing with Real Madrid in 2003.

Showing off his impressive physique in 2003.

With plaited cornrows in 2003.

Playing for Real Madrid in 2004.

Beckham for Real Madrid in 2007.

Playing for the LA Galaxy after his move Stateside in 2008.

Playing for the LA Galaxy in 2008.

Playing for AC Milan in the UEFA Cup in 2009.

Playing for the LA Galaxy in 2011.

Looking dapper in 2012.

Beckham’s first training session with Paris Saint-Germain FC in 2013.

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