Is David Beckham Documentary True? Does It Cover Everything?

Soccer legend David Beckham is laying it bare in his new Netflix docuseries. He gets candid about the goal that defined his career, his decades-long relationship with Posh Spice, and even reflects on that red card.

Critics are lauding the series for painting a “gripping portrait of the birth of a celebrity brand,” per the Independent.

Beckham retired from his impressive sports career 10 years ago. “Beckham” celebrates his humble beginnings, relationships, and the highs and lows of stardom. Beckham called the series “a roller coaster of emotions.”

The Beckham documentary is generally accurate in depicting David Beckham and his life. It was produced in collaboration with David Beckham himself, and he was given complete editorial control.

Therefore, he had the final say on what was included in the documentary and what was left out. It is important to note that the documentary is from Beckham’s perspective. It is his story, and it is told in his own words. There is a good possibility that he has omitted or downplayed certain aspects of his life.

Significant Events Omitted From The Documentary

The documentary has met with criticism from a particular group of people who believe that the documentary is too sanitized and fails to explore some of the more controversial aspects of Beckham’s life.

One such controversy is Beckham’s involvement in the “Spice Boys” scandal. The “Spice Boys” represented a group of English footballers criticized in the late 1990s for celebrity lifestyles.

Beckham was a notable group member and faced his share of criticism for his flamboyant dress and marriage to Victoria Beckham.

The documentary indeed mentions the Spice Boys scandal briefly. However, it hardly explores its impact on Beckham’s career or personal life.

Disappointed viewers have expressed their views over not understanding Beckham’s personal life.

The documentary does a remarkable job of exploring the impact of the World Cup on David Beckham’s career and legacy. It further reflects on his popularity, how he was one of the most marketable players in the world, and how he helped raise the profile of English football.

However, the documentary fails to go into much detail about the controversies that surrounded Beckham’s World Cup appearances. It fails to explore the criticism that he received for his performances in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

Another event that has been the subject of some controversy is Beckham’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2003.

The transfer was one of the most expensive in football history and was seen as a significant coup for Real Madrid. The transfer was more controversial in England, as some people felt that Beckham was turning his back on his country by moving to Spain.

The documentary simply states that Beckham was offered a contract by Real Madrid and that he decided to accept it.

This has led some people to criticize the documentary for not providing a more balanced transfer account.

Beckham’s problematic Qatari deal doesn’t make the final cut either. For a squeaky-clean guy, one of Beckham’s biggest public missteps was being named the face of the Qatar World Cup in a deal worth $277 million.

The former England captain’s endorsements included a promotional film for Visit Qatar and serving as an ambassador for the country despite Qatar’s repressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights, its human rights record, and allegations of mistreatment of migrant workers.

Beckham’s decision was met with widespread backlash, given he previously worked alongside the LGBTQIA+ communities in the UK. This feels like an episode of his otherwise glittering career that is worth exploring, but Qatar-gate doesn’t make the final cut.

However, it is essential to remember that the documentary is told from Beckham’s perspective, and he may have omitted certain aspects of his life to present a positive image of himself.

Overall, the Beckham documentary is a well-crafted and informative film that provides a sneak into the life of one of the most popular and celebrated footballers of all time. However, one must remember that it is just a perspective on Beckham’s life and does not tell the whole story.

About Beckham

Beckham is a four-part mini documentary series that explores the life and career of one of the most famous and influential footballers of all time, David Beckham.

The documentary, directed by Fisher Stevens and produced by John Battsek, features never-before-seen footage and interviews with Beckham’s family, friends, and former colleagues.

It was released on Netflix on October 4, 2023.