Speaking on the `Beckham and Friends` watchalong show on Paramount+, David Beckham recently shared a surprising detail about his high-profile transfer from Manchester United in 2003. While watching the Champions League semifinals, Beckham recounted how his move to Real Madrid, a significant moment for both his career and English football as an England international moving to Spain`s biggest club, almost didn`t happen as planned.
Beckham revealed that upon being informed by Manchester United that he was to be sold, he was told his destination would initially be Barcelona. However, having always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, that wasn`t a move he was willing to accept. He made it clear to the club that if he was to be sold to a Spanish team, it absolutely had to be Real Madrid. Manchester United subsequently worked quickly to finalize the transfer, sending Beckham to Madrid in a move that is now etched in football history.
During his four seasons at Real Madrid, Beckham made 158 appearances, scoring 20 goals, and won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. He was a key figure in Real Madrid`s 2007 title win and remained instrumental for the England national team, participating in the 2004 European Championship and the 2006 World Cup. His career path could have been entirely different had that initial plan to sell him to Barcelona been accepted.
