David Beckham sidekicks: 6 football icons in the Netflix docuseries who’ve been Becks’ besties through the years, from his Manchester United days to meeting Victoria Beckham and World Cup turmoil

Oct 20 , 2023

Beckham, a four-part Netflix docuseries, explores the legendary midfielder’s life and career, including the close friendships forged with his Manchester United teammates. Photo: Getty Images

Netflix docuseries Beckham explores the legendary football player’s life and career, with former teammates including Eric Cantona, Gary Neville and Roy Keane sharing their recollections

Through the highs of superstardom and falling in love with Victoria, and the lows of experiencing public hate and being accused of infidelity, Becks counted on the support of fellow Man U players

Beckham, the Netflix limited documentary series about the legendary footballer and his family, quickly made its mark on the streaming charts, racking up to 12.4 million views during its first week in Netflix’s English-language category. The four-part series delves into David Beckham’s childhood, his Manchester United fame and his personal life, including the highs and lows in his relationship with his wife, Victoria Beckham.

Mia Regan, Romeo Beckham, Cruz Beckham, Harper Beckham, David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Brooklyn Peltz-Beckham and Nicola Peltz-Beckham attend the Beckham docuseries premiere in London, Britain, on October 3. Photo: EPA-EFE

Since the release of the docuseries, Beckham has seen his social media following soar by more than half a million as new insights have been revealed about his relationships, both on and off the field. The show also features commentary from teammates over the years, exploring the firm bonds Beckham developed with them.

Here’s an inside look into his friendships with six icons who not only played alongside him, but also defended him as he faced some of the toughest moments in his life.

1. Gary Neville

David Beckham’s former teammate Gary Neville is an executive producer of the new docuseries. Photo: EPA-EFE

The deep friendship between Gary Neville, 48, and Beckham, 48, is well-known in football circles. Neville played for Manchester United between 1992 and 2011, while Beckham played for the team between 1992 and 2003. The two have often referred to each other as brothers who came through the ranks together, and they bonded while sharing a room during away games. Their friendship is so strong that Neville stood beside Becks as his best man when he married Victoria, 49, back in 1999.

Pictured here in 2005, Gary Neville overlapped with David Beckham during the whole of the legendary midfielder’s Man U career. Photo: EPA

Now, decades later, the Netflix docuseries has revealed even more insights into the extent of their friendship, with Neville describing key moments in Becks’ career. Commenting on the furious backlash that Beckham experienced in the aftermath of the England vs Argentina World Cup match in 1998, which saw Becks sent off the field, Neville said the British “wanted blood”. He also spoke about how the hate towards Beckham in future games was a “test of character” for the football star. But Becks endured and, during one game, Neville remembers turning to his pal and realising that Beckham had become a leader and was “inspiring”.