If you grew up in the late 2000s in the UK like I did, chances are you had a teensy obsession with Posh and Becks, aka, David and Victoria Beckham. Of course, for most of my childhood, I was naturally much more interested in Posh’s Spice Girls career and the model’s ability to strut around the stage in six-inch heels. I mean, who would give a romance with a boy much thought when ‘Spice Up Your Life’ was on repeat? Then, of course, I grew up, and I switched my attention to trying to spend weekends in Cornwall or the Cotswolds, hoping that I would just mysteriously bump into the celebrity couple shopping for lampshades.
I mean, I couldn’t give a toss about football, unless we’re talking about the Lionesses of course, but there’s something about David Beckham that is undoubtedly kind of interesting. Potentially one of the most famous footballers in the world, Beckham’s always led a kind of low-key life. In many ways, for those of us outside of the sporting sphere, his relationship with Victoria has been the most interesting thing about him. No hate Becks, you’re just a bit meh.
Now, I’m happy to be proved wrong. And with Netflix having just dropped the tell-all documentary Beckham, it feels as though we might be able to get an itty-bitty peek behind the curtain. But, for all my Posh and Becks novices out there, let me first break down the basics for you.
This romantic story all started back in 1997. While Victoria was living her best life as a pop star, David was playing football for Manchester United. The pair locked eyes at a footie match, and the rest was history. According to Victoria, she was immediately drawn to David’s vibe, and the fact that, rather than standing at the bar drinking, he was stood to the side chatting with his family.
In an iconic Vogue article, where Victoria pens a letter to her 18-year-old self, the singer recalls: “Yes, love at first sight does exist. It will happen to you in the Manchester United players’ lounge—although you will get a little drunk, so exact details are hazy. You will see David standing aside with his family. (He’s not even in the first team at this—you are the famous one.) And he has such a cute smile. You, too, are close to your family, and you will think how similar he feels to you. He’s going to ask for your number.”
It was only a year later, in 1998, that the pair got engaged and wed in a stunning Irish castle. Fast forward a couple of decades later and four kids have popped out. The duo went from country to country, all due to David’s pretty hectic football career. Posh Spice naturally transitioned from pop star to fashion icon, and before you know it, David and Victoria were one of the most famous celebrity couples in the world.
From Tom Holland and Zendaya to Barack and Michelle Obama, I’ve lived through my fair share of power couples. Each one comes with a different unique selling point (USP). In Posh and Becks’ case, they found a way to portray to the public the absolutely perfect blend of star quality and utter relatability.
There’s a reason why everyone backs the Beckhams, even in their infuriating and stupid moments—Brooklyn, I’m looking at you babe—we all just seem to root for this famous family to succeed.
We got to watch Posh and Becks grow up together, go through horrifically bad haircuts, have a family, and continue to support one another as they transitioned into adulthood. I mean, for a lot of millennials, David and Victoria’s wedding was their version of the royal wedding. I think as well, it helped that the couple were always very open and honest about their struggles.
In fact, in the Beckham documentary, Victoria speaks candidly about how difficult times were when cheating allegations began circulating while David was playing for Real Madrid in 2003. The fashion designer stated: “Here’s the thing—we were against each other if I’m being completely honest. You know, up until Madrid, sometimes it felt like us against everybody else but we were together, we were connected, we had each other. But when we were in Spain, it didn’t really feel like we had each other either. And that’s sad. I can’t even begin to tell you how hard it was and how it affected me. It was a nightmare.”
David also shared his thoughts about the scandal: “There were some horrible stories which were difficult to deal with. It was the first time that me and Victoria had been put under that kind of pressure in our marriage.”
Enough with the drama, the question people actually want the answer to is: where do Victoria and David Beckham live? Well, that answer is actually quite long. Naturally, being the celebrity couple that they are, the Beckhams have multiple properties. Nice for some.
Their ‘home base’ is in Holland Park in Kensington, on the western edge of Central London. And for anyone who doesn’t know the area, it’s basically about the poshest place you could imagine. On top of their city mansion, they also own a skyscraper luxury flat in Miami and a sprawling country estate in the Cotswolds. I’m actually currently in the process of applying for Beckham adoption.
Last but not least, what should fans expect from the highly anticipated Beckham docuseries? Well, I was slightly disappointed to see so much actual football involved in the doc. However, thankfully this was saved by a rather in-depth look into David’s emotions and revelations that the public has never been privy to before.
For example, the footballer spoke at length about his struggles with his mental health throughout his career, and, as previously mentioned, how the affair allegations from the early 2000s impacted his marriage and mindset.
Overall, it’s a very interesting retrospective on someone who, despite being one of the most famous men in the world, has led a rather private life. I’ll give it to you Becks, you’ve done a good job with this one.