David Beckham revealed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony that a Manchester United icon is “one of the reasons” why his middle name is Robert.
The Inter Miami co-owner and president’s senior playing career began at Old Trafford and it was where Beckham shot to superstardom on the world stage.
During his prolific playing career at United, Red Devils legend Beckham captured six Premier League titles, a Champions League and two FA Cups.
Beckham, who was the subject of a recent Netflix documentary, went on to play for Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain before retiring in 2013.
Despite seeing Sir Alex Ferguson as a ‘father figure,’ Beckham has candidly admitted that another iconic figure from United’s long history was influential in his life.
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Beckham on Sir Bobby Charlton’s influence
Beckham on Monday was in Paris for the Ballon d’Or ceremony and presented Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi with France Football’s sought-after prize.
During his time on stage at the Theatre du Chatelet, Beckham paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton following the legendary former United player’s passing.
“He was my dad’s hero. It’s one of the reasons why my middle name is Robert after Sir Bobby,” he said.
“So, he’s very special in our household. He’s very special around the world and we’ll miss him dearly.
“We send our love and thoughts to Lady Norma [Charlton], to his daughters and to his grandchildren. And he will be missed greatly by the footballing world.”
Charlton played key part in Beckham’s arrival at United
Charlton sadly passed away this month at the age of 86, with United subsequently mourning his death with fitting tributes in their recent run of fixtures.
Beckham previously admitted that the 1966 World Cup winner played an essential role in ensuring his place at United after being part of Charlton’s sports school.
The 48-year-old former England captain echoed his high praise for a “special” figure like Charlton during his fitting tribute at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
“I probably don’t have to tell this room how special Sir Bobby was to the world of football,” Beckham said (via BBC Sport).
“He was respected on the field for what he won but was respected even more off the field for what he stood for.
“He will be missed. When we looked up into the stands, he would always be there cheering us on.
“He started it off for me. If it was not for Sir Bobby turning around to Manchester United and saying, ‘Watch this young man,’ I probably would not have played for Manchester United.
“I owe him everything.”