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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Jim van Wijk

David Beckham’s rollercoaster journey from Leyton Orient trial to a knighthood

David Beckham applauds Manchester United fans at Old Trafford (Martin Rickett/PA). - (PA Archive)

Being knighted would have seemed little more than a distant dream for David Beckham when he used to earn £10 a shift collecting glasses at Walthamstow dog track.

Telling the aspiring young footballer he would go on to play for Manchester United and Real Madrid, captain England, marry a pop star and become one of the most recognisable faces on the planet, fronting global brands, might well have seemed just as far-fetched.

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