David Beckham commemorates 25th anniversary of historic goal against Greece

On October 6, 2026, football icon David Beckham commemorated the 25th anniversary of his decisive performance for the England national team against Greece. The event marks exactly a quarter-century since the 2001 World Cup qualifying match at Old Trafford, where Beckham scored a dramatic free-kick to secure a 2-2 draw for England.

In an Instagram post, the former captain shared footage from his final training session on October 5, 2001, just 24 hours before the historic match. He noted that despite missing approximately eight attempts during practice, his final strike landed perfectly in the top left corner, a feat he replicated during the match against the Greek national team. This specific goal was the defining moment that guaranteed England's qualification for the 2002 World Cup.

Beckham described the event as an unforgettable experience in his professional career and a standout highlight for English football history. The reflection serves as a nostalgic look back at one of the most significant games for the Three Lions during that era, solidifying the midfielder's status for his role in securing the team's path to the tournament.