David Beckham on Family, Victoria Doc, and DiCaprio’s Emmy Win Help

David Beckham’s compelling four-part documentary on Netflix has garnered an Emmy award, and he attributes some of that success to his connection with Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio. In a conversation, Beckham shared how he reached out to DiCaprio for guidance while seeking a director for his documentary, produced by his company, Studio 99.

“I was messaging with Leo, and I just asked for his advice,” Beckham, 49, recalled. At the time he was looking for a documentary director. DiCaprio recommended he meet Fisher Stevens. “The moment I met Fisher, I was like, ‘OK, this is the guy.’ I felt he would tell the story in a fresh and unexpected manner, and he certainly did.”

Fisher Stevens previously collaborated with DiCaprio on the 2016 documentary “Before the Flood.” Those familiar with the HBO series “Succession” might recognize Stevens from his role as Hugo Baker, a senior communications executive on the show.

Beckham humorously pointed out the connection between the show’s characters and his legacy with Manchester United, where he played from 1991 to 2003. He mentioned, “I actually think one of the members of ‘Succession’ was a Manchester United fan. Fisher had obviously talked with them and they said, ‘If you don’t do this, you’re stupid.’ That’s why everything fell into place.”

Beckham, who retired from soccer in 2013, admits he is “probably busier” now than during his playing career. His current endeavors include featuring with his wife Victoria in a Super Bowl ad for Uber Eats, co-owning two football clubs—including Inter Miami FC, which recently attracted soccer legend Lionel Messi to the team—and collaborating with Stella Artois on its “Moments Worth More” campaign.

The former soccer star found himself in New York at Cipriani in the Financial District for Stella’s “Let’s Do Dinner” event, combining celebrity with philanthropy. The event aimed to support Matt Damon’s nonprofit, Water.org, which has worked to provide access to clean water for over 70 million individuals in developing countries since its inception in 2009.

Damon emphasized Beckham’s global influence, calling him “a galactically-famous human being.” In reference to Beckham’s involvement, Damon stated, “Any help we can get to raise awareness is beneficial, and he’s a massive, massive help in that regard.”

Beckham shared his experiences with UNICEF, revealing, “I’ve traveled to many different places and seen children around the world without access to clean water. It’s something we often take for granted. I feel it’s crucial to give back whenever possible.”

He also expressed admiration for Damon, having met him on several occasions before the dinner. “I’ve always admired him as an actor and as a person,” Beckham stated, praising Damon’s character and family values.

As for family, Beckham regards his children as his and Victoria’s proudest achievements. He reflected on his upbringing in East London, noting, “I grew up in a working-class environment with parents who worked hard and two sisters who did the same.” He and Victoria have strived to instill similar values in their children.

“They could be different from who they are, but we feel very blessed,” Beckham said, speaking of his children Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper.

Romeo made a surprise appearance at the dinner, further showcasing the family’s close-knit nature. Beckham expressed pride in his children’s kindness, humility, and work ethic, stating, “That’s the biggest thing we are proud of.”

In addition to his achievements, Beckham and Victoria are also proud of their ongoing careers. Victoria’s journey will soon be highlighted in a forthcoming documentary produced by Beckham’s studio.

“Victoria is an incredibly hardworking woman. She has been building her fashion brand for nearly 18 years,” he mentioned. He recounted how she felt both excited and nervous about embarking on this documentary journey. Ultimately, Beckham believes their partnership with Netflix helped convince her to move forward.

“I want to illustrate the amount of effort she puts into her work and her involvement in every detail,” he explained. “It’s a completely different narrative than mine, focusing on both her entertainment journey and her business.” He is confident that audiences will appreciate it.

Source: USA Today