"You can't escape this by driving your expensive cars and going to your million-dollar villas."
This slogan became the symbol of the lynching campaign against David Beckham. Why was he so hated?
Beckham was the most prominent figure from Sir Alex Ferguson's famous Class of '92. He always stood out for his groomed appearance and aesthetics on the pitch: free-kick goals, pinpoint passes from distance.
The 1998 World Cup changed everything. He received a red card for a reckless kick at Diego Simeone against Argentina. England lost, and Beckham was blamed. He became the anti-hero.
His relationship with Victoria Adams, death threats, Ferguson's discontent. Suddenly, the nation's most beloved young man became its most criticized figure.
Beckham's greatness began here. In 1999, he won the treble with Manchester United. Then came the 2002 World Cup qualifier against Greece. England needed a draw to qualify but trailed 2-1 deep into stoppage time. A free kick was awarded.
Beckham stepped up. A stunning equalizer sent England to the World Cup. The commentator said: "Beckham, you can knight him."
Years later, those words came true: Beckham received a knighthood. Turning a nation's hatred into love is not something everyone can do. He is remembered not just as a footballer, but as a man who didn't break under pressure.
