David Beckham was courtside in Berlin on Monday night as Spain edged past France 2-1 to reach the Euro 2024 final.
What happened in Berlin?
Spain beat France 2-1 in the Euro 2024 semi-final at the Olympiastadion on 9 July 2024. Rodri opened the scoring in the 47th minute before Mikel Oyarzabal doubled the lead in the 80th. Randal Kolo Muani pulled one back for France in stoppage time, but Spain held on.
Beckham, 49, was seen clapping and smiling from the stands as La Roja booked their spot in Sunday’s final. The former England captain has kept a low public profile since retiring in 2013, making his presence at a major tournament a talking point.
Why it matters for David Beckham
The ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star has long been a global ambassador for the game. His appearance at Euro 2024—even as a fan—highlights his enduring connection to football’s biggest stages. Beckham’s last major tournament as a player was the 2010 World Cup, so watching Spain’s young side progress under Luis de la Fuente carried extra weight.
Spain’s route to the final has drawn comparisons to Beckham’s own 2008 Euro-winning Spain side. Though he wasn’t on the pitch this time, his presence in the stands underscored the continuity of Spain’s footballing philosophy.
What comes next for Spain—and Beckham?
Spain now face England or the Netherlands in the Euro 2024 final on 14 July 2024 in Berlin. A win would cap a dominant tournament for La Roja, who have conceded just twice in six games so far.
Beckham’s next move remains unclear. He’s based in Miami but keeps popping up at elite events—from NFL games to Wimbledon finals. His next football outing could come anytime, given his status as a global icon.