AS THE only English player to win four league titles across four countries, David Beckham really is in a league of his own when it comes to The Beautiful Game.
Now the former England captain and second most capped English player ever is set to embark on a new 'unique journey' as he visits local people in some of planet Earth’s remotest locations. The former Manchester United star will traverse difficult and often dangerous terrain to play a seven-a-side or eleven-a-side match with two teams drawn from the local community, showcasing the inimitable global appeal of football.
I have seen the transformational effect that sport, and in particular football, has on people’s lives...
Jointly commissioned by BBC Worldwide and Big Earth Productions, the 90 minute film project will follow Becks as he journeys to the unexplored jungles of Papua New Guinea, foothills of Nepal, streets of Buenos Aires, desert plains of Djibouti, Miami’s metropolis and, most exigent of all, Antarctica’s frozen wastelands; seeking to discover how the game links disparate communes internationally.
Beyond the pitch, he will explore the lives of those for whom survival is a daily struggle and, conversely, the talented players who make it into big league luxury.
The UNICEF UK ambassador comes full circle, capping off the journey at Old Trafford - where he launched his illustrious career - to play a final charity match against a host of fellow footballing legends (including Zinedine Zidane) on Saturday 14 November.
David Beckham visits Cambodia for UNICEFDavid Beckham says: “I remember sitting on a plane and discussing this idea with friends and never thinking it would become a reality. I’m genuinely excited now we can realise this ambitious idea.
"Whether as a player or out in the field for UNICEF and other charitable partners, I have seen the transformational effect that sport, and in particular football, has on people’s lives. This epic journey will allow me to show the positive side of the game I love and shine a light on the passion and selflessness of people that play this sport as a force for good”.
Suzanne McKenna, Commercial Director of Factual Content at BBC Worldwide, says: “David Beckham has an incredible ability to connect with people globally through his love of football and we’re thrilled to work with him again on this unique and inspiring event. From the remotest corners of the earth to its great metropolises, football has the power to bring people together and this shared passion will resonate with audiences everywhere.”
The documentary will air on BBC1 sometime next year.
