David Beckham marked 25 years of his historic goal in 2002 that sent England to the World Cup.
The Manchester United superstar came to the Three Lions’ rescue in the 93rd minute as they trailed 2-1 at Old Trafford on October 6, 2001.
The Three Lions’ FIFA World Cup 2002 qualifier against Greece was already a highly charged match-up.
Sven-Göran Eriksson's side knew a victory would guarantee top spot in Group 9, but with Germany also dropping points against Finland, a draw would be enough to seal their place at the tournament. A defeat, on the other hand, would mean the play-offs.
Greece twice took the lead, first through Angelos Charisteas before Teddy Sheringham levelled for England shortly after coming off the bench.
When Nikolaidis restored the visitors' advantage in the 69th minute, the pressure was suddenly immense.
England were running out of time and, as the minutes ticked away, Sheringham was fouled and the set-piece was in Beckham territory.
“Will Beckham have another attempt at goal?” asked the commentator, with the Three Lions trailing 2-1. “Beckham could raise the roof here, with a goal.”
Up stepped Beckham, striking the ball perfectly as his free-kick curled over the wall and beyond the reach of Greek goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis.
David Beckham remembers his iconic free-kick on 25th anniversary
Taking to social media on Tuesday, the Inter Miami founder remembered his historic goal to mark 25 years.
He wrote on Instagram, “It’s 25 years since my free kick against Greece but I can still remember everything like it was yesterday… the buzz around Old Trafford as I placed the ball down… the feeling of the ball leaving my foot… that second of silence before it hit the back of the net… the faces looking out from the crowd as we all celebrated together. Brilliant memories… a goal that is as special to me now as it was then.”
Beckham was knighted later down the line, in 2025, and that goal against Greece was immortalised.
