Niall Horan Recalls Anxious First Encounter with David Beckham
Former One Direction member Niall Horan has opened up about feeling incredibly nervous when meeting football icon David Beckham for the very first time. The singer, now 32, shared this personal anecdote during a recent appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, where he was joined by Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, alongside comedian Paddy McGuinness.
Beckham's Surprise Appearance at One Direction Concert
Horan revealed that Beckham, accompanied by his entire family, attended a One Direction concert at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles back in 2013. When asked by Scholes about the most famous footballer to ever attend a band performance, Horan immediately identified "Becks" as the standout guest.
"The whole family came to the gig," Horan recalled, adding that he was actively scanning the audience during the show to spot the England and Manchester United hero. "I was definitely looking for him. Becks has that... he's a f*****g handsome b*****d isn't he?" he joked during the podcast conversation.
Overcoming Initial Nervousness
Describing the actual meeting, Horan explained that Beckham visited the band before the concert to say hello. "We didn't know what to think. It was bonkers," Horan admitted. "He came in before the gig to say hello, and I've met him a few times since and he's such a nice fella, but you build it up in your head don't you? But you get there and he's just a lovely fella."
The singer's initial anxiety quickly dissipated as Beckham displayed his trademark charm and down-to-earth personality. Shortly after the concert, Horan took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his excitement, writing: "Met our footballing hero! Mr David beckham! He brought the boys and his little girl to see us! What a Nice Man! So courteous!"
Mutual Admiration Between Star and Football Legend
The admiration between Beckham and the band members appears to have been mutual. In 2015, Beckham sent One Direction a special video message where he lip-synched to their hit single 'Steal My Girl'. Later that same year, he congratulated the group on their fifth anniversary with a heartfelt tribute.
In the congratulatory clip, Beckham said: "Boys, what can I say? Five years and you've given so much to so many people. Unbelievably talented but more importantly unbelievable guys. Congratulations – five years of incredible moments." The band, formed on The X Factor in 2010 and featuring Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and the late Liam Payne, achieved global stardom before their split in January 2016.
Horan's Post-One Direction Career and Interests
Since the band's dissolution, Horan has pursued a successful solo music career while maintaining his passion for sports. The Irish star has been spotted at numerous football matches, including Liverpool's Premier League clash with Manchester United in October 2025.
Horan has also ventured into business partnerships related to his sporting interests. In 2024, he teamed up with Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group through his investment firm Greenbridge Ventures to purchase a franchise in the Technology Golf League. This new venture is spearheaded by golfing legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, with the franchise named Boston Common Golf.
Speaking about this business move, Horan stated: "Golf has been a lifelong passion of mine and I'm thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture alongside my investment group, Greenbridge Ventures, in partnership with Fenway Sports Group and Rory, who has been a long-time friend."
The story of Horan's nervous first meeting with Beckham highlights how even global celebrities can experience star-struck moments when encountering their personal heroes, and how genuine kindness can quickly turn anxiety into admiration.
