England icon David Beckham is celebrated for his pin-point crosses and celebrity status, but a former Real Madrid colleague has revealed the unseen dedication that truly defined his time in Spain.
The Ultimate Team Player
Brazilian defensive legend Roberto Carlos, who shared the pitch with Beckham at the Bernabéu, has named the recently-knighted Englishman as the finest team-mate he played alongside during his illustrious career. Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Carlos emphasised that the public never witnessed the full extent of Beckham's commitment.
Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003 as part of the famed Galacticos project, leaving Manchester United behind. While his spell in the Spanish capital yielded a La Liga title in 2007 and a Spanish Super Cup, it is his attitude in training and matches that left a lasting impression on his peers.
"Beckham, of course Beckham," stated Carlos when asked to name his best colleague. "Zidane was top. But David Beckham was a close friend of mine and a role model. The best in training and the best during games."
What the Cameras Missed
Carlos painted a picture of a player whose value extended far beyond set-pieces and assists. He described Beckham's relentless engine and selfless approach, attributes not always captured by television broadcasts.
"Running all the time and making incredible passes. He played with all his heart," Carlos recalled. "No matter what people say about Ronaldo, Zidane, Raul, Luis Figo, in the four years of the Galacticos, in my opinion Beckham was the most consistent and the best."
The Brazilian explained the crucial difference he observed: Beckham played for the collective, not for personal glory. "Beckham was for the team. He would attack and defend. He would pass. He did everything the team needed. Things that the public didn't see but we as a team on the pitch saw all these attributes."
A Legacy of Professionalism
This team-first mentality earned Beckham immense respect within the dressing room. Carlos highlighted that Beckham's focus was always on the club and his team-mates, a quality he holds in the highest regard.
"He was very special. Beckham didn't play for the fans. He played for Real Madrid. For his team-mates, to win. That is what we value the most," Carlos added. "That was the difference between him and other players. He thought about the team while others just played for themselves."
Now an ambassador for Real Madrid, Carlos revealed that he actively promotes the same professional ethos that Beckham exemplified. "I travel around the world to represent it," he said of his ambassadorial role. "We also teach academy players and new first-team players to understand what Real Madrid is."
His final assessment of Beckham's time at the club was unequivocal: "Having Beckham at Real Madrid with his quality, his footwork, his assists, his free kicks was just spectacular. For me, he was very complete."
