DAVID Beckham opened up to Prince William about his own mental health struggles as he spoke about his “toughest year”.
The 38-year-old royal is hoping to broaden the discussion surrounding mental health within the football industry, and chatted with current and former players as part of his long-running Head’s Up campaign.
Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy
6
David Beckham opened up in a video chat with Prince William
In the video call, which has been shared online, the Duke of Cambridge spoke to former England captain David, England Women’s captain Steph Houghton, Aston Villa player Tyrone Mings, Crystal Palace’s Andros Townsend and Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Becks, 45, shared a snippet from the conversation to his social media page, where he reflected on getting sent off during a World Cup match against Argentina in 1998 -when he was just 23.
He said: “When I look back on it now, I didn’t realise how hard it was but I just remember the times where I faced adversity throughout my career, ‘98 was by far the toughest.
“Once you’re on the field, you have to mentally prepare for that, you have to really understand that yes, you have your teammates, but that doesn’t make you stop thinking ‘what are they saying about me in the crowds?’
6
The Duke of Cambridge spoke to football stars as part of his long-running Head’s Up campaign
6
The video chat has been shared online
“I think I went through that at a very young age. I made a mistake, you know, I made a mistake in ‘98 and the reaction at the time was pretty brutal.
“I was constantly criticised on the pitch verbally. But like I said at the start of this, times have changed. If social media was around when I was going through that time in ‘98, it would have been a whole different story.”
David went on to reveal that his club manager Sir Alex Ferguson supported him off the pitch – and that he wouldn’t have asked for help because it was a “different era”.
He explained: “I was lucky. I had a support system within Manchester United and the manager and obviously family, but did I feel at the time it was okay to ask someone and say: ‘I need help’? I would say no.
6
David was sent off during the 1998 World Cup match against ArgentinaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
6
He admitted that it was a ‘different era’ – and he wouldn’t have asked for help at the timeCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“It was a different era and I just felt I had to keep it all in and deal with it myself.”
David is now dad to 21-year-old Brooklyn, 17-year-old Romeo, 15-year-old Cruz, and nine-year-old Harper – and constantly “preaches” to his children about speaking about their feelings.
He said: “I’m the one who is preaching to my kids and also other kids that I talk to out there that it’s really important to talk, it’s really important to say if you’re not okay.
6
He said he now ‘preaches’ to his four children to speak about their feelingsCredit: Refer to Caption
David Beckham celebrates 45th birthday with Victoria, presents wrapped with his own face and bacon sarnie
“We all know now it’s okay not to be okay and it’s okay to say that, it’s okay to come out and say ‘I need help’.”
Posting a clip from the discussion to Instagram, David added in the caption: “Over the years I’ve learned that to play at your best, mental well-being is just as important as physical fitness.
“As a new club owner I want our players and staff to feel able to ask for help when they need it. Thankfully times are changing and we need everyone in football to know that it’s ok to be open when they feel pressure and need support.
“Thank you to the Duke of Cambridge for inviting me to join this important conversation ahead of the Heads Up FA Cup final this weekend. @kensingtonroyal #HeadsUp”.
News
George and Charlotte will walk behind the casket: Prince, nine, and his seven-year-old sister are set to appear at Queen’s funeral after William and Kate thought ‘long and hard’ about whether they should attend
George and Charlotte will walk behind the casket: Prince, nine, and his seven-year-old sister are set to appear at Queen’s funeral after William and Kate thought ‘long…
David Beckham was anxious when a female fan kept lurking around his house and left thre@ts to att@ck his wife and children… Harper was so scared she didn’t dare go to school for a week (video)
According to the Daily Mail on July 13, David Beckham is extremely angry and helpless because of a stalker. The woman named Sharon Bell, 58 years old,…
David Beckham planned to achieve a new title by continuously currying favor with King Charles, even if it meant betr@ying his friendship with Prince Harry (video)
David and Victoria Beckham are said to be hoping to gain new titles after teaming up with King Charles, it has been claimed. The celebrity couple have…
Where Is Princess Diana Buried? All About Her Oval Lake Grave at Althorp
Princess Diana’s brother Charles Spencer has called the late royal’s private grave at Althorp Estate “tranquil” An aerial view of the burial site of Diana, Princess of…
Princess Diana’s Siblings: Everything to Know About Her Brother and Sisters
Princess Diana grew up with older sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes and younger brother Charles Spencer Diana Princess of Wales with her sisters Lady…
Princess Diana Wore Philadelphia Eagles Jacket to Show She Was ‘With It’ as a Young Mom, Bodyguard Says
The late Princess of Wales’ unexpected fashion statement is the focus of a special segment heading to ESPN — and PEOPLE has an exclusive sneak peek Princess…
End of content
No more pages to load