David Beckham Reflects on His Iconic 2000 Buzz Cut: ‘Never Did It to Create Attention’

“I said to [my hair stylist], ‘I’m gonna cut my hair’ and he was like, ‘Are you sure? You really want to do that?,’ ” Beckham recalls in his new Netflix doc

David Beckham Reflects on His Iconic 2000 Buzz Cut

Photo: Mike Marsland/WireImage; Dave Hogan/Hulton Archive/Getty

David Beckham is getting candid about one of his most buzzed about hair changes.

The Netflix docuseries Beckham delved into several parts of the former soccer player’s life — including the dramatic story of what happened behind the scenes when he got a buzz cut in 2000.

“I had a hairdresser at the time called Tyler. I said to him, ‘I’m gonna cut my hair’ and he was like, ‘Are you sure? You really want to do that?,’ ” Beckham explained in the third episode of the docuseries.

He said his Manchester United Coach Sir Alex Ferguson confronted him about the change ahead of their match against Leicester City in March 2000. “And [Ferguson] said, ‘David take the cap off.’ And I said, ‘No.’”

David Beckham Was ‘So Open’ to Telling His Full Life Story for Netflix Doc, Says Director (Exclusive)

“Stubbornness,” Ferguson recalled. “And then I said, ‘Oh well.’”

When Beckham debuted his new buzz cut on the field during the game, the commenters noted, “the blonde locks have gone” and “the sight of the skinhead will take a bit of getting used to.”

 David Beckham

David Beckham of Manchester United in action during the FA Carling Premiership match against Leeds United at Old Trafford in Manchester, England.Shaun Botterill /Allsport

Though the former soccer player noted: “I never did it to create attention. I’m not that person.”

Despite his intentions, the new hairdo — along with his continued success on the field — drew lots of attention from his fans across the U.K. Hundreds of fans wanted to see his new look for the first time and footage showed them standing in long lines for an autograph.

Victoria Beckham on the ‘Hardest Period’ in Her Marriage to David: ‘The Most Unhappy I’ve Ever Been’

“When David Beckham shaved his head, I honestly thought a member of my family had died. Because my phone went off.” said James Clarke, a Manchester paparazzi. “The panic in people’s voices that this… We haven’t got it documented yet.”

He noted that it became a huge pop culture moment in the U.K., as other men and even his young fans were hoping to become just like him.

“Literally kids, ‘I want to be David Beckham, I want to shave my head. And schools were having to write in, ‘No shaving of heads,’ “ Clarke said.

David Beckham June 12, 2000, Eindhoven, Netherlands

Sandra Behne/Bongarts/Getty

Victoria Beckham, 49, recalled in the docuseries that her husband shaving his head was a moment where he “starts going from a boy to a man.”

“And it’s only natural that you’ll start flexing your muscles right? And don’t all kids rebel against their parents?,” she said, alluding to Sir Alex’s role as Beckham’s secondary father figure.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The full docuseries goes over the legendary athlete’s story, which is broken into four parts and told through varying perspectives. It also includes interviews with his parents, former teammates and Ferguson.

“He was so open,” said director Fisher Stevens about Beckham. “He’s like, ‘I’m ready. I want to tell my story before someone else does.’ And then I started doing research and I was like, ‘Jesus, this guy’s life is nuts. Nuts.’ I had no idea.”

Beckham is now streaming on Netflix.

Related Posts

EXCLUSIVE: Ruth Langsford saw different side to Strictly’s Anton Du Beke after ‘bursting into tears’

Ruth Langsford has opened up about her time on Strictly Come Dancing, admitting that she often felt ‘really rubbish’ and would ‘always burst into tears’ behind-the-scenes View…

Coleen Nolan feels ‘like an 18-year-old’ in candid love life update

Loose Women legend Coleen Nolan has said that she she feels “like an 18-year-old” as she provided a candid love life update on Tuesday’s edition of the…

At 75, King Charles Finally Breaks Silence and Confirms the Dark Secret That Has Haunted the British Monarchy for Decades

King Charles III, now 75, has finally confirmed a secret surrounding the British monarchy that has long been whispered but never openly acknowledged. This moving confession offers…

Lou Teasdale addresses feud with Caroline Flack’s mum – ‘A lot of fingers get pointed’

Celebrity make-up artist, Lou Teasdale, sat down for a candid conversation with Paul C Brunson about her life, career and her best friend Caroline Flack’s suicide in…

10 MINUTES AGO! Princess Anne Finally Reveals Late Queen’s Secret Decree: Princess Catherine’s NEW ROLE Stuns the King and Queen Consort

The British monarchy, steeped in tradition, occasionally faces moments that reshape its future. In a stunning revelation, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, has disclosed a previously hidden…

Coronation Street star Alan Halsall, 42, goes public with MUCH younger girlfriend

Soap favourite Alan Halsall has shared a sweet picture with his new girlfriend and daughter as the Coronation Street star announces his “serious” new relationship Alan Halsall…