David Beckham Opens Up About How His ‘Tiring’ OCD Affects Him and His Family

The retired athlete’s life will be the subject of an upcoming Netflix documentary

David Beckham

David Beckham. PHOTO: GOTHAM/GC IMAGES

David Beckham is opening up about the “tiring” ways his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) affects his family.

In an upcoming Netflix documentary chronicling the soccer star’s career, the Guardian reported that Beckham, 47, said he stays up hours after his family sleeps to clean detailed parts of their home.

“The fact that when everyone’s in bed, I then go around, clean the candles, turn the lights on to the right setting, make sure everywhere is tidy. I hate coming down in the morning and there’s cups and plates and, you know, bowls,” Beckham said, per the outlet.

Beckham revealed that his “pet hate” is lingering candle wax. “I clip the candle wax, I clean the glass, that’s my pet hate, the smoke around the inside of a candle,” he shared. “I know, it’s weird.”

Victoria Beckham Teases Husband David After Twinning in Head-to-Toe Denim: ‘I Got Dressed First’

According to the Guardian, Beckham pondered whether or not his wife Victoria appreciates the results of his disorder.

“I clean it so well, I’m not sure it’s actually appreciated so much by my wife, in all honesty,” Beckham said as the Netflix cameras rolled.

David and Victoria Beckham attend the Kent & Curwen presentation during London Fashion Week Men's January 2019 at Two Temple Place on January 6, 2019 in London, England.

David and Victoria Beckham. DARREN GERRISH/DARREN GERRISH/WIREIMAGE

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 outlet reported that Victoria, 49, told the production crew that her husband is “appreciated” and “just so perfect” after the athlete shared his concern.

The pair — who have been married since 1999 — are parents to sons Brooklyn, 23, Romeo, 20, and Cruz, 17, and 11-year-old daughter Harper.

Beckham also said he “feels compelled” to do the tedious chores, despite how “tiring” they can be for him.

Peyton Manning Says David Beckham Can Throw a Spiral: ‘I Was Very Impressed’

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to the International OCD Foundation, occurs “when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions” that can trigger intrusive thoughts or actions.

Beckham confirmed his upcoming documentary on Netflix in an Instagram post last summer.

“I’m excited to confirm that I am partnering with @Netflix on a documentary series about my life and career,” he wrote. “The series will feature unseen archive, untold stories as well as interviews with the people who have been a part of my journey.”

Related Posts

💔 “She Just Wants Her Daddy Home…” 💔 Strictly’s Gemma Atkinson has opened up about the heartbreaking toll long distance is taking on their 6-year-old daughter, Mia.

Gemma Atkinson and her fiancé Gorka Marquez have opened up about how their daughter, Mia, copes with their long-distance relationship. Ever since they met on the 2017…

🎤💛 THE MOMENT THAT STOPPED THE NATION 💛🎤 Children In Need 2025 delivered pure magic when Tom Fletcher’s 11-year-old son Buzz stepped up for an emotional duet that left viewers — and Tom — in tears. As the telethon soared past £45 million, Buzz’s brave, heartfelt performance became the night’s defining highlight… and Britain hasn’t stopped talking about it since.

Tom Fletcher and his 11-year-old son Buzz delivered one of the most emotional moments of this year’s Children In Need, stunning millions of viewers with a father-son…

“PLEASE STOP! If you knew the real reason why I did this, you’d regret ever doing that to me!” Charlene White broke down in tears as she revealed the TRUE reason she refused to wear a poppy on Loose Women! Unable to endure the wave of criticism and calls for her removal from television any longer, Charlene decided to speak up and bring everything to light — and what she revealed left fans exclaiming: “UNBELIEVABLE!”

Charlene White has revealed she has been left in tears over ‘horrific abuse’ from online trolls. The Loose Women presenter, 40, told how she has been targeted by vicious…

End of an Era! Strictly Shock: Alex Jones to Replace Tess and Claudia After Their Exit Bombshell – and She’ll Co-Host with Another TV Star!

According to The Sun, Alex, best known for fronting The One Show for 15 years, is “in talks” to co-host the BBC dance competition alongside The Chase favourite Bradley Walsh. Insiders say…

Radio legend Chris Evans revealed his skin cancer battle live on air — just weeks after saying goodbye to his father and standing by his mother through chemotherapy.

The emotional revelation turned an ordinary broadcast into a raw and deeply human moment that left listeners in tears.  “It’s Been One Blow After Another” Health update:…

LOOSE WOMEN’S SUE CLEAVER BREAKS SILENCE ON EXPLOSIVE ‘CATFIGHTS’ AND MAJOR FALLOUT WITH DENISE WELCH Sue Cleaver is finally addressing the rumors swirling around the Loose Women set, opening up about her alleged ‘catfights’ and a massive fallout with co-star Denise Welch. In a candid revelation, Cleaver sets the record straight on what really happened behind the scenes—and whether the rift has healed. What sparked the drama, and is there hope for reconciliation? Here’s what fans need to know about the shocking feud.

Coronation Street legend and Loose Women star Sue Cleaver addresses the ‘depressing’ talk of co-star feuds, as well as her Corrie exit and search for new horizons…