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

Max Verstappen Is Trapped at Red Bull – And the Exit Door May Be His Only Way Out.

At the halfway stage of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Red Bull Racing and Max Verstappen appear to be doing damage control to save their campaigns. Max…

In a stunning twist at Silverstone, Oscar Piastri was reportedly denied crucial help by McLaren, despite running in podium contention. The leaked radio transmission shows clear hesitation from the pit wall, fuelling speculation that internal politics or strategic favouritism may have cost the rookie a potential breakthrough moment in his F1 career.

Oscar Piastri’s Silverstone Shock: A Penalty, A Plea, and the Pressure That Changed Everything At the heart of motorsport’s most historic circuit, the British Grand Prix at…

Amid Ferrari chaos, Lewis Hamilton finds comfort in Roscoe: Formula 1 star shares heartfelt message as his loyal companion recovers from health setback.

Photo: © IMAGO Lewis Hamilton and his pet dog Roscoe were finally reunited at the British Grand Prix last weekend, where the much loved bulldog made his F1…

From Forgotten Man to Silverstone Hero: Nico Hülkenberg Delivers Stunning Drive to Claim Sauber’s First Podium and Rewrite History

Jonathan Wheatley has praised Nico Hulkenberg’s drive at Silverstone, highlighting a feat that has never been done before by a Sauber driver. Hulkenberg fended off Lewis Hamilton as…

Christian Horner publicly lashes out at Mercedes over ‘backroom sabotage’, as Max Verstappen quietly begins high-level talks to leave Red Bull before 2026. Sources inside the paddock reveal growing cracks in the once-unshakable alliance that dominated Formula 1 just two years ago.

In the ever-unpredictable world of Formula 1, few gambles match the scale of Red Bull’s latest endeavor. With the sweeping 2026 regulations fast approaching, the reigning powerhouse…

Pressure is mounting on Fred Vasseur as Charles Leclerc’s ‘very unhappy’ admission leaves Ferrari reeling – Ted Kravitz reveals behind-the-scenes tension

It was another mixed weekend for Ferrari at the British Grand Prix as they once again missed out on a podium finish. Lewis Hamilton came agonisingly close to…