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

Sergio Perez Now Faces a Significant New Obstacle in His Bid to Secure a Seat with Cadillac for the 2026 Formula 1 Season, Raising Doubts About His Future in the Sport as This Challenge Could Have Serious Implications for His Prospects in the Highly Competitive F1 World.

Sergio Perez would have been looking on at what’s happening at Red Bull Racing this week with great interest after losing his seat on the grid at…

Helmut Marko has issued an official statement regarding the future of Red Bull Racing, providing insights into the team’s plans following the shock removal of Christian Horner from his position. The decision has sent ripples throughout the Formula 1 world, and Marko’s comments aim to clarify Red Bull’s next moves.

Photo: © IMAGO Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on the team’s future following the shock dismissal of Christian Horner. Horner was removed from his…

The FIA’s Penalty Controversy That Cost Oscar Piastri a Well-Deserved Win: An In-Depth Look at the Decision That Shook the Racing World.

Lando Norris Triumphs at Silverstone, but Was Oscar Piastri’s 10-Second Penalty Fair? The 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was a spectacle, with Lando Norris emerging victorious…

Christian Horner ‘Convinced’ Ferrari Move Depends on One Key Factor as Scuderia Targets Red Bull’s Ex-Chief.

Christian Horner might not have to wait long to receive offers to return to Formula 1 after Red Bull Racing sacked the Briton from his role as…

Ferrari Finally Opens Up About the Shocking and Unexpected Challenges Behind Their Struggles in Formula 1, Revealing the Complex Factors That Have Contributed to Their Ongoing Performance Issues, and What They Plan to Do to Overcome These Obstacles and Return to Their Former Glory in the F1 World.

Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 Season: The Road to Recovery The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a year of highs and lows for Scuderia Ferrari, with the…

The Surprising Impact of Christian Horner’s Red Bull Decision: Why George Russell May Lose the Most

The news that Red Bull Racing have parted ways with team principal Christian Horner took the Formula 1 world by surprise on Wednesday morning. Red Bull and Christian Horner are…