I still remember the first time I saw David Beckham curl that legendary free kick against Greece back in 2001. As someone who's followed football religiously since childhood, I've always been fascinated by how certain players become synonymous with the clubs they represent. Beckham's journey through football reads like a world tour of prestigious clubs, each chapter revealing different facets of his incredible talent. When I think about his career trajectory, it's remarkable how he evolved from Manchester United's academy graduate to global football icon.

The early years at Manchester United were where Beckham truly honed his craft under Sir Alex Ferguson's watchful eye. I've always believed that his time at United, from 1992 to 2003, shaped him into the player we remember today. During those eleven glorious years, he helped secure six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and that unforgettable Champions League triumph in 1999. What many people don't realize is that Beckham made exactly 394 appearances for United, scoring 85 goals from his right-wing position. His partnership with players like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes created what many consider the most dominant English midfield of that generation.

When Beckham made his shocking move to Real Madrid in 2003, I remember thinking how brave it was for an English player to test himself in La Liga. The Galácticos era at Madrid was something special - playing alongside legends like Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo must have been both intimidating and exhilarating. During his four seasons in Spain, Beckham contributed 13 goals in 155 appearances while helping Madrid secure the 2006-2007 La Liga title. His adaptability impressed me most - transitioning from United's system to Madrid's more technical style showed his incredible football intelligence.

The American adventure with LA Galaxy from 2007 to 2012 surprised many traditional football fans, but I saw it as Beckham understanding the bigger picture of growing the sport globally. His 98 appearances and 18 goals for Galaxy might not seem extraordinary statistically, but his impact transcended numbers. He literally changed how Americans perceived soccer, bringing mainstream attention to MLS in ways nobody had before. I've spoken with American fans who credit Beckham's arrival with making them fall in love with the sport.

People often forget about his loan spells at AC Milan during MLS off-seasons, but those brief stints in 2009 and 2010 demonstrated his enduring class. Making 33 appearances for the Rossoneri and scoring twice, Beckham proved he could still compete at Europe's highest level. Similarly, his final professional chapter at Paris Saint-Germain in 2013, though brief with just 14 appearances, showed his commitment to competing until the very end while donating his entire salary to charity.

Thinking about Beckham's career reminds me of how different sports create their own challenges, much like the conditions described in that Philippine Open golf tournament. The way winds buffet Manila Southwoods and test golfers resonates with how Beckham faced different challenges at each club - adapting to new leagues, styles, and expectations. Just as golfers must read changing course conditions, Beckham had to constantly adapt his game throughout his legendary career spanning multiple countries and continents.

What's fascinating about tracking which football teams David Beckham played for is noticing how each club represented a distinct phase in his development. From the disciplined environment at Manchester United to the star-studded lineup at Real Madrid, then pioneering in America before finishing with prestige at PSG - it's a career roadmap that few players have matched. His total of 115 career goals across all clubs doesn't fully capture his influence, particularly his incredible assist record which I estimate at around 215 official assists throughout his professional journey.

The legacy Beckham built across these clubs continues to influence football today. Young players now see career paths beyond traditional boundaries, much like golfers adapting to different course conditions internationally. When I reflect on his journey through Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain, it's clear he wasn't just playing football - he was building bridges between different football cultures. That, to me, is why discovering which football teams David Beckham played for reveals more than just club names - it shows the strategic thinking of an athlete who understood his role in football's global evolution.