Watch David Beckham: For the Love of the Game

David Beckham: For the Love of the Game is a British documentary film released in 2015, produced by Simon and Jonathan Chinn, and directed by Matthew Smith. The film follows retired English footballer, David Beckham, as he travels the world to play in seven football matches in seven different locations, showcasing the popularity of the sport globally and highlighting the charitable work supported by UNICEF.

The documentary commences with an introduction to Beckham's background in professional football, from his early days at Manchester United to his time playing for LA Galaxy in the United States. Beckham retired in 2013 after 21 years of professional football, during which he won many accolades such as the Premier League six times, the UEFA Champions League once, and became an iconic figure in the sport.

Beckham embarks on a journey to play seven football matches in seven different countries starting in Papua New Guinea in Oceania, before moving to Nepal in Asia, followed by four continents: Argentina in South America, Djibouti in Africa, the United States of America in North America, and concludes in Antarctica. Each location is unique in its footballing culture and the match event.

For instance, in Papua New Guinea, Beckham is welcomed by village chiefs dressed in traditional attire, making him an honorary tribal leader. Beckham then leads a group of local children in a game of football, and during his visit to a local school, he stresses the importance of education as well as sport, and inspires the students to aim high.

During his trip to Nepal, Beckham meets a young boy who survived the 2015 earthquake, and along with UNICEF, Beckham provides educational and sporting materials to the school children in the affected areas, while also joining in a game of football with them. Later, Beckham is welcomed by the Nepalese national team and plays in an exhibition match with them.

As he travels the world, Beckham is accompanied by long-time friends, Dave Gardner and Simon Oliveira. They provide behind-the-scenes footage and add personal insights into Beckham's life, as well as reflecting on some of his seminal footballing moments.

Each game of football in the documentary is an event in itself. For example, in Djibouti, Beckham participates in the first international football game to be played in the country, where he is overcome by the scorching heat and has to be substituted after 20 minutes. Beckham also participates in a match in which the players for the opposing team are selected through a lottery system, with team coach José Mourinho joining Beckham on the bench as technical coordinator.

Beckham's trip to the Antarctic is the climax of the documentary. Beckham and his team embark on a unique voyage to the bottom of the world, playing a game of football on thick ice, in sub-zero weather, and in the unique backdrop of glaciers and snow-capped mountains.

The documentary also highlights the charitable work and advocacy by Beckham and UNICEF in supporting children's sports worldwide. Beckham has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for 15 years, and during his trip, he visits children in each country and delivers sports equipment and educational materials. The documentary also highlights the need for continued support for sports and education, especially in underprivileged communities.

Overall, David Beckham: For the Love of the Game provides an intimate insight into the life of one of the world's most iconic footballers, his love for the sport, and his dedication to supporting children's sports worldwide. It showcases Beckham's humility, warmth, and generosity, while also highlighting the global passion and enthusiasm for football in different cultures.