Five crucial things Beckham's documentary unintentionally reveals

The newly released Netflix documentary series "Beckham", about the career and off-the-pitch life of former Manchester United and Real Madrid star David Beckham, has hit the charts globally.

A smoothly driven four-episode series tells the story of Beckham's unique personality, his road to success, global popularity and the gifted footballer's influence that goes far beyond the sport.

Perfectly executed, with dozens of legendary names talking about Becks, this documentary reminds us of several unforgettable moments in which he participated in a starring role.

Both hero and antihero, idol and ostracized fallen angel, he has left a massive trace in history and our collective memory.

Along with well-known facts and events - like his sensational halfway line stunner against Wimbledon in 1996 or the ill-fated 1998 WC appearance - ''Beckham'' unintentionally or maybe not reveals much, much more...

We bring you five things Mozzart Sport Kenya reporters find crucial upon watching this piece of modern art...

1) There is no better stronghold in the world than your family

David Beckham grew up in a working-class family in Leytonstone with his dad Ted, mum Sandra, and his two sisters, Lynne and Joanne. Kitchen fitter Ted and hairdresser Sandra sacrificed so much time, money and patience to back David's dreams of becoming a pro footballer. After he signed for the Manchester United team at 14, they would travel hundreds of miles every weekend to see him play.

Moreover, his dad - a long-standing, passionate Man Utd supporter - acted as David's personal trainer for years and years. At one point in the documentary, the legendary player reveals that his two corner-kicks in that sensational UCL final against Bayern Munich were nothing more than replicas of the ones he took as a child under his father's tutorship.

"Again and again, he used to say to me. Corner kicks can be crucial, he would add, in those dying moments of the game. So you ought to work on them," recollected Becks, proving Beckham senior was more than right.

Actually, the documentary is an emotional testimony of how important the family can be in the life of any person, let alone sports superstars we admire.

2) Sir Alex was much more than one of the best managers ever

Just when you thought there was absolutely nothing more you could possibly learn about Sir Alex Ferguson, this documentary proves you so wrong. What an out-of-this-world personality, what a stepping stone for dozens of future stars, what a larger-than-life legacy.

Two examples. Firstly, Ferguson personally called Beckham's parents to suggest the boy's move to Manchester United at the age of 14. Then, he took young David under his protection, acting as a true father figure despite the fact he was a Man Utd boss at that time and Beckham was an unknown kid. He used to take Becks to the Red Devils' locker room to hang out with the seniors or sit inches behind the dugout so he could feel he was part of the squad from the very start.

Secondly, there's a lovely anecdote told by former Man Utd midfielder Paul Ince about Ferguson's care about their lives outside the pitch.

"The gaffer would ask me if I have a girlfriend. I said yes," Ince recollects and laughs. "Great, he would add. For how long are you together? Two years, I responded. And then he asked me when I think of proposing to her. Haha. That was the gaffer".

3) You didn't need social media to become a global superstar back then

There's a part of the documentary dedicated to the time David spent at Real Madrid after a not-so-nice departure from his second home, Old Trafford. Real Madrid president Florentino Perez brought Becks as a fourth 'Galactico' to join the Dream Team already built on the likes of Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo. However, although the mentioned trio was spectacular in terms of football qualities, none of them could compete with Beckham when it comes to global popularity and commercial potential.

The scenes of Madrid's Asian tour upon Beckham's signing are jaw-dropping, even 20 years later.

Imagine a distant airport in Japan that is about to burst under the pressure of tens of thousands of fans (mostly female, btw) who are screaming David's name. At 4 AM. More significant than the Beatles, more popular than Michael Jackson or the greatest Hollywood stars. And all that, almost before the Internet era, and definitely years and years ahead of the social media revolution. Try to picture that...

4) Never underestimate the impact of a woman on man's decisions

Huh, who could resist Victoria's charm. A match made in heaven between Beckham and Posh Spice affected the player's career massively. She did shift her focus from her music to David and their marriage but also had an equal vote in decisions that could have an effect on the family.

Also, the documentary reveals she had her own subtle ways of convincing him something should or should not be done. Like, for instance, his sudden move from Real Madrid to MLS side LA Galaxy, which was a heavy downgrade in terms of footballing levels.

5) Beckham was so, so bloody brilliant footballer and could have been even better if it wasn't for his off-field activities

Man, those free-kicks and crosses of his should be part of the world's historical and cultural heritage for their beauty. Go to YouTube and search, for example, for his goals. It's like an endless thread of class, style and grace. The man starred for Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan, PSG, and England, and yet he could have done - it seems to us - even more. If only he wasn't attracted so much to those photoshoots and commercials with Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez, parties with Tom Cruise and Will Smith, wild hairstyles, etc.

As Sir Alex points out, he needed to focus on the pitch and pitch only. And if he had done that, maybe the history of football would be a tad bit different. It's such a pity that wasn't the case in the end.