David Beckham’s boots could score again

A pair of football boots worn by England legend David Beckham in a World Cup qualifier 25 years ago could sell for thousands at auction.

The star used the footwear, with ‘Beck’s’ stitched on the tongues, for a World Cup 1998 qualifying match between Italy and England on October 11, 1997. The match finished in a 0-0 draw.

The black, white and red Adidas Predator football boots plus Beckham’s autograph will go under the hammer in Hansons Auctioneers’ November 14 Sporting Auction, estimate £2,000-£3,000.

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons, said: “David Beckham has long been one of England’s biggest superstars but right now his profile is higher than ever due to the success of Netflix documentary Beckham.

“Millions of viewers are fascinated by his life story and some are discovering how special he is for the first time. His showbiz lifestyle and success post-football keep him in the public eye but it all began thanks to his ability to kick a ball. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see his football boots surpass estimate. They’re a rare memento of a brilliant player.”

Beckham, the documentary in which David and wife Victoria open up their lives, has scored Netflix’s biggest audience of the year in the UK. The Fisher Stevens-directed series launched on October 4 and amassed 3.8m viewers in a week, according to Barb, the UK’s official TV audience research body. Produced by Beckham’s Studio 99 and Ventureland, the second episode netted nearly 2.9m viewers.

If Beck’s boots are out of reach a more affordable option in the same sale is a 1999 Manchester United short-sleeved home shirt with ‘Beckham 7’ on the back. The large, Umbro shirt, new with tags, has ‘Premiership Champions F.A. Cup Winners Champions League Winners 1998-99’ stitched round the badge, and carries an £80-£100 estimate.

Beckham is regarded as one of the greatest midfielders and set-piece specialists of his generation. His club career began with Manchester United. He made his first-team debut in 1992 aged only 17. He gained 115 England caps between 1999-2009.

He went on to become the first English player to win league titles in four countries: England, Spain, the United States and France.