David Beckham and Victoria Beckham attend the Netflix ‘Beckham’ UK Premiere at The Curzon Mayfair on October 3, 2023. Samir Hussein/WireImage
Victoria Beckham and David Beckham opened up about the challenges they encountered early on in their marriage, which included rumors of infidelity, in their recent documentary. The documentary, titled Beckham, premiered on Netflix on October 4. In the film, Victoria, who is 49 years old, discussed her decision to remain in the United Kingdom while David, who is 48 years old, relocated to Spain in 2003 to pursue his professional soccer career with Real Madrid. During this time, several models, namely Rebecca Loos and Sarah Marbeck, alleged that they had been involved in affairs with David.
Victoria described it as the unhappiest she had ever been, attributing her misery to keeping the trauma to herself for the sake of her husband. She emphasized that she always prioritized his needs and never felt ignored. Following their wedding in 1999, the fashion designer decided to relocate to Spain.
“It was the most challenging phase [of our marriage] because it seemed as though the entire world was in opposition to us,” she acknowledged. “Here's the truth — we were in opposition to each other, if I'm being completely honest."
Victoria described that time as an "unbearable" ordeal that she "deeply resented," stating, "Until Madrid, there were occasions when it felt like it was us against the world, but at least we had each other. However, even in Spain, it didn't feel like we had each other anymore. And that is truly disheartening. I cannot adequately express how difficult it was and the impact it had on me."
She continued: “It was an absolute circus — and everyone loves it when the circus comes to town, right? Unless you’re in it.”
David and Victoria Beckham in the film 'Beckham'. Courtesy of Netflix.
David, on his end, expressed his emotions when discussing the impact of the supposed infidelity on their relationship. (He refuted the rumors through a public statement in 2003.)
"We both believed that during that period, our relationship was not weakening but strengthening. Honestly, we don't know how we managed to overcome it," he confessed. "Victoria means everything to me, so witnessing her pain was incredibly challenging. However, we are fighters. At that moment, we needed to fight for one another, for our family. Our bond was worth the fight. But ultimately, it remains a matter of our personal lives."
Previously, Victoria and David, who have four children together - Brooklyn (24), Romeo (21), Cruz (18), and Harper (12) - have addressed speculations surrounding the state of their marriage. In 2017, David strongly dismissed assumptions that he and Victoria were on the verge of separating.
During an interview on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, he emphasized the strength of our family unit. Our upbringing with strong parents and the right values has shaped us. Although we acknowledge the mistakes made throughout the years, we understand that marriage can be challenging. However, we are committed to working through any difficulties. Nobody understands us better than we do. Some have speculated that we stay together for the sake of our brand, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Our love for each other and our incredible children are the reasons we remain united.
In a 2018 interview with British Vogue, Victoria dismissed the public's concerns by stating that people have been fabricating stories about our relationship for two decades. She and I recognize that our strength lies in our togetherness rather than as individuals.
Despite the critics, the couple often utilize social media to share glimpses of their enduring love. On their anniversary in July 2022, the former member of the Spice Girls shared an Instagram post expressing her deep affection for her husband David. The caption read, "Despite claims that he lacks a sense of humor and I rarely smile, and despite doubts about our longevity, we are celebrating 23 years of marriage. David, you mean the world to me. I love you immensely!"
David, on the other hand, expressed his immense joy about the life he has built with his wife. He shared his feelings through an Instagram post, stating, "23 years ago today, Posh became Mrs. Beckham. However, she will always be Posh to me. Happy Anniversary! We have been blessed with 23 years of togetherness and have raised 4 wonderful children. I love you, and we all adore you."