David Beckham named in the Premier League’s Hall of Fame

David Beckham has become the eighth player inducted into the Premier League‘s Hall of Fame.

Few expected the former Manchester United and England winger to earn one of the six spots from the shortlist of 23 but he has edged out Paul Scholes, Peter Schmeichel and Rio Ferdinand to be the club’s third representative. 

‘It’s an honour to be inducted into the inaugural Premier League Hall of Fame alongside these legends of the game and league,’ Beckham told the Premier League following his selection.

‘The Premier League was such an important part of my career and life and I’m delighted to be recognised alongside these icons who I played with, competed with and looked up to. 

David Beckham was the surprise selection as the eighth Premier League Hall of Fame inductee

Beckham (centre, back) won his first league title with Manchester United back in 1996-97

‘This is made even more of an honour for me knowing that it was down to the fans. 

‘This past year or so has shown just how important fans are to the game and it’s so great to see them slowly being able to come back to stadiums because they make football truly special.

‘I’ve always said that throughout my playing career and beyond, I’m so lucky to have incredible fans who support me no end so thank you to everyone who voted.’

Beckham accrued 265 Premier League appearances before he left Old Trafford for Real Madrid in 2003.

Premier League honours continued as he lifted six league titles in eight seasons at United

The 46-year-old’s English top flight record saw him win six league titles, scoring 62 goals and adding 80 assists in the process.

Beckham quickly made a name for himself in the Premier League having come through with the Class of ’92 group at United. 

On the opening weekend of the 1996-97 season, Beckham sensationally scored from inside his own half against Wimbledon.

In eight seasons he went on to win six titles as Sir Alex Ferguson’s United dominated English football.  

Only eight players have beaten Beckham’s total of 80 league assists, while just three have managed to go beyond his combined tally of 142 goal involvements in the top flight.

Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry were the inaugural members of the newly established Hall of Fame, with Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard and Dennis Bergkamp being added earlier this week.

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard was the seventh addition having earned his spot from a 23-man shortlist to receive the most combined votes from a Premier League panel. 

Each inductee receives a personalised medallion, engraved with the year of their induction. 

More to follow.