David Norman Jr.: From idolizing David Beckham to joining Inter Miami as a player

David Norman Jr. & David Beckham

When growing up, there are certain people who impact the lives of young individuals. For David Norman Jr., Canadian-born midfielder who joined Inter Miami in September 2019 via a trade with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, one of those idols growing up was Club co-owner David Beckham. 


ā€œHe [David Beckham] meant so much when I was growing up. My family, we support Manchester United. So, growing up he was always one of my childhood idols,ā€ said Norman Jr.


On Monday, February 24, 2020, Norman Jr. had the opportunity to meet Beckham for the first time since joining Inter Miami at a team dinner. The occasion filled him with pride, as it took him back in time to their first encounter when he was only 12 years old. 

ā€œWhen I was able to meet him back in 2012 it was unreal. I was actually traveling supporting the Vancouver Whitecaps, the team from which I came from,ā€  Norman Jr. reminisced. ā€œAs a kid I was supporting them, watching a game in L.A against the Galaxy and I was able to get a pass to get onto the field. I was able to catch his eye after the game and ask for the photo. Me and my sister, it was a pretty great experience.ā€ 


ā€œSo now to think that eight years later I’m playing for a club that he [Beckham] co-owns, it’s pretty surreal,ā€ he added.  


For Norman Jr., those eight years were life-changing. Since then, he’s fulfilled his lifelong dream of playing soccer at the professional level and he’s now part of a Club in which his idol’s influence can be felt.


ā€œJust a lot of hard work and sacrifice. Once I had that dream of becoming a pro I was really trying to tick every box and uncover every stone to make it happen. When I had the opportunity to come here and play for a club that he [Beckham] co-owns it was a pretty special chance.ā€


ā€œHe’s such an icon worldwide. You can see his presence when he’s around training and the publicity he’s bringing for the club. So, it’s a fantastic chance to have him helping represent us,ā€ he stated.