On This Day in Football History - May 2: Beckham Is Born, Leicester Complete Fairytale, Papiss Cisse Stunner & More

May sees the culmination of the regular club football season, where every single game matters more than ever. The Champions League enters its final stages with, while domestic leagues are being won and lost and the relegation six-pointers mount.

The start of the month has seen some incredible drama in the world of football, whether it’s on the biggest European stage or in the final strait of league competitions. Whatever the occasion, May always lives up to it.

As we look back on some memorable football moments, 90min picks out some of the best to have happened on 2 May.

1975 – David Beckham Is Born

2 May marks the birthday of one of England’s greatest-ever players and one of the country’s most popular figures, in David Beckham. The Three Lions legend celebrates his 45th birthday this year.

In a decorated career, Beckham won 14 trophies with Manchester United, two at Real Madrid, two with LA Galaxy and one Ligue 1 title to finish off at Paris Saint-Germain.

He remains as involved in the game as ever, where he is the president of MLS newcomers Inter Miami and co-owner of League Two side Salford City.

2000 – Valencia Destroy Barcelona En Route to Champions League Final

20 years ago today, the opening act of the 2000 Champions League semi-finals took place. Valencia met Barcelona in an all-Spanish affair at the Mestalla, recording a resounding first-leg win over the reigning La Liga champions.

Goals from Miguel Ángel Angulo, Gaizka Mendieta and Claudio López gave Los Ches a 4-1 lead, eventually progressing 5-3 on aggregate. However, it wasn’t to be in the final, as another Spanish opposition in Real Madrid coasted to a 3-0 win in Paris to secure their eighth Champions League.

2004 – Leeds All But Relegated from Premier League

After a third-place finish just four years earlier, Leeds were on the verge of being relegated from the Premier League in 2004. They travelled across to Bolton needing nothing less than a win, starting well after Mark Viduka scored a penalty.

But as soon as the Australian was sent off, it all went downhill for the Whites. Bolton scored four goals without reply, seeing out a 4-1 win and all but condemning Leeds to relegation.

Leeds eventually finished 19th six points from safety, not returning to the top flight since.

2007 – Milan Complete Spirited Champions League Comeback

Having lost the first leg 3-2 to Manchester United, Milan had work to do in the return leg at San Siro. Kaka’s third goal of the tie put the sides level on aggregate and the Italians ahead on away goals, before going ahead through Clarence Seedorf.



Alberto Gilardino’s second half strike wrapped it up for the Rossoneri, who secured their second Champions League final spot in two years.

Milan earned revenge against Liverpool in the final, winning the match 2-1 in Athens to win their 13th European trophy.

2009 – Barcelona’s El Clásico Destruction

2009 saw one of the most memorable modern editions of El Clásico, when Real Madrid welcomed Barcelona to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Gonzalo Higuaín put Los Blancos in front, but they found themselves 3-1 down after quickfire goals from Thierry Henry, Carles Puyol and Lionel Messi.

Sergio Ramos’ consolation proved pointless, as Henry and Messi each scored another one before Gerard Piqué completed the 6-2 demolition.

Barcelona had produced a vintage performance on the big stage, and went on to win La Liga by nine clear points.

2012 – Papiss Cissé Scores Screamer Against Chelsea

Chelsea faced Newcastle at Stamford Bridge in May 2012, with both sides battling it out for the European spots. With the Blues focused on the upcoming FA Cup and Champions League final, it left Senegalese striker Papiss Cissé to steal the show.



Cissé gave the Magpies the lead with a wonderful finish into the top corner, but it was his second goal that stunned Stamford Bridge. In stoppage time, Cissé received the ball far from goal and curled it into the top corner with the outside of his boot, scoring one of the most stunning (and scientifically baffling) goals in the history of the Premier League.

2016 – Eden Hazard Seals Title... for Leicester City

Four years ago today, all eyes were back on the Bridge for the London derby that became known as ‘The Battle of the Bridge’.

Tottenham took a 2-0 lead in the first half through Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, before Gary Cahill halved the deficit after the break.

With the clock ticking towards 83 minutes, Eden Hazard sumptuously curled his shot into the top corner, sending Chelsea fans into bedlam. The 2-2 draw was celebrated just as wildly 100 miles north, where Hazard’s equaliser secured the Premier League title for Leicester City in the most dramatic fashion.

2018 – Liverpool Book Champions League Final Berth in Kiev

Liverpool travelled to the Stadio Olimpico in 2018 knowing that they had one foot in the Champions League Final. Their 5-2 first leg win put them in a comfortable position, though Roma wouldn’t give up without a fight in true Roman spirit.

The Giallorossi’s nailbiting heroics saw them win 4-2 on the night, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Reds a 7-6 aggregate win.

Liverpool went to Kiev with hope in their hearts, but Real Madrid were waiting once again to win their 13th Champions League title... things have gone alright for the Reds since, mind.

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