Football or soccer? Beckham BAFTA speech baffles viewers

David Beckham presents an award at the BAFTAs on Feb. 18, 2024. Photo by Instagram/@davidbeckham

Beckham, 48, went on stage on Sunday to present the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer Award. After saying "football", a proper term for the sport anywhere in the world, the former Man United and Real Madrid star caught attention when he also said "soccer", which is only used in the U.S., to differentiate it from American football.

"They say that practice makes perfect," Becks said on stage. "Well, that might be true in football, or soccer, but that's not true for the filmmakers nominated for Outstanding Debut. They got it right the first time."

For a British icon like Beckham to say the word "soccer" at a British awards ceremony was enough for him to get blasted by the viewers.

One user wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "David Beckham you are on the BAFTAs don't you dare pander to the Americans!!!"

Another user commented: "David Beckham it's a British awards show, you don't need to mention soccer."

The ceremony ended with Oppenheimer sweeping the major categories with seven wins, including Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, Best Director for Christopher Nolan, Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr. and Best Film.

Emma Stone won Best Actress for her role in Poor Things while Best Supporting Actress went to Da’Vine Joy Randolph in The Holdovers.

Beckham is currently the owner of American football club Inter Miami in the U.S. The club made headlines after signing superstar Lionel Messi last year, along with former Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.