‘David Beckham made me nervous for our meeting – then he showed true colours’ | Football | Sport

Former One Direction member Niall Horan has admitted he felt extremely anxious ahead of his first encounter with David Beckham. Yet the Manchester United icon swiftly put the singer at ease with his characteristic charisma.

Horan, 32, spoke about meeting the former Real Madrid midfielder during an appearance on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast alongside United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, plus comedian Paddy McGuinness. When questioned about the most celebrated footballer to have attended a One Direction performance, Horan immediately responded: “Becks.” He continued: “The whole family came to the gig.”

When Scholes enquired whether he’d been scanning the crowd for the England legend whilst on stage, Horan confessed: “I was definitely looking for him. Becks has that… he’s a f*****g handsome b*****d isn’t he?”

Reflecting on their introduction, he continued: “We didn’t know what to think. It was bonkers. He came in before the gig to say hello, and I’ve met him a few times since and he’s such a nice fella, but you build it up in your head don’t you? But you get there and he’s just a lovely fella.”

Shortly after the performance, which took place at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles in 2013, Horan eagerly shared his reaction on X, formerly Twitter.

He wrote: “Met our footballing hero! Mr David Beckham! He brought the boys and his little girl to see us! What a Nice Man! So courteous!”

The respect appears to be reciprocal. In 2015, Beckham sent the group a video of himself lip syncing to One Direction’s chart-topping track ‘Steal My Girl’.

Afterwards, he praised the ensemble, which included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and the late Liam Payne, who tragically died in October 2024.

In the footage, Beckham remarked: “Boys, what can I say? Five years and you’ve given so much to so many people. Unbelievably talented but more importantly unbelievable guys. Congratulations – five years of incredible moments.”

The group was assembled on The X Factor in 2010 and subsequently achieved global fame. They ultimately disbanded in January 2016.

Horan has since embarked on a solo career and has shown his passion for football and golf. The Irish performer, who supports Derby County, was seen at Liverpool‘s game against United in October 2025.

He also entered into business with Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group, joining forces with the Americans when they acquired a franchise in the Technology Golf League.

The competition is led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, with the franchise called Boston Common Golf.

Speaking about the deal in 2024, he said: “Golf has been a lifelong passion of mine and I’m thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture alongside my investment group, Greenbridge Ventures, in partnership with Fenway Sports Group and Rory, who has been a long-time friend.”