A former Manchester United teammate of David Beckham has launched a blistering attack on the football icon, backing Brooklyn Beckham’s explosive Instagram revelations from Monday.
John O’Kane, 51, who progressed through United’s youth academy alongside Beckham as part of the celebrated Class of ’92, posted his criticism on X following Brooklyn’s statement.
“I lived with Beckham for few years… Let’s just say he likes to be in TOTAL CONTROL and was OBSESSIVE on PERFECTION,” O’Kane wrote.
The former defender, who made seven first-team appearances for the Red Devils, added: “If it took Brooklyn to say this and burn down the so-called perfect family.
“Brand Beckham should not come before your kids no matter what has happened!!”
O’Kane claims he shared accommodation with Beckham during their time at the club between 1989 and 1998.
Brooklyn, 26, broke his silence on the family feud that has reportedly torn the Beckhams apart, accusing his parents of “endlessly trying” to sabotage his relationship with wife Nicola Peltz, 31.
A former Manchester United teammate of David Beckham has launched a blistering attack on the football icon, backing Brooklyn Beckham’s explosive Instagram revelations from Monday
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The eldest Beckham child alleged his mother Victoria pulled out of designing Nicola’s wedding gown at the last minute, despite his wife’s excitement about wearing her creation.
“Weeks before our big day, my parents repeatedly pressured and attempted to bribe me into signing away the rights to my name, which would have affected me, my wife, and our future children,” Brooklyn wrote.
He claimed his parents insisted he sign before the wedding to initiate the deal’s terms, and that his refusal “affected the payday” and permanently changed their treatment of him.
I lived with Beckham for few years..
Let’s just say he likes to be in TOTAL CONTROL and was OBSESSIVE on PERFECTION
If it took Brooklyn to say this and burn 🔥 down the so-called perfect family 😷🐠Brand Beckham should not come before your kids no matter what has happened!! pic.twitter.com/e1URZPbr0X
— 🇾🇪 John O’Kane 👺 (@johnaokane) January 19, 2026
Brooklyn also revealed the circumstances surrounding his absence from David’s 50th birthday celebrations in May last year, where A-list guests including Tom Cruise gathered at the three Michelin-star restaurant Core in Kensington.
He claimed the couple travelled to London but spent a week waiting in their hotel room while David rejected their attempts to arrange private time together.
“When he finally agreed to see me, it was under the condition that Nicola wasn’t invited. It was a slap in the face,” Brooklyn stated.
The 26-year-old accused his parents of orchestrating media attacks against him and alleged his brothers were “sent to attack me on social media” before blocking him last summer.
He also claimed family members told him the night before his wedding that Nicola was “not blood” and “not family.”
Brooklyn concluded his statement by reflecting on the psychological toll of his upbringing, revealing he suffered from “overwhelming anxiety” throughout his life.
David Beckham and John O’Kane pictured during their time as youth players with Manchester United
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“For the first time in my life, since stepping away from my family, that anxiety has disappeared. I wake up every morning grateful for the life I chose, and have found peace and relief,” he wrote.
He stated that he and Nicola have no desire for “a life shaped by image, press, or manipulation” and simply want “peace, privacy and happiness” for themselves and their future family.
David and Victoria have not yet issued a public response to their son’s allegations.
The former Real Madrid midfielder appeared tired-looking on Tuesday morning while posing for promotional photographs at the World Economic Forum, less than 24 hours after Brooklyn’s statement emerged.