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20 Years On From Its Release, Bend It Like Beckham Is Still A Classic

Home> Football

Updated 14:38 12 Apr 2022 GMT+1Published 10:22 12 Apr 2022 GMT+1

20 Years On From Its Release, Bend It Like Beckham Is Still A Classic

Bend It Like Beckham is one of the all-time great sports films.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Can you believe it? 20 years ago, football fans around the world were introduced to hidden gem Jess Bhamra, played by Parminder Nagra, as part of the 2002 classic 'Bend It Like Beckham'.

After a random knockabout in the local park gave her the opportunity to shine for Hounslow Harriers, she decided to realise her dream of playing in the US.

There was one problem - Jess or 'Jesminder' was desperate to play but her family wouldn't let her.

That didn't stop her from going out to buy a classic pair of Adidas Predators, though, and she continued to impress for the women's team, managed by Joe, A.K.A Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

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From the smash hits 'Do Your Thing', 'Move On Up' and 'She's A Lady' to the classic scene when Jess' sister, Pinky, gets married, – this film will forever be a classic.

It even changed lives, with England defender Alex Greenwood recalling how the movie inspired her to play the beautiful game.

"That was the film for girls to watch to inspire them to play football." she said. "I love that film. I mean I watch it back now and it's a little bit cringe but it was the film to watch."

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'Bend It Like Beckham' was a film that gave women's football a platform. It not only inspired younger people to realise their dreams, but it was an entertaining watch for all the family.

Oh yeah, and it was based around David Beckham... it was never going to be a flop, was it?

'Bend It Like Beckham' went on to become the highest grossing Indian-themed film ever in the United States, picking up a massive 32 million dollars in box office revenue when it was released in 2002.

Featured Image Credit: Image: Bend It Like Beckham

Topics: David Beckham

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack is a Senior Journalist who enjoys a long read. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day, and has interviewed a handful of FM's finest, including Freddy Adu, Supat Rungratsamee and Mika Aaritalo.

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@jackkenmare_

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