Tony McCool, the former football coach who worked with Brooklyn Beckham during his time at Queens Park Rangers' academy, has spoken out about the "bizarre" family dynamics he witnessed, expressing sympathy for the 26-year-old amid his ongoing public dispute with parents Sir David and Victoria Beckham.
Coach's Insight into Brooklyn's Teenage Years
McCool, who coached Brooklyn when he was 14 years old at QPR, described the situation as a "strange dynamic" that made him "feel sorry for the lad." In a detailed post on LinkedIn, the coach revealed he "did see some bizarre carry on" during his time working with the aspiring young footballer and noted that Brooklyn's "anxiety was clear to see."
The Pressure of Famous Parentage
"I coached many lads of famous parents, mostly well-known footballers," McCool wrote. "But this spell was on another serious level. It would make a good chapter in my book. What it did do was open my eyes. Being super wealthy and famous doesn't always lead to happiness."
The coach described how Brooklyn was "flanked by permanent security at 14" and experienced circumstances that most teenagers never encounter. McCool admitted that while it's "hard to sympathise or empathise because most of us will never know" such a lifestyle, his experience made him realise he "shouldn't judge because I haven't walked a mile in them shoes, or his parents to be fair."
Brooklyn's Football Journey and Departure
Brooklyn Beckham's football career began with trials at several top clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Fulham before he joined QPR's academy. Less than a year later, he moved to Arsenal's youth setup, but when the club decided not to offer him a scholarship deal, he chose to pursue photography instead of continuing in football.
In previous interviews, Brooklyn has spoken openly about the pressure of trying to follow in his father's legendary footsteps. "To try and live up to what my dad did in football, I was just like, that's going to be a bit difficult," he told Variety magazine several years ago.
David Beckham's Response to His Son's Decision
David Beckham has previously addressed his son's decision to leave football, revealing in an interview with ABC that one of his boys told him: "Every time I step on to the field, I know people are saying, 'This is David Beckham's son', and if I am not as good as you, then it is not good enough."
The football icon responded by telling his son: "You play because you want to play. I don't want them to have that pressure. I want them to be happy. As long as they're happy, that's all I care about."
The Current Family Feud
McCool's comments come in the wake of Brooklyn Beckham's explosive Instagram statement earlier this week, in which he launched a scathing attack on his parents. The lengthy post accused David and Victoria Beckham of trying to "control" him and "endlessly ruin my relationship" with his wife Nicola Peltz.
In his statement, Brooklyn detailed numerous grievances including claims that his mother cancelled making his wife's wedding dress at the last minute, that his parents pressured him to sign away rights to his name before his wedding, and that Victoria Beckham "hijacked" his first dance with his wife at their wedding reception.
Moving Forward
Despite the current tensions, McCool expressed hope that the family would eventually reconcile. "I am sure they will close ranks and resolve their differences," he wrote. "I hope so."
The coach concluded his post with a lighthearted note to David Beckham, adding: "(& David thanks for paying me back that £6)."
Brooklyn's statement emphasised his desire to move away from what he described as a life shaped by "image, press or manipulation," stating that he and his wife now seek "peace, privacy, and happiness for us and our future family."
