David Beckham and Leah Williamson represent the best of English football as sporting legends from around the world descend on Paris for an NBA match
Sports legends from all over the world came to the French capital on Thursday for the 2024 NBA Paris Game.
Man United legend David Beckham and Lioness captain Leah Williamson represented the best of British football, who happily posed for photos before settling into their seats on the right-hand side.
In this year’s showcase match at Accor Arena, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 111-102 as the American basketball players took the match to Europe.
About 15,000 visitors poured into the arena for the third regular season match to be played in the French capital, following previous visits in 2020 and 2023.
David, 48, cut a casual figure for the match as he wore a beige bomber jacket, white T-shirt and dark trousers.
David Beckham and Leah Williamson represented the best of English football at the 2024 NBA Paris Game on Thursday
(L-R) Brazilian football legend Ronaldo, David, NBA star Tony Parker, French basketball president Gaëtan Muller, sports agent Dave Gardener and Leah sat on the right
This year’s showcase match at Accor Arena saw the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Brooklyn Nets 111-102 as the American basketball players brought the energy to Europe
David and Leah have both captained England during World Cup matches (left, David during the 2006 England-Wales World Cup match, right, Leah during the 2023 England-Brazil match)
Leah, 26, was also dressed casually as she wore a black blazer over a Nike T-shirt and a gray denim maxi skirt.
Last year, David supported Leah and the Lioness team as they reached the semi-finals of the Women’s World Cup.
He recorded a video saying, “I just wanted to say, wow. What a tournament it has been so far. It was so much fun to watch and we are all so proud as a nation of what you have already achieved.
“Watching you girls play as a team, it was absolutely incredible. So keep doing that, good luck in the next game, and know that our entire country, as always, is behind you. And good luck.’
From across the room, David’s daughter Harper said, “Good luck Lionesses!” with a wave.
David is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest ever footballers after his illustrious career.
David played for the LA Galaxy and is also a big fan of basketball after watching the LA Lakers.
At the competition in Paris the Inter Miami owner posed for a photo with former NBA Finals MVP Tony Parker of the San Antonio Spurs.
The footballer put on an animated display as he hugged former basketball star Tony, 41, who was previously married to Eva Longoria.
Tony was married to Eva from 2007 to 2010, with the former Desperate Housewives star being a close friend of David’s wife Victoria.
Eva is now married to producer Jose Baston, while Tony is married to French journalist Axelle Francine.
David looked in good spirits as he hung out with old friend Tony at the NBA game
The pair sat next to former Brazilian footballer Ronaldo as they enjoyed the match
David cut a casual figure for the match as he wore a beige bomber jacket, white T-shirt and dark trousers
Ronaldo kept it casual in a black hoodie and matching track pants
David was also spotted alongside legendary former Brazilian striker Ronaldo.
Also in attendance was PSG star Kylian Mbappe, who sat next to his brother Ethan on the right before being pictured chatting with Ronaldo.
The 25-year-old forward was also joined by his fellow PSG teammates, including Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
David’s long-time friend and sports agent Dave Gardener and Gaëtan Muller, president of the French basketball team Asvel Basket, were also seen in the right-hand seats.
In the game, the Cavaliers defeated the Nets 111-102, thanks to an excellent performance from Donavan Mitchell.
Donavan recorded a season-high 45 points – his 16th 40-point game in two seasons while playing for Cleveland.
He said he would “love” to return to Paris and play for the U.S. men’s basketball team when the 2024 Olympics begin in the French capital this summer.
Donavan’s fast start propelled the Cavaliers to a lead they would never lose and he scored 21 points in the fourth quarter, making four 3-pointers after going 0 for 6 through three to keep the Nets from going all the way back would come after cutting a 26.-point short of single digits.
“We did some really good things in the second half and his ability to just put the ball in the hole makes the difference,” Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said.
PSG forward Kylian Mbappe, 25, was also spotted on court during the NBA match in France
Mbappe and Ronaldo were later seen having a conversation on the pitch during half-time
PSG goalkeeper and Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma were also present
Beckham and Co watched the Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Nets in a 111-102 win
Caris LeVert added 21 points as Cleveland played outside North America for the first time in the regular season, while Jarrett Allen had 12 points and 12 rebounds in his career-best eighth straight double-double.
The Cavaliers won their fourth straight game and improved to 9-3 since December 16.
Mikal Bridges and Cam Thomas each scored 26 points for the Nets, who matched their worst half of the season with 34 points in the first half and lost 12 of 15.
Lonnie Walker IV added 20 points and provided energy off the bench, while starters Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith were both ill and played limited minutes.
The Nets’ struggles kept the NBA from putting on a big show in front of an audience full of sports legends.