Luke Littler and David Beckham. (Image: Sky Sports/Getty)
The impact of Luke Littler’s incredible win has even hit the likes of . The former , Real Madrid, and England icon has already been in touch with the teenager .
Beckham himself is no stranger to global fame, having become one of the most recognisable footballers in the world during his illustrious career.
But even the 115-cap international can’t relate to what Littler is experiencing at 17, with the Warrington-based star having shot to superstardom following his incredible first 12 months on the .
At that age, Beckham was yet to make a single appearance, and at 18 would duly go out on loan to Preston North End before establishing himself as a first-team player under . And speaking the morning after his Ally Pally glory, Littler revealed he had received s short message from the Inter Miami owner.
“He said ‘wow, well done’ and I said ’thank you’,” Littler told the BBC. That prompted a humorous response from the interviewer, who said: “Right so it was a long conversation then?”
But after laughing off the jibe, Littler was asked what it meant to him have someone of calibre Beckham interested in his success. ‘The Nuke’ is an avid Manchester United fan, and admitted all the congratulatory messages hadn’t yet sunk in.
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Luke Littler has been credited for bringing new fans to the sport. (Image: Getty)
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“It just shows how well I’ve done for sport,” he said. “Not only for myself but for the other hundreds of professionals out there. But just to see the likes of David Beckham are watching it, that just feels crazy.”
A measure of Littler’s tender age is that by the time he was born, Beckham had actually long left Old Trafford. He was in his fourth and final season at , and had agreed to head to America to play for LA Galaxy later that summer.
Beckham isn’t the only football star Littler has been asked about following his moment of truth. He’s also been compared to the likes of o and for the manner in which he has attracted a new audience to the sport.
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Where to buy Luke Littler’s darts
Luke Littler is heading to the latter stages of the WDC, and you can emulate the 17-year-old with a set of his Target G1 Swiss Point darts for £99.95. You can also upgrade to the gold Prodigy darts for £129.95.
There is also a more affordable Loadout 90% Tungsten darts for £45.90. If you need something to throw them at, Amazon has reduced the Luke Littler Cabinet & Dartboard Set to £59.99.
“Unbelievable, comparing me to the likes of Ronaldo and Mbappe,” he said. “I guess ‘Project Littler’ has been going on for the past year now and I really hope it continues.
“From what I know last year, there weren’t many kids in the crowd. But to see so many walking past the family section, in that tier, it’s been good and obviously most of them are wearing my shirts.”