Beckham, 38, helped Paris Saint-Germain lift the Ligue 1 title for the first
time in 19 years at the weekend.
And despite being offered a one-year contract extension by the French giants, the veteran midfielder will retire after Carlo Ancelotti’s men play their last game of the season on May 26.
He said: “I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level."
Becks began his path to superstardom at Manchester United, scoring 85 goals in 394 games, before switching to La Liga side Real Madrid.
He left Spain for a money-spinning move to LA Galaxy in 2007 and also enjoyed loan spells with AC Milan during his time in Major League Soccer.
After his contract expired Stateside, the former England skipper was reunited with ex-Milan boss Ancelotti in the French capital.
And having relocated from LA in January, Becks is expected to set up a permanent base in London with his wife Victoria and four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
He added: “If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy.
"I’m fortunate to have realised those dreams.
Beckham won 115 caps for England and netted 17 goals, including the vital free-kick against Greece that took Sven Goran Eriksson’s side to the 2002 World Cup.
FORMER teammate Gary Neville reflects on the career of David Beckham as he announces retirement
He made his international debut in 1996 and scored in three consecutive World Cup tournaments on the way to becoming the Three Lions' most capped outfield player.
Beckham said: “To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country.
“I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country.
"I’m honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch."
Along with six Premier League titles and one Champions League success during his time at United, Beckham conquered La Liga in his final season in Spain and won the MLS championship twice.
He added: “I wouldn’t have achieved what I have done today without my family.
"I’m grateful for my parents’ sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams, and I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period.
"I also want to thank Simon Fuller and his management team for their continued support.
“I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from.
"I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.”
Beckham has two games to come before the end of the season, the last home match of his career being this Saturday against Brest at Parc des Princes.
He said: "Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love. However, I feel like I’m starting a new adventure and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead.
And despite being offered a one-year contract extension by the French giants, the veteran midfielder will retire after Carlo Ancelotti’s men play their last game of the season on May 26.
He said: “I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level."
Becks began his path to superstardom at Manchester United, scoring 85 goals in 394 games, before switching to La Liga side Real Madrid.
He left Spain for a money-spinning move to LA Galaxy in 2007 and also enjoyed loan spells with AC Milan during his time in Major League Soccer.
THANKS BOSS ... Carlo Ancelotti gave David Beckham a final chance to taste success
After his contract expired Stateside, the former England skipper was reunited with ex-Milan boss Ancelotti in the French capital.
And having relocated from LA in January, Becks is expected to set up a permanent base in London with his wife Victoria and four children, Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper.
He added: “If you had told me as a young boy I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over one hundred times and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy.
"I’m fortunate to have realised those dreams.
Beckham won 115 caps for England and netted 17 goals, including the vital free-kick against Greece that took Sven Goran Eriksson’s side to the 2002 World Cup.
FORMER teammate Gary Neville reflects on the career of David Beckham as he announces retirement
He made his international debut in 1996 and scored in three consecutive World Cup tournaments on the way to becoming the Three Lions' most capped outfield player.
Beckham said: “To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country.
“I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, I was also representing every fan that cared passionately about their country.
"I’m honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch."
Along with six Premier League titles and one Champions League success during his time at United, Beckham conquered La Liga in his final season in Spain and won the MLS championship twice.
ICONIC MOMENT ... David Beckham celebrates with Emile Heskey after securing England's 2002 World Cup place
He added: “I wouldn’t have achieved what I have done today without my family.
"I’m grateful for my parents’ sacrifice, which made me realise my dreams, and I owe everything to Victoria and the kids, who have given me the inspiration and support to play at the highest level for such a long period.
"I also want to thank Simon Fuller and his management team for their continued support.
“I want to thank all my team-mates, the great managers that I had the pleasure of learning from.
"I also want to thank the fans who have all supported me and given me the strength to succeed.”
BEST OF BRITISH ... Becks celebrates with sons Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo after winning the MLS Cup
Beckham has two games to come before the end of the season, the last home match of his career being this Saturday against Brest at Parc des Princes.
He said: "Nothing will ever completely replace playing the game I love. However, I feel like I’m starting a new adventure and I’m genuinely excited about what lies ahead.
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