Romeo Beckham Debuts as Gay Tennis Player in French Film 'Forty Love'

Romeo Beckham is making his acting debut in the upcoming French film "Forty Love," portraying a charismatic tennis rival to the main character. The trailer, released recently, showcases Beckham in a role that explores a complex relationship between rivalry and romance on the tennis court.

In one scene, Beckham's character tells Paul Kircher's character, "It’s not my fault if you’re f*****g in love with me." The trailer also features intense on-court chemistry, with Beckham warning his rival, "Sleep with your eyes open, I’m coming for you." The film takes a dramatic turn, depicting Beckham's character unconscious and being dragged by his rival, culminating in a violent, surreal sequence where the rival appears to interact with his body on the court.

The film's synopsis describes the story as revolving around a tennis superstar, Sacha Gallo (played by Paul Kircher), who is training for a major trophy in Paris and is challenged by the arrival of a new rival, portrayed by Beckham. Their competitive relationship evolves into a "dark romance," with the synopsis stating, "For the first time, he faces an opponent of an entirely different nature – love. A force as exhilarating as it is destabilising – and far more dangerous than anything he has encountered on the court."

The film is directed by fashion photographer Pierre-Ange Carlotti and produced by Hugo Selignac's Chi-Fou-Mi Productions, with Studiocanal co-producing. Chloe Marquet, head of international sales at Studiocanal, noted Carlotti's "singular visual language" and the film's exploration of "desire, competition and identity." The film also stars Guillaume Canet, Benjamin Voisin, and Catherine Deneuve.

Beckham, 24, has previously pursued tennis, with a coach remarking on his "extraordinary" skills when he was 12. Although he did not pursue a professional career in the sport, opting for modeling instead, these skills have now found a place in his acting career. His parts in the film are delivered in English, while Kircher's character speaks French. "Forty Love" is set to be released in French cinemas on November 25, with international release dates yet to be confirmed.

This acting role marks Beckham's first foray into film, following several years of modeling for luxury brands such as Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga, and a long association with Burberry. He made his runway debut for Balenciaga in October 2024 and later appeared in the Versace autumn/winter 2025 show at Milan Fashion Week.