David Beckham, 51, marked his father Ted Beckham's 78th birthday with a public tribute on Instagram, sharing a collection of photographs that included a throwback image of himself during his youth. This particular image sparked commentary for its resemblance to Beckham's youngest son, Cruz.
In his birthday message, Beckham expressed his love for his father and wished him "the best day." The post featured several pictures of David with his father over the years, highlighting their relationship. This celebration comes shortly after Cruz joined his father at the World Cup Final in New York.
A Complex Family History
The relationship between David and his father, Ted, has not always been smooth. The two endured a five-year estrangement, during which they were not on speaking terms. This period of distance echoes, in some ways, the reported ongoing feud between David and his eldest son, Brooklyn, who watched the World Cup Final from home.
Reconciliation and Milestones
A significant turning point in David and Ted's relationship occurred in 2007 when Ted suffered a near-fatal heart attack. Paramedics reportedly fought for three hours to save him, and he was told he had died en route to the hospital before undergoing surgery. This health scare prompted a reconciliation between father and son.
David Beckham has previously spoken about the long wait for his father's approval regarding his football career. In a 2024 podcast appearance, he revealed that Ted did not offer explicit praise until his son achieved his 100th cap for England, a milestone that apparently elicited a "you've made it boy" from his father. Beckham noted that this recognition came despite numerous career achievements, including multiple Premier League titles and Champions League success.
Historically, David's parents divorced in 2002 after 33 years of marriage. The divorce proceedings were protracted due to disagreements over a financial settlement, and David appeared to align himself with his mother, Sandra, during this time.
Further strain on the father-son relationship included Ted's publication of an unauthorized biography, "David Beckham: My Son," in 2005, which reportedly deepened their rift. Ted also declined an offer of tickets to watch David play in the 2006 World Cup. However, the 2007 health crisis ultimately led to a mending of their relationship. David, who had recently transferred to LA Galaxy, flew back from the U.S. to be by his father's side. Following this reconciliation, David reportedly paid off his father's mortgage and bought him a car. By 2021, David served as best man at his father's wedding to Hilary, indicating a healed relationship.