Wear it like Beckham: How David Beckham stays a global style icon at 50

David Beckham turned 50 today — and if his pre-birthday celebration on April 1st was any indication, age has only polished the former footballer’s already gleaming style credentials. Dressed in a classic white shirt and black tuxedo, Beckham looked as sharp and confident as ever.

Beckham has become one of the very few athletes that has managed to still stand out and remain relevant not only as a sports legend but also a global fashion icon when most athletes fade from public view after retirement. While names like Messi and Ronaldo still dominate in active play, Beckham’s post-career relevance is arguably unmatched.

That’s the unique magic of Brand Beckham, a rare blend of fame, fashion, and global influence that hasn’t dimmed since he retired from professional football in 2013. At 50, Beckham is the same in many ways as he was at 40 — not your ordinary ex-athlete. He moves between continents with ease, attending photoshoots in Los Angeles one day and dining in Paris with his wife, Victoria, the next. He’s immersed in his club Inter Miami, yet just as involved in fashion, television, and philanthropy. And wherever he goes, he remains the center of attention — always impeccably dressed, always ready to try something new.

Beckham’s willingness to experiment has long been key to his style. From frosted tips and sarongs in the ’90s to his iconic all-leather looks with Victoria, David was never afraid to push boundaries. He became the face of the “metrosexual” movement in the late ’90s — a footballer unafraid to wear nail polish or a hairband, at a time when such choices were considered bold.
Once he met Victoria in 1997, the pair quickly became a fashion force. Their coordinated red carpet looks — from matching Versace leather to crystal-covered white suits — made headlines and cemented their place in pop culture. Their 1999 wedding, complete with Beckham’s purple suit and their son Brooklyn in a matching outfit, remains one of the most iconic celebrity wedding moments of all time.

But Beckham’s style didn’t stay stuck in that early-2000s era. As he aged, it evolved — becoming more refined, more tailored, and ultimately more influential. In the 2000s, he embraced classic British suiting and sophisticated outerwear. In the 2010s, as Victoria rose in the fashion world, Beckham became a regular at fashion shows, often spotted in the front row. He embraced a cleaner, more minimal palette, blending neutral tones with luxury accessories — all while raising four children and building a global business empire with his wife.
Today, Beckham at 50 is the definition of timeless. His wardrobe includes well-cut denim, layering, sharp suits, and statement watches. The gold crosses and flashy logos of the past have been replaced with polished simplicity and subtle flair. He still takes risks, but now they’re more understated — the confidence of a man who knows exactly who he is.
Beckham doesn’t just follow trends — he sets them. And in doing so, he’s changed the way men dress, how athletes are perceived off the field, and how a footballer can grow into a fashion-forward, full-time brand.