He has built his brand on being one of the world’s most famous athletes – and a total hunk. But as David Beckham reaches his 50th birthday, we’re told that he’s panicking about getting older.
While the former England footballer, whose birthday is on 2 May, has been putting on a brave face – even kicking off celebrations with a lavish black-tie event in Miami earlier this month – it’s a different story behind the scenes. But wife Victoria, who turned 50 last April, has been on hand to offer support.
‘David has been secretly freaking out about turning 50. Publicly, he’s said he’s not bothered in the slightest, but the truth is he has the same uneasiness about ageing as most of us do. It’s only natural,’ a source reveals.
‘Vic has found it really difficult seeing him suffer, and has tried to convince him 50 is only a number. Obviously, they’re going all-out for the celebrations, but Vic has been concerned that it might get too much for David, so she’s promised him that she’s going to hold his hand through it all.
‘She found her own 50th birthday celebrations quite overwhelming at times, and can see how the same might happen to David. He definitely wants to show everyone that he can still party like the best of them. But Vic has told David that he can also change his mind at any time and make things a bit more low-key.’
In a bid to look his best in the run-up to the big day, David has upped the ante with his already-intense fitness regime. ‘He’s been doubling his workouts and making sure that he’s in top shape,’ we’re told.
‘Vic hates seeing him put so much pressure on himself, but then he’s never been shy about putting in the hours at the gym and in his fitness routine.’
David is no stranger to showing off his chiselled physique. In February, he stripped off for a racy Boss advert, which showed him lounging around an apartment before whipping off his boxer shorts and heading into the shower naked. And our insider says that part of the reason he wanted to work on the campaign was to show that he’s still got it, adding, ‘He’s admitted that entering a new decade is terrifying, so being lusted after as a sex symbol on a global campaign has been a huge ego boost for him.’
And while Victoria – who is mum to Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 13, with David – is trying her best to reassure her husband of 25 years, she’s seen a different side to him. ‘David’s not usually this vulnerable with Vic, so it’s been quite unsettling for her to deal with. She’s always the one who piles the pressure on herself to look good, and it’s David who spends a lot of time reassuring her that she’s beautiful. But now the roles have reversed,’ the source continues.
‘Although she’s worried about him, Vic has also felt good about being there for David. She’s promised him she will make sure he has nothing to freak out over. When it comes to the celebrations, Vic is making sure everything is taken care of, so David doesn’t have to worry about anything else. She’s just begging him not to go too overboard with partying, especially if he’s trying to prove a point about still being young and able to keep up with everyone.’
They add, ‘Vic really hopes that David sails through it, and can look back and have a lot of happy memories. She knows that once it’s all over with, David will realise there was nothing to be scared about, and they can just carry on like they always do.’
