David Beckham reached the milestone age on Friday.
Former Manchester United midfielder David Beckham, 50, hung up his boots after a successful playing career back in 2013.
Beckham blossomed at Old Trafford after rising through the ranks of the United youth academy before establishing himself as a key player under Sir Alex Ferguson in the 1990s and early 2000s.
During his time at United, the iconic No.7 won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the Champions League.
After a falling out with Ferguson, which has since been mended, Beckham left United to join Real Madrid’s Galacticos in 2003.
The former England international would spend four years in Spain before signing for LA Galaxy and spending time on loan at AC Milan.
Beckham announced his retirement in 2013 after a short spell at Paris Saint-Germain.
Gary Neville shares David Beckham birthday tribute
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has always been close friends with Beckham.
The pair came through the youth ranks at United and were part of the ‘Class of 92’, winning several trophies together.
After initially meeting in 1991, Neville went on to be Beckham’s best man at his wedding, and they were a formidable force down the right flank for years at United.
Neville would do his job as a right-back defensively before passing the ball to more creative players in forward positions. He enjoyed a strong partnership with Beckham, regularly overlapping the midfielder to unlock opponents’ defences.
With today being Beckham’s birthday, Neville has taken the time to write a heartfelt message for his best mate.
“Happy 50th mate,” Neville wrote. “You’re the best!
“Stand still today for once and reflect on everything you have achieved and done in these first 50 years of your life.
“We’ve won, lost, laughed and cried but had the most incredible times together.
“I can still see our mums and dads in the crowd. Everything you’ve done has come through humility, care and hard work.
“I’m proud of you and more importantly trust you with my life.
“All my love to you.”
Neville turned 50 in February and he will be happy to have Beckham join him in that club.
Lavish celebrations for Beckham’s 50th birthday
Despite Beckham’s birthday falling today, Friday, 2 May, the football icon launched his celebrations early.
According to The Sun, Beckham hosted a black-tie gathering on Thursday night with wife Victoria, their family and close friends.
The Beckhams are expected to continue birthday celebrations on Friday, with more intimate dinner party arranged at Core by Clare Smyth, which will include a special menu for the occasion.
A source told the newspaper: “David is going all out for his 50th – and while a dinner party seems understated it is going to be a bash to remember.
“He absolutely loves Core and has hired out the restaurant.
“Clare, who is the chef and owner of Core, has spent over a month refining a tailor made menu for David and his guests.
“Brooklyn and Nicola are on the list, as well as Romeo, Cruz and Harper, and his and Victoria’s parents – it’s a proper family affair.
“Tom, who is a close friend of David’s, has also made the cut, along with his famous mates who live in London.
“David threw a big party in Miami for his American friends but on his actual birthday, Friday May 2, he wants a more intimate celebration.
“There will be speeches and lots of champagne flowing, as well as David’s Haig Club whisky.”
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