David Beckham has recently opened up about his transition from football star to influential philanthropist, highlighting his ambitious business ventures and deep ties with the British royal family. The former England captain made this poignant reflection during his participation at the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.
Having retired from soccer at the age of 38, Beckham could have simply taken the opportunity to relax and enjoy his wealth, estimated to be around £165 million at the time. Yet, he chose to continue pushing forward, leveraging his platform and wealth to set a good example for his four children. "The reason I continue to work as hard as I do is for my children," Beckham stated at the event. "I want to set the right example."
Beckham's post-football career has blossomed since his retirement. He co-founded the Inter Miami CF soccer team and forged lucrative brand deals, leading to his wealth soaring to approximately £455 million by 2024. Alongside his business pursuits, Beckham has taken on significant philanthropic roles. A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for over two decades, he actively promotes children's welfare initiatives worldwide.
During the Forum, Beckham shared insights about his work with the King’s Foundation, where he is committed to causes such as sustainable practices and empowering young people. Beckham confessed he's long been inspired by the royal family, saying, "I always get emotional talking about anything with our royal family," showcasing his deep respect and admiration for their charitable efforts. He recalled how proud his mother was when he informed her of his ambassadorial role with the King's Foundation.
Beckham's connection with the royals, particularly Prince William, is notable. He explained, "Whenever the Prince of Wales sends me a message and says 'I need you to do this' or 'be there', it's always a 'yes'." This reliability and alignment with causes spearheaded by William, such as supporting veteran welfare and raising funds for London’s Air Ambulance charity, has solidified his position as part of the royal circle.
His recent initiatives include the 7 Fund, which he launched with UNICEF to support at-risk children across seven countries. Beckham has expressed enthusiasm for this pivotal role, merging his celebrity status with genuine humanitarian outreach. "It's always been about supporting young people to expand their horizons," he mentioned, emphasizing his wish to bolster future generations.
His relationship with King Charles has grown, with Beckham noting their shared interests, including beekeeping. The admiration is mutual, as he highlighted Charles' commitment to sustainability and youth empowerment, calling him, "an incredible man... he's been an incredible man for decades." Beckham's friendships and collaborations with the royal family have been widely reported, underscoring how his life after soccer intertwines with influential platforms on the global stage.
Beckham’s role also signifies potential shifts within the royal dynamic, especially following Prince Harry's estrangement from the family. Observers have noted Beckham’s rising prominence among the royals with suggestions he could be filling the 'Harry-sized hole.' His rising popularity coincides with his increasing appearances at royal events, such as his recent state banquet attendance, where he mingled with the King and other members of the royal family.
With his extensive foundation work and steadfast commitment to his children and the royal family, Beckham embodies the spirit of service and is reshaping his narrative beyond the football pitch. Reflecting on his legacy, it's clear Beckham's next chapters will focus heavily on philanthropy and family, drawing heavily on the lessons learned from his own upbringing and career experiences.