Reflecting on his life, he emphasized his contentment with his family and business, saying, “I’m really happy. I’ve got the business and an amazing family.”
David Beckham, the iconic footballer known for his illustrious career with Manchester United and England, has opened up about his physical struggles, particularly the lasting effects of a wrist injury he suffered over two decades ago.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health UK, Beckham, now 49, discussed his history of injuries and the toll they’ve taken on his body. Reflecting on a 2003 match against South Africa, he shared how a wrist injury continues to cause him discomfort. “I broke my wrist in South Africa and I still get issues with it,” Beckham revealed. Despite being told the screw inserted in his wrist was dissolvable, he later discovered it wasn’t, leaving him with ongoing pain.
Beckham also spoke about another serious injury he suffered while living in Los Angeles. “I actually broke my back,” he said, recalling how he had persistent pain after a game. Initially, scans showed no issues, but after further investigation, it was revealed he had cracked his spine.
Though the injury was severe, Beckham has continued to maintain an active lifestyle. Despite these past challenges, Beckham remains dedicated to staying fit. Ahead of his 50th birthday in May, he revealed that his body is feeling better than ever. “I play padel three times a week and work out every day – especially when I’m in Miami,” he shared, expressing satisfaction with his current fitness.

Beckham also addressed the looming milestone of turning 50, brushing off concerns about aging. “It doesn’t bother me one bit,” he said. “As long as I’m fit and healthy, and my family are healthy, that’s all I care about.” Reflecting on his life, he emphasized his contentment with his family and business, saying, “I’m really happy. I’ve got the business and an amazing family.”
However, Beckham admitted that life with his children—Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 22, Cruz, 19, and 13-year-old Harper—living away from home is still emotionally difficult. “We’ve gone from having four in the house to one,” he said. “What I would give to have that back and be able to walk in, moaning to them about it [wet towels on bedroom floors]!” Despite the distance, Beckham takes comfort in his strong relationships with his sons, who still invite him to join them at the pub when they hang out with friends.
Beckham’s full interview will appear in the April issue of Men’s Health UK, hitting newsstands on March 4. As he approaches his 50th birthday, he remains grounded in his family life and focused on his health, proving that even sports legends face personal challenges beyond the field.