What David Beckham really thinks about being 50 as Man Utd legend lands new World Cup role

Former England and Manchester United star David Beckham has announced his new role ahead of the 2026 World Cup, after insisting that he is not concerned about turning 50

Sir David Beckham is showing no signs of slowing down after turning 50 as the Manchester United legend takes on a new role ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The former England captain has kept himself extremely busy since retiring from playing in 2013.

He has worked on charitable causes through a number of different campaigns, launched several brands, continued his modelling career and even formed his own football team, Inter Miami.

The iconic No. 7 has now teamed up with Verizon, the World Cup’s official telecommunications partner, for their 360 marketing campaign before the tournament kicks off in the USA, Mexico and Canada next year. The scheme will provide their customers with thousands of complimentary match tickets, while hundreds more will win the chance to enjoy pitchside access during the tournament.

Beckham is certainly showing no signs of kicking back and relaxing just yet, despite turning 50 in May. Speaking to Men’s Health about reaching that milestone earlier this year, the United hero explained: “It doesn’t bother me one bit. People are asking me about it gently, like it should be a big issue.

“It’s not something that I’m worried about—as long as I’m fit and healthy and my family is healthy, that’s all I care about. For my 50th, I’m going to keep it really simple. I want good food, good wine, that’s it. All my closest friends.”

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Following a legendary career spanning over 600 matches for club and country, Beckham has ventured into a number of different pursuits. One such venture included founding MLS side Inter Miami in 2018, which began competing in 2020 and has since attracted superstars including Lionel Messi.

The father of four also launched his eponymous Netflix documentary series in 2023, reflecting on his playing days and personal life. In the same popular documentary, he revealed an unexpected hobby by mentioning his newfound love of beekeeping, which he took up during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Beckham expanded on that interest by launching his own honey-based snack company, Bee Up, this year. Aimed at children as a superfood substitute for sweets, boxes of the snacks have recently appeared on shelves across the pond, going on sale at retail giant Target.

He said: “My love of beekeeping and making my own honey began as a hobby and quickly grew into a passion. I built the hives with my sons, learned how to care for the bees, and mastered the art of harvesting one of nature’s most powerful superfoods.”

Of course, his long list of off-the-field pursuits are not for want of money. According to the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, Beckham and his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria, have a staggering combined total fortune of £500million.

Business Insider reports that the former Real Madrid Galactico had amassed an impressive $800m (£587m) by the time he retired 12 years ago. At one point, he was the world’s highest-paid footballer, and his five-year contract with LA Galaxy in 2008 would be worth around £190m today.

But Beckham has also boosted his personal wealth through a string of lucrative sponsorships and business deals, partnering with big-name brands such as Emporio Armani, Gillette, PepsiCo, H&M, Breitling and most notably Adidas over the years. He’s even launched his own line of fragrances and lent his name to everything from sunglasses to video games.

The Netflix documentary is believed to have netted the ex-footballer a whopping £20m, while he raked in a staggering £72.6m in 2023 thanks to his sponsorships and production company. He also signed a 10-year deal to become an ambassador for Qatar, which reportedly saw him paid around £125m by the country.

As well as making astronomical sums from his various ventures, Beckham is known for his lavish spending, with over a dozen properties making up his remarkable portfolio, which is believed to be worth around £70m. That includes a luxury penthouse in Miami, bought for £17.5m, as well as a London townhouse valued at around £30m.

He also owns a 130-foot superyacht that reportedly cost him around £16m, while his car collection is thought to be worth over £2m in total.

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