Happy birthday, Golden Balls! As David Beckham turns 40

It is a milestone that all too often prompts dread, apprehension and deep reflection, as David Beckham ushers in his 40th birthday with close friends and family members he could be forgiven for feeling an overwhelming sense of pride in a life and career peppered with incredible highs, occasional lows and intermittent flashes of brilliance.

The former footballer will bid farewell to his thirties in lavish style at the five-star Amanjena resort in Marrakesh, Morocco - where he will be joined by friends including James Corden, Gordon Ramsay and life-long pal Dave Gardner - but the opulent backdrop is a far cry from comparatively humble beginnings in suburban Leytonstone, east London.

Born at Whipps Cross University Hospital on May 2 1975, his passion for the beautiful game and unbridled love for Manchester United would be nurtured from an early age by parents Ted, a kitchen fitter, and hairdresser mother Sandra; both avid fans of the team, the couple would frequently travel the 200 miles from their home to watch them play at Old Trafford.






Happy birthday Goldenballs! David Beckham celebrates his 40th birthday with 60 close friends and family members in Marrakesh on May 2

But while his parents observed from the terraces, young Beckham was honing his skills as a footballer on the field at local Larkswood Park, in the playground at Chase Lane Primary School and eventually for his school team at Chingford County High.

Recalling his early passion and subsequent desire to develop a career as a sportsman, Beckham told W magazine in 2007: 'At school whenever the teachers asked, "What do you want to do when you’re older?" I’d say, "I want to be a footballer." And they’d say, "No, what do you really want to do, for a job?" But that was the only thing I ever wanted to do.'

Acutely aware of his talent with the ball, father Ted actively encouraged David, then aged eight, to play by coaching him in Chingford based youth team Ridgeway Rovers, a grass roots London club whose more recent finds include England internationals Andros Townsend and Harry Kane.




Early start: Acutely aware of his talent with the ball, father Ted (pictured, top) actively encouraged David (front row, far left) to play by coaching him in Chingford based youth team Ridgeway Rovers, a grass roots London club whose more recent finds include England internationals Andros Townsend and Harry Kane

Raring to go: Beckham's passion for football was instilled in him at an early age by parents Ted and Sandra, both devoted Manchester United fans




The future's bright: The future England captain, pictured at Chase Lane School in 1984, knew from an early age that he wanted to be a footballer

It would be the future footballing legend's first taste of club football, and he would excel - scoring an impressive 100 goals in his first three seasons with the team.

'It's something only a dad can describe - having a boy. And then when he gets older and he takes an interest in football - well, that's what every dad dreams about, isn't it?' Ted told The Times newspaper in 2005.



'David had talent, but he needed someone to bring it out and I was the cog that started him off. Any dad would have done the same.'

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