It’s no secret David Beckham is a big fan of body art. He has a number of decorative pieces and it will take a thesis to decode them in detail. But here are the top five things Beckham’s tattoos tell about the man.
Loving Father
Beckham had his first Tattoo when he became a father in 1999. To commemorate the birth of his son Brooklyn, he had his son’s name written in gothic script across his lower back. The second child Romeo’s name found a place just below the base of David’s neck- again in gothic style. Cruz, Beckham’s third kid’s name was inked at the bottom of his neck in 2005. In 2011, Beck and Posh had their first girl Harper Seven and her name was inked just under David’s neck.
Devoted Husband
Beckham’s left arm has a lot of designs that seem to focus on his wife. In 2000, Victoria’s name was tattooed in Hindi script on his left arm. Below the tattoo is a phrase in Latin meaning “so that I love and cherish.” In 2007, Beck had a six-inch tattoo of Victoria again on his arm. The phrase “forever by your side” was scripted below the tattoo. He also has a ring of roses on his left bicep– one for each year of his 11 year marriage to Posh. He also tattooed Roman numerals VIII.V.MMVI, which stand for the date of his and Victoria’s commitment ceremony on May 8, 2006.
Passion for the Game
While Beckham’s left arm declares his devotion for his wife, the right arm showcases his passion for a career in soccer. There is the Roman numeral VII, as “seven” symbolizing his jersey number when he played for Manchester United. A Latin-inspired phrase is also carved on his right arm, meaning “Spiritual Perfection.”
Spiritual Soul
Beckham’s tattoos also suggest he is quite a spiritual soul. He has a “Guardian Angel” tattooed on the shoulder blades, wings expanding to ends of his shoulders. In 2004 UK tattooist, Louis Malloy, was flown in the midst of UEFA soccer championship to carve a “Winged Cross” on the back of his neck. In March 2008, the soccer star showed off a large Chinese motif running down his left rib-cage. The text translates as: “Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honor depend upon heaven.” He also has several Biblical phrases in Hebrew carved on his body.
Art Lover
In January 2010, Beck’s lower right ribs was tattooed with a replica of the famous painting “The Man of Sorrows” by Matthew R. Brooks. The same year a new piece at the top of his left arm became visible in public. It’s a replica of the famous 15th century Renaissance image of Cupid carrying his wife Psyche up to heaven. One small alteration of the 15th century image was the scarf grafted over Psyche, covering her otherwise-bare body. The 35-year-old latest addition was inspired from the roof of The Sistine Chapel and is painted on his chest. The tattoo is of Jesus being lifted by three cherubs, of whom David says symbolize himself and his three sons.