David Beckham launched a new fundraising appeal for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable children on Tuesday – in the lead up to his 50th birthday.
The former footballer has worked with UNICEF for 20 years as a Goodwill Ambassador – a role that has seen him raise awareness on issues such as education, health, immunization, and protection.
The new appeal will help to improve the lives of girls and adolescent girls globally who are impacted by child marriage, female genital mutilation, violence and abuse.
Leading up to his birthday, David’s social media channels will be taken over by girls from around the world, who will share their stories and the work that they are doing to uplift their communities.
In a video posted to his Instagram as the appeal launched, David said: ‘We are witnessing a global funding crisis where the most vulnerable children are suffering the most and urgently need our help. Please support my birthday fundraiser.
‘Next month, I turn 50. It’s a major milestone that has made me think about the opportunities I’ve had and the experiences that have shaped me.
David Beckham launched a new fundraising appeal for UNICEF’s work to support vulnerable children on Tuesday – in the lead up to his 50th birthday
The former footballer has worked with UNICEF for 20 years as a Goodwill Ambassador – a role that has seen him raise awareness on issues such as education, health, immunization, and protection
‘As I look back, some of the moments that have had the most impact on me have come through my work with @UNICEF. As a father of four amazing children, I know how lucky my family is to be safe and have access to education and healthcare.
‘I’ve met children living in the toughest situations all over the world and I’ve seen what can happen when they are given the support they need to take control of their lives.
‘Today, 25 years since my first visit to a women’s centre in Thailand, the world is a very difficult place for children – especially girls.
‘That’s why I’m launching a fundraising appeal for my birthday. I want the children who need us to believe that their voice will be heard.
‘So if you, like me, believe that every child should have the chance to achieve their full potential, please click the link in my bio to donate. Whatever you can give will make a difference to children’s lives.
‘Every child deserves the chance to dream. Together, we can help to make those dreams a reality. Thank you @UNICEF. #ForEveryChild.’
Along with turning 50, 2025 marks 20 years since David became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and 10 years since the launch of the 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund.
Since its inception, the 7Fund has directly impacted over 1 million children in countries such as Nepal, Indonesia and Djibouti.
The new appeal will help to improve the lives of girls and adolescent girls globally who are impacted by child marriage, female genital mutilation, violence and abuse
Leading up to his birthday, David’s social media channels will be taken over by girls from around the world, who will share their stories and the work that they are doing to uplift their communities
In a video posted to his Instagram as the appeal launched, David said: ‘We are witnessing a global funding crisis where the most vulnerable children are suffering’
Along with turning 50, 2025 marks 20 years since David became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and 10 years since the launch of the 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund
Since its inception, the 7Fund has directly impacted over 1 million children in countries such as Nepal, Indonesia and Djibouti
He added: ‘Today, 25 years since my first visit to a women’s centre in Thailand, the world is a very difficult place for children – especially girls’
David kicked off his month-long 50th birthday celebrations with a black-tie bash in Miami at the start of April.
And it’s certainly just the beginning as he plans to stretch out his celebrations for as long as possible until the big day on May 2.
David got the ball rolling with a lavish soiree, hiring out his and wife Victoria’s favourite restaurant in the city, Cipriani.
From Eva Longoria to Lionel Messi and Tom Brady, the room was filled with many celebrity pals enjoying the free bar.
According to The Sun, David is in the middle of planning other events back in London with his friends and family – including an intimate dinner.
A source told the publication: ‘This party took place so early because of the Inter Miami schedule.
‘They played the night before and a lot of people flew in to watch that too, including Jack Whitehall. They hired out Cipriani, which is an old favourite of the Beckhams. There was a free bar, and they all partied late into the night.
‘David is planning other events and will be turning 50 in style. He will do a big dinner for his family and friends closer to his birthday and then will spend the day itself doing something with just Victoria, their parents and the kids.’
MailOnline contacted the Beckham’s representatives for comment.
The former footballer was joined by his youngest children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13 – with eldest son Brooklyn, 26, and his wife Nicola Peltz, 30, notably absent.
Cruz and his girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 29, looked smitten as they packed on the PDA, while Romeo cheekily placed his hand on his DJ girlfriend Kim Turnbull’s, 25, bottom.
David and Victoria’s youngest Harper cut a glamorous figure with her platinum blonde locks as she stole the show in a jaw-dropping satin black dress.
The Beckham clan looked every inch the happy family as they got together to celebrate in their favourite city.
David proved he’s still got it in a dapper velour tux while his wife Victoria, who turned 50 last year, showcased her ageless beauty in a thin-strapped white gown.
Victoria wrote: ‘What a way to begin the first of many birthday celebrations for @davidbeckham, surrounded by friends and family x Kisses from Miami!’
David was joined by a slew of his closest friends and several famous faces for the early birthday bash.
Posing for a beaming snap alongside longtime pals Gabe Turner, David Gardner and Ben Winston, he gushed on Instagram: ‘Friends for life’.
Another photo saw him embracing Gardner, who he first became friends with while on Manchester United’s youth team as teenagers, sweetly captioned: ‘Love ya Mate. 35 years between us’.
The video he posted to his Instagram showed the projects that were funded
The promotional video showed some of the areas that UNICEF operates in
David kicked off his month-long 50th birthday celebrations with a black-tie bash in Miami at the start of April
He was joined by his youngest children Romeo, 22, Cruz, 20, and Harper, 13 – with eldest son Brooklyn, 26, and his wife Nicola Peltz , 30, notably absent
David was also joined by a host of fellow sporting legends, including players from his Inter Miami team – Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and footballing icon, Lionel.
While he poked fun at his diminutive looking stature as he posed next to American football star Tom Brady and basketball star Shaquille O’Neal, who towered over him with their respective 6ft4 and 7ft1 heights.
Hollywood stars Justin Theroux and Fisher Stevens were also in attendance, as well as Grammy winner Marc Anthony.
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