Always On The Ball

David Beckham’s celebrity status owes as much to his charms off the pitch as on it. 

- Matt Jacob

Not all A-list celebrities are stage-managed machines who only “interface” with the real world via social media. Take retired soccer icon and one-man global brand David Beckham. A storm has delayed the Englishman’s trip to Las Vegas by more than five hours, and when he finally strides into an opulent top-floor suite at The Venetian, we’re prepared for an impatient flick of the cuffs and a let’s-get-this-over-with scowl.

What we actually get is quite different, with Beckham flashing his million-dollar smile and greeting everyone in the room like old friends. When he sits for the interview, he is gracious, offering thoughtful insights into his early life, his sporting successes, his family, business interests and philanthropic passions. During the photo shoot, he takes direction with patience and courtesy.

Clearly, charismatic Beckham – an ambassador for Las Vegas Sands Corp., for which he hosts events around the world – is not your average international idol.

For many years, the megastar athlete was the most popular player of the most popular sport on the planet. Since their marriage in 1999, he and his wife, Victoria – fashion designer, mother of their four children and a former Spice Girl – have been one of the world’s most recognizable couples.

With his ever-changing hairstyles (beards included), clothing choices (right down to his underwear – Beckham famously modeled for Armani) and numerous tattoos (he recently surpassed three dozen), Beckham is also a trend setter. The 41-year-old has a budding business portfolio that includes being part-owner of a soon-to launch Major League Soccer (MLS) expansion franchise in Miami, and he has been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF since 2005.