David Beckham is 50 tomorrow.

I guess every generation realises their own mortality when their heroes get old.

For me David Robert (after Bobby Charlton), Joseph (after his grandfather) Beckham, has influenced my life more than any other person. That is a strange thing to say. But it’s true.

To see a person own his space so unapologetically was fascinating. 

Let’s break down the man. First of all he is fallable. Do I think he cheated in Spain with his assistant. I do. Do I agree with it. No. Do I understand it. Yes. Did he support the Qatar World Cup for money. Yes. Do I agree with that. Absolutely not. In this moment he traded his principles. I would love to have a chance to understand his decision. 

If you think about all of his setbacks, it would have broken most people. The scrutiny, the public attention, the strength of character he must have.

Queuing on his own for the queens funeral showed his class. His country and his family mean the world to him. How can that not be a trait to be admired.

He influenced my style, my personal expression, and echoed my beliefs about family and what is right. Because of him my young self became confident and I too owned my space. I didn’t see myself as anything but awesome. I felt like I was channeling him through my clothing. 

I took my mum to meet him in 2000 at a book signing. we loved it. He was charming, graceful and incredibly handsome in the flesh. We even took a trip to Madrid, sat on the bench and in the home dressing room in 2004. Wonderful memories.

At 50, Beckham still shows the world that you can look after yourself. I’m not interested in what he has at his disposal. His work ethic and his pride in himself are from day one. Humble beginnings and principles that will never leave him.

In a world lacking male role models. I was lucky to have him, and we, the people of England are lucky to have him. His influence has been profound. Everyone knows him, and (almost) everyone is a fan.

I wish him the best year ahead, and I hope that he knows how much he has done for his country, his people and for me. An icon, a role model and for me a genuine legend. His influence will live long, and just like the icons that have transcended their sport, he will be revered and people will ask what it was like to be around in his era. 

If he isn’t Sir Beckham soon, then we are selling ourselves short. Let’s not wait until he is old. Let’s celebrate him now, and make him the ultimate ambassador before the US file for adoption. 

Thank you David. For everything.