Beckham’s Most Important Tats Involve His Kids

David Beckham has a whopping 32 tattoos, and, according to the model and soccer star, his favorite pieces are the ones dedicated to his three sons – Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz – and his one-year-old daughter, Harper. On his back, David Beckham sports a huge guardian angel tattoo, with the names of his boys inked above and below the angel. On his chest, the loving father also has an image of Jesus being lifted up by three cherubs, which represent his sons. Just above that tat, near his neck, David has an elegant tattoo that reads “Harper,” his daughter’s name, in script. In addition to tattoos honoring his children, David Beckham also has quite a few tats as tributes to his wife, singer-turned-fashion-designer Victoria Beckham, and she has some family-related tattoos of her own.

New Tattoos for David Beckham?

Following a March 2013 soccer match in Paris, David Beckham removed his shirt (wowza!) and revealed a bandage on his lower back, which sparked rumors that he may have gotten a new tattoo. We’ve been keeping an eagle eye out since then to see if we can catch a glimpse of a new David Beckham tattoo, but alas, no luck. Some people did freak out a bit when the model pulled up his shirt during a five-day trip to China in March to reveal the Chinese proverb inked on his ribcage, but true David Beckham fans know that the side tattoo isn’t new. In fact, it was inked back in 2008, and translates to “Death and life have determined appointments. Riches and honor depend upon heaven.” Stay tuned and we’ll keep you updated on new David Beckham tattoos in the future!

Beckham’s Sons Show Signs of Tattoo Fever

David Beckham obviously loves tattoo, and he has scores of them inked on his arms, chest, neck, back and side. The majority of the soccer star’s tattoos were inspired by his loving wife, Victoria Beckham, while many of the rest were inked in honor of his three sons, Romeo, Cruz and Brooklyn, and only daughter, Harper. It must be pretty cool to see your name inked on your dad’s body, and Beckham’s sons are already beginning to show an interest in returning the favor. In fact, Beckham’s ten-year-old son Romeo recently sported a fake tattoo that was identical to the “Harper” tat his dad got inked on his left collarbone when his daughter was born in 2011. Beckham also recently admitted that one of his sons asked him how old he had to be before getting his first tattoo, to which Beckham responded, “A lot older than you are now.”

Stay Up-to-Date on David Beckham’s Tattoos

Although it’s not yet clear if David Beckham actually did get a new tattoo, and, if so, what it could be of, it has been quite a while since the tattoo lover revealed a new inking, so we’re thinking this could be the real deal! Prior to these new tattoo rumors, Beckham’s most recent tattoo was the word “Love” that he had scrawled across his left hand in 2011, with an image of a swallow beside it. It’s been almost two years since Beckham got the hand tattoo – which represents family, love and loyalty – so we think it’s about time the tatted-up soccer player hit the tattoo parlor again. The question is – what could be the inspiration behind Beckham’s possible new tattoo? One possibility could be the footballer’s recent move from the Los Angeles Galaxy to Paris Saint-Germain, which was a big change for him and his family. Perhaps he opted for a tattoo honoring his former Galaxy teammates or for a tribute to his new French team. Check back and we’ll keep you updated on David Beckham’s latest tattoos!

Beckham Tats Dedicated to Sons

During the Q&A session (which was part of the launch for the model’s H&M bodywear line), a Beckham fan asked “any more tattoos planned? And which is your favorite?” The model and soccer star replied, “My favorites are the ones about my children.” Similar to other inked-up celebrities like Rihanna, Pink and Miley Cyrus, Becks has upwards of twenty tattoos inked on various parts of his body, including his arms, chest, neck, sides and back. One of David’s most prevalent tattoos is the large guardian angel he has inked in the middle of his back, which he had done in 2000 by tattoo artist to the stars, Louis Malloy. With the birth of his three boys, Romeo, Brooklyn and Cruz, David Beckham added each of their names to the upper, middle and lower parts of his back.

David Holds Harper Close to His Heart

Nine years after David Beckham inked his first son’s name on his back, the tattoo lover got another piece inked on his body in honor of his boys. On the left part of his chest, David has an ornate tattoo depicting Jesus being lifted from his tomb by three cherubs, which represent his sons. According to David himself, “…my thought of it is that at some point my boys are going to need to look after me and that’s what they’re doing in the picture. It means a lot.” Honoring his sons in the form of tattoos is obviously important to Becks, so when his first daughter Harper was born in July 2011, he couldn’t leave the poor girl out! The month after her birth, David Beckham added an elegant “Harper” tattoo to his left collarbone, just above the Jesus and cherubs tat.

More David Beckham Tattoos!

We all know that David Beckham loves tattoos, but it’s been a good year and a half since the soccer star debuted some new ink. So, we know what you’re all wondering – are there more tattoos in David’s future? In the Q&A, David Beckham responded, “no new ones planned yet, have to find some space.” It’s true that David has covered up the majority of his arms and back with ink, but he’s got plenty of room on his chest, sides and legs. We’d love to see some more, Becks!

Romeo Beckham Copies Dad’s Chest Tattoo With Fake “Harper” Ink

Not only does David Beckham’s son follow in his footsteps when it comes to playing soccer, but 10-year-old Romeo Beckham also apparently admires his dad’s numerous body tattoos. While shopping for Halloween costumes with mother, Victoria Beckham, and siblings Brooklyn (13), Cruz (7) and Harper (1), in Santa Monica, California yesterday, Romeo showed off an exact replica of David’s “Harper” tattoo in the same spot on his collarbone. Don’t worry, Romeo’s Harper tat is fake, but the 10-year-old has shown interest in getting his own tattoos when he’s old enough. David Beckham’s proud papa tribute to one-year-old Harper is super cute, and the ink is even sweeter on Romeo, who plays the role of doting big brother rather well. Maybe when he hits 18, Romeo Beckham will get tats in honor of his entire family, like dad David and mom Victoria have.

David Beckham’s Tattoo Tributes to Children

Romeo Beckham’s fake neck tattoo is identical in design to David’s tattoo on his collarbone, which reads “Harper” in scrolling script letters. The international soccer star got the ink shortly after his first and only daughter, Harper, was born in July 2011, but his little girl isn’t the only family member immortalized in a David Beckham tattoo. Following the birth of Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo, David Beckham got each of their names inked on his back in matching Gothic text. The most significant tattoo David Beckham has on his back is a large guardian angel, and his boys’ names are inked above and below the angel tattoo. Beckham also has an intricate tattoo on his chest that features Jesus being lifted up by three cherubs, which represent his three sons. “I wasn’t planning on getting another tattoo – I’ve had a lot done – but I heard all these great things about legendary artist Mark Mahoney,” said Beckham in reference to his Jesus chest tattoo.

Beckham’s Kids Want Their Own Tattoos!

If you’re wondering what made Romeo ask for a temporary tattoo replica of his dad’s Harper tat, Beckham himself will tell you that his 10-year-old is already interested in getting some ink of his own when he gets a little older. How can you blame him with a dad that sports dozens and dozens of tattoos all over his body? Even Beckham’s wife Victoria has several tattoos inked on her body, all of which are in honor of her kids and husband. During an appearance on the Today show, Beckham revealed that his sons have expressed an interest in getting inked, just like their celebrity parents. “One of them said to be recently: ‘How old do I have to be before I get my first tattoo?’ I was like, ‘A lot older than you are now!’” Beckham can play coy, but we’re sure that when the time comes, he’ll be supportive of his kids’ desire to get inked. In fact, he may be right there beside them, getting some new tats of his own!

Although many female celebrities opt for small neck tattoos, like Megan Fox’s strength tattoo, Victoria Beckham went the extra mile to prove her devotion to her husband in a large neck tattoo. Victoria Beckhams tattoo that gets the most attention is the Hebrew phrase the British fashion designer has inked in a tat that runs vertically down her neck and back. You get the best view of Victoria Beckham’s neck tattoo when she wears open-backed dresses and sports her signature short locks.

Hewbrew Phrase Tattoo

For their sixth wedding anniversary, David and Victoria Beckham got matching Hewbrew tattoos. While David chose to get his Hebrew tat inked on his arm, Victoria chose to have her unique tattoo inked in a vertical line running from her neck down her back. Victoria Beckham’s neck tattoo reads Ani l’dodi li va’ani lo haro’eh bashoshanim, which translates to I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine. The Hebrew phrase that the happy couple chose to get inked on their bodies comes from the Hebrew poem “Shir Ha’shirim,” which, in English, means “Song of Songs.” Apparently, this verse is commonly recited by brides under the wedding canopy at Jewish weddings as a proclamation of their love for their husbands-to-be.

Even though Victoria isn’t Jewish, David has strong ties to Judaism and considers himself to be “half-Jewish,” so maybe Victoria wanted to proclaim her love to her husband with this fitting Hebrew poem. Believe it or not though, Victoria Beckhams tattoo running down her neck isn’t her only Hebrew tattoo. The British couple got another matching Hebrew tattoo on their wrists to celebrate their tenth wedding anniversary. Victoria Beckham’s neck tattoo begins just about at her hair line and extends down her spine to the middle of her back, just between her shoulder blades. Victoria Beckham’s tattoo on her neck first showed up in pictures on the internet when the fashionista got a drastic hair cut in 2006.

Although Victoria was reportedly furious when David Beckham got his cherub arm tattoo in 2008 (probably because he already had over a dozen tats at that point), Victoria Beckham seems to have no problem going “tat for tat” with her husband under certain circumstances. In fact, several of Victoria Beckhams wrist tattoos match tattoos that David Beckham also has inked on his body, some of which are in the exact same place. And the couple even shares the same tattoo artist – Manchester-based Louis Malloy. If Victoria Beckham tries to keep up with her husband’s tattoo addiction, we may see many more Victoria Beckham tattoos in the not-too-distant future! Check out all of Victoria Beckham’s wrist tattoos below.

Roman Numeral Tattoo

On her right wrist, Victoria Beckham has a Roman numeral tattoo that reads “VIII-V-MMVI,” or May 8, 2006. Victoria Beckham’s wrist tattoo with Roman numerals represents the date Victoria and David renewed their wedding vows, and matches the Roman numeral tat David also has inked on his right wrist. David and Victoria renewed their wedding vows in a secret ceremony in front of only a few friends and family at Buckingham Palace in 2006, and Victoria apparently had no idea it was planned until the day of. The vow renewal was a very toned-down ceremony compared to the couple’s wedding, which involved an Irish castle and individual thrones for the couple to sit on. Victoria Beckhams wrist tattoo was inked in 2006, and it seems like other celebrities liked the look enough that they decided to follow suit. Two years later, Rihanna got a similar Roman numeral tattoo inked on her shoulder as a tribute to best friend, Melissa Forde.

David Beckham Initials Tattoo

Victoria Beckham has a tattoo on her left wrist of husband David Beckham’s initials, “DB,” inked in an elegant scrolling script. Victoria Beckham certainly isn’t the only female celebrity to get tattooed, but she does seem to get tattoos that match her “posh” persona – classy and feminine – without seeming the least bit trashy. Even though Victoria Beckham’s wrist tattoos are very visible to the public, the fact that each one is a tribute to her loving husband kinda makes that okay, right?

Hebrew Phrase Tattoo

To celebrate her 10^th wedding anniversary with soccer star David Beckham, Victoria Beckham got another Hebrew tattoo, this time inked on her left wrist, right below her tattoo of David’s initials. Victoria Beckhams wrist tattoo translates to “Together, forever, eternally,” which seems like a nice tribute to ten years of marriage. The infamous British super-couple celebrated their 10^th anniversary on July 4 in the Maldives, and Victoria Beckham chose her guest appearance on American Idol in August 2009 to show off her wrist tattoo, which is apparently inspired by David Beckham’s ties to Judaism. Even though Victoria is reportedly not too happy about all of his tattoos, David Beckham also got a tattoo in honor of the couple’s 10^th wedding anniversary. David Beckhams tattoo however, came in the form of ten roses inked around his left arm, near his elbow.

Latin Phrase Tattoo

Underneath her Roman numeral tattoo Victoria Beckham has a Latin phrase inked on her wrist that reads “De Integro,” which the former Spice Girl unveiled during the launch of her new denim line in Boston in 2008. Victoria Beckham’s wrist tattoo translates to “again from the start,” and is believed to mark her fresh start with her husband and family in the United States. The Beckhams moved to the U.S. in 2007 when David finished his last season with Real Madrid and signed a multi-million dollar, five-year deal with MLS to play for the L.A. Galaxy. Victoria Beckhams wrist tattoo seems like a positive outlook on the big move, and came shortly after her husband got a risque tattoo of her sporting lingerie in 2007.

Based on how she is represented in the media, Victoria Beckham, a.k.a Posh Spice, hardly seems like the kind of person to tone anything down. (The couple sat on matching golden thrones at their wedding for God’s sake.) So when it comes to tattoos, you might expect Victoria Beckham to have, who knows, a huge portrait of David Beckham inked on her back or something. In reality though, Victoria Beckhams tattoos are actually quite tasteful and truly represent how much she loves her family. In fact, there isn’t a single tattoo on her body that wasn’t inked in honor of her husband and/or children. Now that’s devotion. Read on to learn more about Victoria Beckhams back tattoo and how she got it altered when her family started growing.

Stars Tattoo

Victoria Beckham has a tattoo on her lower back that features five stars – one for her, one for her husband, and one for each of the couple’s three boys, Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz. The stars in Victoria Beckham’s tattoo look like twinkling eight-pointed stars outlined in black. Three of the stars form vertical line down Victoria Beckham’s spine, and then there is a star on the left and right of that line. When Victoria Beckhams back tattoo first showed up in pictures though, it only consisted of three stars that formed a horseshoe pattern. The stars in Victoria Beckham’s back tattoo represented David, their first son Brooklyn, and herself. It wasn’t until their other sons Romeo and Cruz were born that Victoria altered her back tat to include the newest additions to the family.

It’s cute that Victoria Beckhams back tattoo is a tribute to her sons, and David Beckham also has tats inked on his back that commemorate the birth of Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz. What about poor little Harper though? When the Beckhams’ first daughter was born in July 2011, David got the baby girl’s name scrawled across the left side of his chest, above his chest tattoo with Jesus and cherubs. After the couple gave birth to three boys, Victoria said she planned to get a tattoo on her inner thigh that represented fertility, hoping that the tat would improve her chances of giving birth to the baby girl she always wanted. Since Harper’s birth nearly a year ago though, a tribute to the little girl has been noticeably absent among Victoria Beckhams tattoos. Could this mean a new Victoria Beckham tattoo in the future? We sure hope so!

It’s obvious that David Beckham loves tattoos, and each of the numerous tats on the soccer star’s arms is a critical part of David Beckham’s sleeve tattoos and represents an important part of his life. In his memoirs, titled “Both Feet on the Ground,” David Beckham said of his tattoos, “They’re about the important people in my life, my wife and sons, who I want to have with me always.” Beckham continues, “When you see me, you see the tattoos. You see an expression of how I feel about Victoria and the boys. They’re part of me.” David Beckhams arm tattoos are some of his most impressive, so read on to learn more about his sexy (and sometimes controversial) sleeve tattoos and all of David Beckham’s tattoo meanings.

“Victoria” Sanskrit Tattoo

In 2000, David Beckham decided to make a public declaration of his love for his wife, Victoria Beckham, by getting her name inked on the inside of his left arm. David Beckhams forearm tattoo was inked in Sanskrit and was meant to read simply “Victoria.” Unfortunately, as we know from other celebrity tattoo mistakes, such as pop star Rihanna’s hip tattoo, Sanskrit tats don’t always translate properly. Instead of saying his wife’s name, David Beckham’s tattoo meaning actually translates to “Vihctoria.” Rihanna’s Sanskrit tattoo was meant to read “forgiveness, honesty, suppression and control,” but instead translates to “long suffering, truthfulness, self-restraint, inward calm, fear and fearlessness.”

Roman Numerals Tattoo

Another one of David Beckhams tattoos on his forearm features a large Roman numeral seven, which is inked on the inside of his right arm. The number seven is significant to Beckham because it represents his jersey number for both Manchester United and England. Oh, and it’s also the middle name of David and Victoria Beckham’s fourth child, Harper Seven Beckham. David Beckham’s forearm tattoo was inked in 2003, and since Harper wasn’t born until 2011, we’re guessing both the tat and his little girl’s middle name were inspired by his jersey number.

Latin Phrase Tattoos

The same year that Beckham’s arm tattoo featuring the Roman numeral seven showed up in pictures, David Beckham was also seen sporting a new forearm tattoo inked on the inside of both his right and left arms. On his left arm, David Beckhams tattoo reads “Ut Amem Et Foveam” in Latin, which translates to “So That I Love and Cherish.” This tat is inked directly below David Beckham’s “Victoria” tattoo (or more accurately, his “Vihctoria” tattoo). The rest of the Latin tat is inked on Beckham’s right arm, reading “Perfectio in Spiritu,” or “Spiritual Perfection.”

Large Angel Tattoo

2004 was a tough year for David Beckham, as allegations of his affair with model and personal assistant Rebecca Loos threatened his marriage to Victoria. About a month after the alleged affair became public, David Beckham got a new tattoo inked on his upper right arm, featuring a large angel with the saying “In the Face of Adversity.” David Beckhams arm tattoo was clearly an indication the problems he was facing in his life, as Beckham was quoted saying, “Everybody’s got a way of expressing their feelings, and mine is through my tattoos.”

“I Am My Beloved” Hebrew Tattoo

On David and Victoria Beckham’s 6^th wedding anniversary, the couple got matching Hebrew tattoos. While Victoria’s Hebrew tattoo is inked in a line running down her neck and back, David Beckham’s Hebrew tattoo is inked on his left arm, just above the “Victoria” Sanskrit tat. The couples’ matching tattoos translate to “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” which clearly demonstrates their love for one another. It seems like the soccer star has reserved his left arm for his wife, as most of David Beckhams tattoos on his left arm are tributes to Victoria. It’s a good thing he saved that space for her already, because he’s sure to run out of tattoo room on his body before too long!

Anniversary Roman Numerals Tattoo

When asked about the alleged four-month affair between her husband and Rebecca Loos, Victoria Beckham said it only made their marriage stronger. Obviously, the couple has gotten through that difficult time, illustrated by the tattoo David Beckham got on his wrist in 2006. Inked on his right wrist in Roman numerals, David Beckhams tattoo reads VIII.V.MMVI, which represents May 8, 2006, the date David and Victoria took part in a secret commitment ceremony.

Sexy Victoria Tattoo

Apparently David Beckham’s Sanskrit and anniversary tattoos weren’t enough, because David Beckham got another tattoo in tribute to his wife in 2007. This time, Beckham had a six-inch tat of a lingerie-clad Victoria inked on his left arm, a recreation of his favorite Brigitte Bardot-style photo that the former Posh Spice did for “Pop” magazine. David Beckhams sleeve tattoo seems innocent enough, but the five-year old tat has recently drawn criticism from officials in UK schools who believe the tattoo is “inappropriate.” Apparently, David Beckham’s Victoria tattoo has been featured on a flyer distributed by a UK supermarket chain to 47,000 schools and community groups, who have taken issue with the “provocative” tattoo. Shortly after decorating his arm with a sexy Victoria tattoo in 2007, David Beckham had “Forever By Your Side” inked beneath the tat, accompanied by a star.

“Pray for Me” Tattoo

Also in 2007, Beckham had the words “Pray for Me” inked on the outside of his right wrist, amongst the clouds and other images that make up David Beckhams sleeve tattoo. Apparently David Beckham’s arm tattoo was inspired by his conflicted move from Manchester United to L.A. Galaxy, and was inked along with another “symbolic” piece, both of which reflect the “deep turmoil he feels about going to L.A.” The second part of David Beckham’s sleeve tattoo features a Knight Templar, symbolized by a cross. The Templar Knights are recognizable by their white mantle with distinct red cross, and David Beckham’s tattoo meaning is believed to represent he and his England team.

“Let Them Hate” Angel Tattoo

Another part of David Beckhams sleeve tattoo on his right arm features a large guardian angel holding a flame in her hand and spreading her wings out to merge with Beckham’s other arm tattoos. Below the angel tattoo are the words “Let Them Hate as Long as They Fear,” which was apparently inspired by a quote by the Roman Emporer Tiberius and which was also used by Caligula. According to rumors, David Beckham wanted to get the quote inked in Latin, but he opted for English instead because one of the words in Latin would have read “dum.s” Apparently, Beckham was adamant that the tat be written in English because he wanted to avoid potential jabs at his own intellect spurred by this word. This David Beckham tattoo was also inked in 2007.

Cherub and Hebrew Tattoos

At some point in the past few years, David Beckham got a couple of cherubs inked on the inside of his right bicep to represent his boys, Brooklyn and Romeo. In December 2008, David Beckham got a tattoo on his left arm that features another cherub (presumably for his third son, Cruz), accompanied by the Hebrew saying, “My son, do not forget my teaching but keep my commands in your heart.” That same year, David Beckham also began to color in the gaps in his left sleeve tattoo to match his right.

Roses Tattoo

In another tribute to his loving wife, David Beckham got a ring of roses inked around his left arm, near his elbow. Located directly above his sexy Victoria tat, David Beckhams arm tattoo includes ten roses to mark the couple’s tenth wedding anniversary. David Beckham’s roses tattoo was inked in July 2009 and was first seen in pictures of his return to the field for the first time for L.A. Galaxy, following his loan to AC Milan. David Beckham is clearly very devoted to his wife and has consistently portrayed his love for Victoria through his many pieces of body art. David Beckham’s arm tattoo came after the happy couple celebrated their 10-year anniversary on July 4, with a luxurious trip to a private island in the Seychelles. Beckham plans to add several more tats to his right and left arms in order to complete a pair of tattoo sleeves.

Cupid and Psyche Tattoo

After the completion of a match in Rome, Italy in March 2010, a new David Beckham tattoo was spotted on the soccer star’s left arm, near his shoulder. David Beckham’s sleeve tattoo features a Renaissance image of Cupid carrying his wife, Psyche, up to heaven. The only alteration in David Beckham’s tattoo made over the original image was a scarf draped over Psyche, covering her otherwise-bare body. Cupid is the god of love, and David Beckhams tattoo is based on a painting done by 15^th century artist Francesco Francia.

Love and Swallows Tattoo

One of David Beckham’s most recent tattoos is inked on his left hand and includes the word “Love” written in script with the image of a swallow beside it. This tat was inked in 2011, and David Beckham’s tattoo meaning represents a symbol of family love and loyalty. Apparently the newest addition to the Beckham family, daughter Harper Seven, approves of David Beckham’s tattoo, as she posed in the picture Victoria posted on Twitter gripping her dad’s tattooed hand. Victoria accompanied the picture of David Beckham’s tattoo with the tweet, “Harper loves Daddy’s new tattoo of love. X VB.” The swallow is a popular tattoo design that dates back to sailors who used the tats to represent how far they had traveled. In Beckham’s case, the swallow tattoo represents the love and devotion he has towards his family.

By 2011, David Beckham had just about run out of room on his arms and back, but there was no stopping him at that point. So, he simply moved onto his chest. David Beckhams chest tattoos include an ornate representation of Jesus shown with three cherubs and a simple name dedication to baby Harper. If we know Beckham though, this won’t be the end of David Beckham’s tattoos on his chest. Since the couple plans to have at least one more child (so they can have a five-side “Team Beckham”), maybe Beckham will save the right pec for that lucky boy or girl.

Jesus and Cherubs Tattoo

In early 2011, David Beckham had a large tattoo inked on his upper left chest that included a portrait of Jesus (designed to look like Beckham himself) being lifted from his tomb by three cherubs, or baby angels. “It’s Jesus being carried by three cherubs and obviously the cherubs are my boys and so my thought of it is that at some point my boys are going to need to look after me and that’s what they’re doing in the picture. It means a lot.” Branching out from the tattoo artist that inked almost all of David Beckham’s tattoos, Louis Malloy, David commissioned celebrity tattoo artist Mark Mahoney to tattoo his chest piece. Mahoney has worked on a long list of celebrities, including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, and most recently inked Rihanna’s “thug life” tattoo across her fingers.

Mark Mahoney works in West Hollywood at the Shamrock Social Club, where Beckham got his Jesus and cherubs tattoo done. Beckham said, “I had it done three months ago, before I left L.A. I don’t plan on having a tattoo, but just sometimes I wake up with an idea or an image of what I would like on me.” David Beckham’s chest tattoo took a total of 12 hours (ouch!) and, according to Beckham, is a tribute to sons Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight, and Cruz, six. “It’s my way of expressing the way I’m feeling. Most of my tattoos are memories or things that mean a lot to me,” he said.

Harper Tattoo

With the birth of his baby girl on July 10, David Beckham couldn’t turn down the opportunity to get another tattoo in honor of the newest addition to the Beckham clan, Harper Seven. In July 2011, David Beckham added a simple “Harper” tat above the intricate Jesus and cherubs tattoo he had inked just months prior to her birth. David Beckham’s chest tattoo reading Harper is much more elegant than the boys’ names that are inked on the soccer star’s back, written in a feminine scrolling script rather than the bold and masculine Gothic text. David Beckhams tattoo in honor of his little girl is inked right at the base of his neck, just above his heart. David Beckham’s chest tattoo was finally unveiled in August 2011 after L.A. Galaxy’s win over FC Dallas.

Neck tattoos are common among women with long hair who can cover up the tat if they want to. For guys like Beckham though, you better be sure you love your neck tat, because it’s going to be seen every time you step out of the house. David Beckham’s neck tattoo was one of the first pieces of art the soccer star got inked on his body (and he’s gotten over a dozen more since), but it’s one that both fans and foes will have fresh on their minds every time they see Beckham…from behind, that is.

Winged Cross Tattoo

In the midst of the 2004 UEFA Championships, David Beckham decided that he needed a new tattoo…immediately. So what did he do? He had the Manchester-based celebrity tattoo artist Louis Malloy, who has inked most of David Beckham’s tattoos, flown in to Madrid to ink his neck tattoo. David Beckhams neck tattoo features a four-by-six-inch, Gothic-style outline of a cross accompanied by two intricately-inked angel’s wings. David Beckham’s tattoo is located on the back of his neck, just above the “Romeo” tat Beckham had inked in 2002, and loosely mimics the winged guardian angel inked on Beckham’s back. David Beckhams tattoo was inked on the same day the international soccer star announced that he would be staying with Real Madrid, and that his wife and children would be moving to Spain to join him.

Although Beckham was pleased with the results of his neck tattoo, British fans had mixed reactions. According to some, the winged cross neck tattoo and newly Beckham’s shaved head made him look like a “hooligan.” When David Beckhan’s tattoo graced the cover of The Mirror in 2004, the tabloid said the design, stretching from ear to ear, left the shaven Beckham “looking more like a soccer thug than the England captain,” while the top-selling Sun newspaper said Beckham had gone from “fab to yob.” Curious about David Beckhams tattoo meaning? According to Malloy, “It’s a religious iconography. Like a protective talisman over his children.” He continued, “David just loves his tattoos. He’s a very good customer.”