He might be well-known for his flawless football skills on the pitch, modelling in his briefs, being a doting father to his four children, and husband to an internationally renowned fashion designer.
But David Beckham would also like to be known as a feminist and parent to three young boys who have learned the true value of respecting women.
In a new interview with the Irish Independent, the 42-year-old has opened up about modern masculinity, fatherhood and feminism and, we must admit, he's now officially our 'Monday Man Crush'.
Asked whether he'd call himself a feminist, the former footballer said: 'Would I? Sure, yeah, I'd like to feel that I am a feminist. I stand up for many different things that I believe in.'
Explaining how he learned to be a feminist, the entrepreneur credits his parents and wife for teaching him the importance of giving women the respect and appreciation they rightfully deserve throughout his life.
'Having a little girl, I think that's a big part of it. You know, my mum and my dad always brought me up to respect my sisters, my mum, my grandmother. I think that is one thing that I was always brought up with. It is an important part of my life. It has always been an important part of my life.'
At one point during the interview, Beckham was asked whether he thought feminism was in his DNA.
'I'd like to think it is,' he replied. 'And I want to do the same for my children. My sons.'
With three sons ranging in age from 12-18, Beckham explains that both he and Victoria have educated their children from an early age on how to treat all men and women equally.
'It runs all the way through the house,' he explained.
'You know, I think at the end of the day, I have an amazing mum; I had an amazing grandmother. I have amazing sisters. I have an amazing daughter and I want my sons and people around them to respect them [women] in the way that they deserve.'
Anyone else want to give David a big ol' high-five right now?
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
