David Beckham Undergoes Secret Surgery for 22-Year-Old Wrist Injury, Amidst Growing Family Rift

Becks was pictured with his arm in a sling

David Beckham has quietly undergone surgery to repair a long-standing wrist injury that traces back to a 2003 international friendly match against South Africa. The former England football captain, now 50, sustained the injury during a challenge with South Africa’s Thabang Molefe, continuing to play the match with his arm heavily strapped.

Though Beckham was substituted early in the second half after assisting Gareth Southgate, medical scans from a recent checkup revealed that a screw implanted in his forearm two decades ago had failed to dissolve properly. The embedded screw had caused increasing discomfort, which Beckham endured for years before the pain became unbearable in recent months.

Following a successful surgical procedure, Beckham was seen in good spirits, smiling with his arm in a blue sling and a wristband inscribed with "get well soon." His wife Victoria Beckham, 51, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “Get well soon daddy.”

Beckham holds the injured hand during a friendly against South Africa

A source close to the family said, “David had been in pain for years but thought nothing of it. A scan showed the pin hadn’t dissolved, so he finally had it resolved. Victoria was at his bedside post-op, and he’s in great spirits.”

Beckham has previously spoken about the physical toll of his illustrious football career, revealing that during his final game with Real Madrid, he required three cortisone injections in his ankle just to play. His most severe injury came during his time with LA Galaxy, where he suffered a broken back. “Certain parts of my body were a real mess,” he admitted.

Becks was pictured with his arm in a cast after the game

While Beckham recovers, his family has faced a wave of public attention amid rumors of a growing rift with his eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, 26. The strain reportedly intensified following Brooklyn's 2022 wedding to actress Nicola Peltz, 30. Brooklyn has missed multiple family events, including all four parties thrown to celebrate David’s recent knighthood.

Brooklyn appeared to distance himself further by posting a birthday tribute to Nicola’s father, Nelson Peltz, while remaining silent on David’s milestone. He wrote, “Happy birthday Nelson x we love you,” alongside a photo of himself with Nicola and her father.

Brooklyn has bought a mansion with wife Nicola

Brooklyn, now based in Los Angeles, has been supported publicly by his godfather Sir Elton John and Elton’s husband David Furnish. Meanwhile, David Beckham shared a touching Father’s Day tribute on social media, stating, “My most important and favorite job in life is being a dad. I will always be here for you no matter what.” He tagged his wife Victoria, his father, and all four of his children — Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and Harper Seven — but did not receive a response from Brooklyn.

Insiders claim Brooklyn learned of his father's knighthood through the press and has since expressed disinterest in contact with his family. A source said, “Brooklyn told his family he wants no contact and he’s not responding to those that try to connect.” However, a spokesperson close to Brooklyn denied the claims, calling them “a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the truth.”

The Beckham clan has been rocked by a bitter feud

Brooklyn and Nicola have since purchased an $11 million mansion in Los Angeles, featuring five bedrooms, six bathrooms, a home cinema, gym, and an infinity pool — signaling a more permanent move away from the Beckham family’s London base. “Brooklyn believes he has more opportunities in LA,” said a source. “This house purchase quashes any last hopes of him returning home.”

While the family navigates the emotional divide, Sir David Beckham celebrated his knighthood in more modest fashion — enjoying pie and mash with his mother Sandra and sister Jo in East London and gardening at his Cotswolds estate.

In a statement reflecting on his honor, Beckham wrote: “Growing up in East London with patriotic parents and grandparents, I never imagined receiving such a humbling recognition. Captaining my country was the greatest privilege of my career.”