David Beckham laughs and smiles during his Match For Children, in aid of UNICEF, between a Great Britain XI and a Rest of the World XI at Old Trafford on November 14, 2015 in Manchester, England (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images)
Cover David Beckham (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images)

A legend on and off the field, David Beckham empowers the communities he supports through his commitment and philanthropic efforts

David Beckham is a name few won’t recognise; he is a multi-hyphenate in his own right. From being a living legend in the field of football to putting his good looks to use through several fashion campaigns—he has secured himself a spot as one of the most influential people in the world. But what made him loved by the masses was his heart of gold.

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Beckham’s philanthropic journey began early in his career when he supported various charitable initiatives and organisations. His commitment to making a positive impact on society became even more prominent as he gained global recognition.

Listed below are a few of the charities and campaigns he has supported through the years.

Seven Fund with UNICEF

The athlete has always been a staunch advocate for children’s rights. In 2013, when he started playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he donated his entire salary to a local children’s charity.

“I speak as a father, and I know education is important for my children and their future. So, every child, wherever they are, whatever their circumstances, has to have the opportunity to have an education,” says David Beckham to The Education Above All Foundation during the Doha Forum in 2022.

Tatler Asia
David Beckham holds a microphone as he addresses the crowd before his Match For Children, in aid of UNICEF, between a Great Britain XI and a Rest of the World XI at Old Trafford on November 14, 2015 in Manchester, England (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images)
Above David Beckham holds a microphone as he addresses the crowd before his Match For Children, in aid of UNICEF, between a Great Britain XI and a Rest of the World XI at Old Trafford on November 14, 2015 in Manchester, England (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images)

He became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2005, having previously supported UNICEF’s work for children during his years with the Manchester United Football Club.

Fast forward to 2015, and he launched the Seven Fund for UNICEF, a collaboration designed to aid kids worldwide—especially girls—in overcoming obstacles like bullying, violence, child marriage, and missed educational opportunities that all too frequently rob them of their dreams.

“I always felt that I should be doing more. I wanted to help in a much bigger way, a different way. A way that has never been done before,” he says.

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Today, the Seven Fund is appealing to the public for Ukraine in light of the continuing war in the country. As UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Beckham calls on the world community through a video to help the children whose lives and well-being have been targeted because of the war. He and his wife, Victoria, also donated on behalf of their family to kickstart the appeal. 

UNICEF teams are on the ground in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, providing access to healthcare, drinking water, mental health and psychosocial support and education.

Malaria No More

Beckham is also a founding member of Malaria No More, which fights to stop the disease—humankind’s oldest and deadliest enemy, as Beckham describes.

“A future free from this disease is possible in our lifetimes. We must unite and tell our leaders that we won’t stop until the job is done. Join me and share to declare that malaria must die so millions can live,” he says in a campaign.

The Victoria and David Beckham Children’s Charity

In 2005, Beckham and his wife founded the Victoria and David Beckham Children’s Charity.

The group generates funds to purchase wheelchairs and other resources for children with disabilities. They also provide money to other charity groups each year. Since it was founded, the charity has amassed around £1 million in donations.

Read more: Why the Ukrainian children orphaned by war need our support now more than ever

#TogetherBand

Beckham also supports the #TogetherBand global movement, particularly its third goal focused on good health and well-being.

“Being part of this campaign is important for me because our kids are the future. I’m very lucky to live in a city, in a country, where the kids can have a great meal, they can drink fresh water, they can look after themselves. We’re very fortunate that we have that,” he says on one of the video campaigns.

“One of the things that I’ve always been focused on is making sure that other kids have that around the world. That’s what’s important. I will continue to fight for that and I will continue to do the work that I do for the Seven Fund, for UNICEF and for this #TogetherBAND campaign because it’s important,” he adds.

David Beckham’s remarkable career and his contributions to philanthropic causes made him who he is today. His commitment to improving the lives of children and his active involvement in various charitable initiatives has and will continue to inspire and make a positive impact on countless lives around the world.

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